School of Aging Studies
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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA SCHOOL OF AGING STUDIES Rich in tradition with a history of excellence in applied aging research, education & service agingstudies.usf.edu A Message from the President The School of Aging Studies at the University of South Florida is an outstanding example of our com- mitment to innovative interdisciplinary research and education. The School’s outstanding applied research and educational programs in aging studies address issues of concern to Tampa Bay, Florida and the world. Aging Studies is one of our top priorities and is one of USF’s beacons of excellence. We thank you for your interest in the USF School of Aging Studies. Judy Genshaft President, USF System TABLE OF CONTENTS Research Programs ..................................2 Educational Programs .......................... 3-9 Bachelor of Science Degree in Aging Sciences..........3 Bachelor of Science Degree in Long-Term Care Administration ...........................................................3-4 Minor in Aging Sciences ..............................................4 Other Undergraduate Options .....................................4 The School of Aging Studies Master of Arts Degree ..................................................5 Graduate Certificate Programs .................................6-7 has a dual mission: Ph.D. in Aging Studies...............................................8-9 excellence in applied aging Online Continuing Education Program .......................9 research and education Scholarships & Awards ..........................10 and promotion of Student Associations .............................11 Florida Policy Exchange Center aging activities on Aging ........................................ 12-13 throughout the USF campus. Campus Wide Connections on Aging .............................................................14 Aging Studies Faculty ...................... 16-17 FROM THE DIRECTOR The primary mission of the School of Aging Studies is excellence in applied aging research and education. Our emphasis is on research that is aimed at improving the lives of older adults and their family members. Areas of research include aging and health, cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease, public policy and long-term care, and aging and health disparities. Our gerontology education programs are among the oldest and largest in the United States. USF’s M.A. in Geron- tology program, which began in 1967, was one of the first graduate programs in Gerontology in the US. Our Ph.D. in Aging Studies program, which began in 1994, has gained national prominence. Graduates of the Ph.D. program are now in top jobs in academia, government, and private industry. We have also shown tremendous growth in our undergraduate programs, including our Bachelor of Science in Aging Sciences and our Bachelor of Science in Long- term Care Administration. Moreover, we reach about 3,500 students who take a gerontology course every year, from nearly every major on the campus. Our full-time faculty produce high quality, high impact scholarship and our extramural funding continues to grow. We routinely publish in top journals, and our faculty serve on major editorial boards and review panels. All of our senior faculty are Fellows in the Gerontological Society of America, and several are Fellows in the American Psy- chological Association and the Association for Psychological Science. Our faculty have received awards such as the American Society on Aging Gloria Cavanaugh Award for Excellence in Teaching, the University of South Florida Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award, the American Psychological Association Division of Adult Development and Aging Master Mentor Award, and the Margret Baltes Award for Outstanding Research. We have a number of unique assets that contribute to the success of the School of Aging Studies. We have received strong and consistent support from the USF administration, and the University and the Tampa Bay area provide us with a rich environment for aging research and education. We are fortunate to be able to partner with many outstanding programs and faculty throughout USF, as well as the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, The USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, and the VA Medical Center. We also work closely with com- munity agencies including the Alzheimer’s Association, Area Agency on Aging, and local hospices and retirement communities. We have also been fortunate to receive support from generous donors who have helped us endow scholarships and awards for deserving students. I hope that you will be motivated to learn more about our research and educational programs, to enroll in our courses, and to work with us in our goal of improving the lives of older adults and their family members. I look forward to hearing from you ([email protected]). Brent J. Small, PhD Director, School of Aging Studies USF School of Aging Studies • 1 SCHOOL OF AGING STUDIES RESEARCH PROGRAM The School of Aging Studies conducts significant research on applied aging, aimed at improving clinical practice, public policy, and the well-being of older adults and their families. Our research is funded by federal, state, and private agencies and focuses on four major areas. Aging and Mental Health: Studies examining the effects of age-related conditions on quality of life, including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, obesity, osteoarthritis, and terminal illness. This research includes interven- tions to promote healthy aging and improve quality of life of older adults and their families in the con- text of chronic disease and disability. Cognitive Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease: Studies of aging and memory, preclinical detection of Alzheimer’s disease, impact of cancer treat- ment and illness on cognition, and the role of life- style factors in preventing and delaying cognitive decline. This research includes interventions to improve cognitive functioning and activities such as driving in older adults and those with Parkin- son’s disease. Public Policy and Long-term Care: Studies examining the effects of informal care- giving, assisted living, nursing homes, hospice and palliative care on cost, quality of care, and the health and well-being of older adults. This re- search informs the development and evaluation of programs and policies to improve long-term care, assisted living, and end-of-life care. Aging and Health Disparities: Studies of disparities in health care and outcomes among minority older adults. This research in- cludes studies of African-American and Hispanic elders with chronic conditions such as arthritis, stroke, and cancer. 2 • USF School of Aging Studies AGING STUDIES EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS The School of Aging Studies offers undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Aging Sciences and graduate programs aimed at preparing students for careers in direct service, administration, research, Requirements: and policy analysis related to aging. Our educational A Bachelor of Science in Aging Sciences entails 36 programs emphasize the linkage between research, credit hours of course work. These 36 credit hours practice and policy, with the goal of applying the include a core of six required courses. best research knowledge to the “Real World” to provide evidence-based practice and policy for older Required Courses: adults. • GEY 2000 Introduction to Aging Sciences (3) • GEY 3601 Physical Changes and Aging (3) UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES • GEY 4401 Research Methods in Gerontology (3) IN GERONTOLOGY • GEY 4612 Psychology of Aging (3) • GEY 4628 Health, Ethnicity and Aging (3) The School of Aging Studies offers a Minor in Aging • GEY 4641 Death and Dying (3) Sciences and the degrees of Bachelor of Science • STA 2122 Social Science Statistics is a required prerequisite in Aging Sciences and Bachelor of Science in Long- Term Care Administration. Students interested in Aging Science students complete 15 additional these programs should contact the School as early elective hours. Elective courses are available to as possible in their careers at the University of gain specialized expertise in areas such as mental South Florida. health and aging, geriatric care management, aging and business management, assisted living and Al- Gerontology is the study of the process of human zheimer’s disease care. Lastly, students complete 3 aging in all its many aspects: physical, psychological credit hours of a major capstone experience: Intern- and social. In the School of Aging Studies, particular ship, Directed Research or Senior Seminar in Aging. emphasis is placed upon applied gerontology and Students should plan to meet frequently with the aging. departmental advisor to plan courses and field work that will prepare them for their career goals. We began offering Gerontology degrees in 1967, and we are one of the nation’s oldest programs. Our Bachelor of Science in Long-Term Care degree programs are multidisciplinary with faculty Administration members selected from diverse academic and professional areas. Both undergraduate degrees Requirements: provide students with a better understanding of The Bachelor of Science Degree in Long-Term Care multiple perspectives involving human aging so that Administration is a specialist degree which, in ad- they gain both theoretical and practical knowledge in dition to providing students with a basic education classes. In addition, students have the opportunity in aging, is intended to prepare them for entry-level to apply their skills in internship placements in their positions in Nursing Home Administration. This de- area