Aging Services and Policy Curriculum
The curriculum at GSSW is always evolving based on community needs and changes in the field. Our curriculum remains responsive to trends through faculty involvement in national, state and local gerontology associations. We also stay connected to an active network of alumni who help shape the curriculum by serving as adjuncts, community advisors and field internship supervisors. The concentration curriculum will prepare you for advanced practice in aging services and policy. To see a full list of course descriptions, view the GSSW bulletin. The minimum credits required for the MSW degree are 81 for two-year students and 54 for advanced-standing students. The concentration curriculum is made up of 45 credits, and the rest is comprised of the foundation curriculum. The table below shows a list of required and elective class offerings for the Aging Services and Policy concentration.
| Area Requirements | Course Offerings |
|---|---|
| Theory for Practice (3 credits required) | Evolving Perspectives & Trends in Aging |
| Methods/Skills (9 credits required) | Assessment of Mental Health in Adults Leadership and Supervision Skills Integrated Health Care: Models and Practice Assessment and Interventions in Aging Wellness Prevention and Interventions Across Life Span Existential Social Work Social Work Practice in Health Care Mind-Body Connections in SW Practice Grief and Loss Across the Life Span |
| Policy & Program Advocacy (3 credits required) | Aging Policy |
| Research (3 credits required) | Methods for Evaluating Practice & Programs |
| Electives (12 credits required) |
Theories and Practice of Family Systems Students may take elective courses in any of the concentrations. Students may take up to 10 elective credits from other DU graduate programs with approval of advisor & Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Certificate students will use elective slots to fulfill certificate requirements. |
|
Internship (12-15 credits) |
Community internship at an organization that specializes in Aging Services and Policy. Learn more about field education. |
| Capstone (0 credits) | Capstone Project |
