Psychology Department Blog

Full article can be found at: https://www.collegerank.net/best-bachelors-gerontology/

Missouri State University, Springfield

Location

Springfield, Missouri

Average Net Price

$15,783

Missouri State University, Springfield was originally known as the Fourth District Normal School and educated future teachers in the state of Missouri. In addition to its Springfield campus, MSU operates a fruit research station in Mountain Grove, MO and participates in a Department of Defense and Strategic Studies program located in Fairfax, VA.MSU Springfield has a Bachelor of Science in Gerontology (Comprehensive) program. Once students have completed their general education requirements, they pursue required courses in statistics, research methods, communication skills, health-related subjects, electives, and a supervised practicum.Core courses include Social Forces and Aging, Directed Readings in Gerontology, Community Resources for Older Adults, and Policies and Older Adults. Students may also take psychology electives, such as Psychology of Humor, Analysis of Interpersonal Behavior, and Naturalistic Methods in Social Psychology.

The Public Affairs Capstone Experience that ends the program includes one credit hour for every 45 clock hours of supervised experience. Students complete this requirement at a residential or community placement center that serves the elderly. Students also take a seminar in gerontology along with the capstone, which gives them weekly meetings where they can discuss their experiences in their internships.