The online program requires 28 units of course work and field experience and the students are required to begin their course work of study by taking GERO 500. The Online Graduate Certificate has the same requirements as the traditional certificate offered on the USC campus with just a few additions. Finally, students will take four units of elective courses. The courses are designed and taught by Leonard Davis School faculty members. Each week of the courses consist of a lecture written by a faculty member, interactive exercises to further enhance the student s understanding of the subject matter, and assignments that will be sent via email to the instructor to monitor progress and integration of the subject matter.
Students are able to attend class at their own convenience.
In the traditional classroom setting, students are expected to spend three hours a week in class and an additional four to six hours completing outside assignments and readings. A similar amount of time is expected for online courses, but students can access online courses 24 hours a day. Studies have shown there to be more personal interaction between students and the instructor in online classes than in the traditional classroom. The difference is that communication takes the form of messages back and forth via email and through discussions held in chatrooms allowing all students to participate and interact with the professor and each other directly. Online students will have access to the USC Library System, electronic databases and materials, and the special resource and research materials available through the Andrus Gerontology Library.