Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Dementia and Aging Studies (Dementia and Long Term Care Concentration)
Program Overview
This interdisciplinary, online degree offers cutting-edge knowledge about dementia and aging studies, including evolving issues related to the care of persons with dementia and other topics related to aging and the life course.
Housed in the Department of Sociology, this program also includes course work from the Department of Communication Studies, the School of Health Administration, and the School of Social Work.
Application Requirements
The items listed below are required for admission consideration for applicable semesters of entry during the current academic year. Submission instructions, additional details, and changes to admission requirements for semesters other than the current academic year can be found on The Graduate College's website. International students should review the International Admission Documents page for additional requirements.
- completed online application
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
or
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- official transcripts from each institution where course credit was granted
- a 3.0 overall GPA or a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
- background course work: at least six hours of undergraduate sociology/social science courses related to aging or gerontology. (Two years of documented experience in the field of gerontology may be substituted for three or six hours of social science prerequisites). *
- GRE not required
- resume/CV
- statement of purpose (two pages, double-spaced with the student’s full name and contact information) that describes personal and career goals. Include academic interests and the relationship of this graduate degree to life/personal goals. Also, the statement should discuss the student’s interest in this particular graduate program and the student’s career goals after earning the degree. The Graduate Admissions Committee will evaluate the following:
- Did the student demonstrate a familiarity with the field?
- Did the student indicate his/her strengths (background, experience, training, and education)?
- Did the student express why the program will hone his/her skills?
- Did the student statement show excellence or promise in writing skills?
- three letters of recommendation from professionals competent to assess the student’s interest in pursuing a career in this field of study
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
*Additional Information
If the student does not have sufficient background courses or work experience in social science or areas related to aging or gerontology, the student must take leveling courses prior to beginning graduate studies in the program. Courses may be completed as a non-degree seeking student (with approval from the Director of Graduate Programs in Sociology) at Texas State University or other universities.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major in Dementia and Aging Studies concentration in Dementia and Long Term Care requires 36 semester credit hours. Dementia and long term care allies the long term care certificate with core courses from the Department of Sociology to provide a social model of care approach to students who want to work in extended living environments when they graduate.
Course Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
SOCI 5351 | Introduction to Dementia Studies | 3 |
SOCI 5352 | Dementia and Caregiving | 3 |
or SOCI 5355 | The Social Psychology of Dementia | |
SOCI 5383 | Seminar on Aging | 3 |
or SOCI 5354 | Theoretical Perspectives in Aging and Dementia | |
Concentration | ||
LTCA 5322 | Environmental Management in Long Term Care | 3 |
LTCA 5323 | Governance Management in Long Term Care | 3 |
LTCA 5324 | Personnel Management in Long Term Care | 3 |
LTCA 5325 | Resident Care Management in Long Term Care | 3 |
LTCA 5335 | Financial Management in Long Term Care | 3 |
LTCA 5681 | Internship in Long Term Care | 6 |
LTCA 5681 | Internship in Long Term Care | 6 |
Total Hours | 36 |
Comprehensive Examination Requirement
Students are required to take a written comprehensive examination in their last semester of the program. Students must pass the comprehensive exam during the last semester in at most two attempts. If the student fails to pass the comprehensive exam in two attempts during the final semester, the student will retake the comprehensive exam during the next regular semester.
Students who do not successfully complete the requirements for the degree within the timelines specified will be dismissed from the program.
Master's level courses in Sociology and related disciplines: CDIS, LTCA, SOCI
Courses Offered
Communication Disorders (CDIS)
For dementia and aging studies majors only.
CDIS 5138. Augmentative & Alternative Communication.
This course is designed to provide graduate students in Communication Disorders with theory-driven, evidence-based, and clinically oriented knowledge and skills related to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This course will meet the core knowledge and skill areas in AAC mandated by the Council of Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5199B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
CDIS 5262. Introduction to Research in Communication Disorders.
This course is designed to acquaint students with research protocols in the behavioral sciences with an emphasis on speech-language pathology. Topics include critical thinking, research design, data collection, data analysis, research writing, and evidence-based practice. The course will emphasize critical analysis of the professional literature in speech-language pathology.
2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5299B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
CDIS 5301. Advanced Independent Study in Communication Disorders.
Discussions of various areas of speech language pathology. Attention to individual needs of the student. Emphasis on independent study in habilitation and rehabilitation of communication disorders. This course is repeatable for credit and can be taught by different faculty covering different topics. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5312. Neuroanatomy for Communication Disorders.
This is a lecture course that examines the organization of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. Significance of the areas of the nervous system that are primary or secondary for speech, language, and hearing are the main focus of this course. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from Graduate GPA|Leveling
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
CDIS 5321. Clinical Practicum in Audiology.
Supervised clinical practicum in audiology. Focus is on both diagnostic and rehabilitative audiological management of diverse populations. Must be taken every semester that a student participates in supervised audiology practicum. May be repeated for credit. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Prerequisites: CDIS 4420 and CDIS 4370 or equivalents; instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 3 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from Graduate GPA|Lab Required
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
CDIS 5325. Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Production System.
Description of structure and function of the speech production system with emphasis on physical problems in speech, language, and hearing. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from Graduate GPA|Leveling
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
CDIS 5330. Speech and Language Development.
Course to acquaint students with acquisition of speech and language in children. Basic information from linguistics, psycholinguistics, psychology, and communication are examined for children in various stages of development. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from Graduate GPA|Leveling
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
CDIS 5331. Stuttering.
This course is designed to describe therapeutic intervention with children and adults who stutter. Techniques of assessment, management, and counseling are emphasized.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5333. Language Disorders in School-Age and Adolescence.
This introductory-level course will review assessment and intervention for language disorders in the school-age and adolescent population. The relationship between language and literacy will be discussed. Students will engage in detailed narrative analyses. Evidence-based practice and collaborative models of intervention will be emphasized.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Perspective|Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5334. Assessment and Intervention of Speech Sound Disorders.
This course is designed to study normal, delayed, and disordered child phonology in English and select dialects/languages. Course covers etiologies, characteristics, and anatomic/physiologic bases of delays/disorders, as well as their potential impact on phonological awareness and subsequent development in reading/writing. Prevention, assessment, and treatment of disorders will be discussed.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5336. Motor Speech Disorders.
The course reviews the neuroanatomic mechanisms underlying speech production and surveys the etiology, symptomatology, epidemiology, course, and prognosis of speech disorders resulting from impairment of the central and/or peripheral nervous system. Emphasis is placed on apraxia and the dysarthrias. Clinical application in assessment and rehabilitation of patients with neurogenically-based motor speech deficits is stressed.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5337. Voice Disorders.
This course is designed to describe the assessment of vocal function and disorders and the rehabilitation of the patient with vocal abnormalities due to vocal abuse, psychological, and/or organic etiologies, including laryngectomy.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5339. Dysphagia.
A review of anatomic and physiologic disturbances of swallowing in neurologically impaired and post-surgical head and neck cancer patients will be presented. Instrumentation, techniques of evaluation, and radiograph examination of deglutition will be reviewed. Rehabilitation procedures will be described in detail.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5340. Cognitive Rehabilitation.
This introductory-level course will review neuropathology and neurophysiology of traumatic brain injury and dementia, introduce relevant terms and models in cognitive rehabilitation, provide a framework for assessment and treatment, and discuss the functional impact of cognitive-communicative disorders on the patient and others. Prerequisites: CDIS 5336 and CDIS 5342 both with grades of "C" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5342. Aphasia and Related Disorders.
The course develops an understanding of the etiology, symptomatology, assessment, remediation, and recovery patterns of acquired communication disorders that result from impairment of the central nervous system, with a focus on the aphasias and traumatic brain injuries. Coexisting problems caused by damage to cortical/sub-cortical structures will also be addressed. Recent advances in relevant clinical research and technology will be surveyed.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5344. Advanced Clinical Practicum I.
This course is designed to be the first of four clinical practicum experiences for first-year graduate students. Students will participate in a clinical practicum experience including assessment and remediation of a variety of communication disorders. Approximately 15-20 clock hours of clinical practicum experience will be accumulated. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.
3 Credit Hours. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 8 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Lab Required
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
CDIS 5345. Advanced Clinical Practicum II.
This course is designed to be the second of four clinical practicum experiences for first-year graduate students. Students will participate in a clinical practicum experience including assessment and remediation of a variety of communication disorders. Approximately 20-25 clock hours of clinical practicum experience will be accumulated. This course must be completed with a grade of "CR" or higher to advance to CDIS 5346. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Prerequisite: CDIS 5344 with a grade of a "CR" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 8 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Graduate Assistantship
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
CDIS 5346. Advanced Clinical Practicum III.
This course is designed to be the third of four clinical practicum experiences for first-year graduate students. Students will participate in a clinical practicum experience including assessment and remediation of a variety of communication disorders. Approximately 25-35 clock hours of clinical practicum experience will be accumulated. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Prerequisite: CDIS 5344 and CDIS 5345 both with a grade of "CR" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 8 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
CDIS 5347. Advanced Clinical Practicum IV.
This course is designed to be the final of four clinical practicum experiences for first-year graduate students. Students will participate in clinical practicum experiences including assessment and remediation of a variety of communication disorders. Approximately 25-35 clock hours of clinical practicum experience will be accumulated. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Prerequisite: CDIS 5344 and CDIS 5345 and CDIS 5346 all with a grade of "CR" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 8 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
CDIS 5350. Multicultural Issues in Communication Disorders.
Addresses the social, cultural, and linguistic factors that impact the clinical service delivery provided to culturally and linguistically diverse populations. A primary focus of the course will be to address general principles of assessment and intervention as they relate to the clinical management of individuals with communication disorders from diverse cultural and language backgrounds. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5353. Phonetics.
This course is designed to analyze normal and abnormal phonological processes in children and adults. Proficiency in transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is emphasized.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5363. Language Disorders in the Birth-to-5 Population.
This introductory-level course will review assessment and intervention for language disorders in the birth-to-5 population. Use of assessment information to determine language disorders versus language difference will be addressed. Students will engage in detailed language sample analyses. Creating effective intervention plans using assessment data will be discussed.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5369. Hearing Science.
This course is designed to provide foundational knowledge in the areas of acoustics, auditory and vestibular anatomy/physiology, psychoacoustics, and speech perception across the lifespan.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from Graduate GPA
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
CDIS 5370. Aural Rehabilitation.
Principles and procedures in the habilitation and rehabilitation of hearing-impaired children and adults. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from Graduate GPA|Leveling
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
CDIS 5375. Speech Science.
This course is designed to provide a conceptual foundation in voice and speech production, speech perception, and acoustic analysis of voice and speech. The course will begin with the math and physics of acoustics, to provide students with a strong foundation in acoustics necessary to master speech science. Content will cover acoustical phonetics, theories of speech production and perception, and clinical application emphasizing acoustic instrumentation and software used in communication disorders. Examples of concepts to be covered include frequency, pitch, intensity, loudness, decibels, waveforms, spectra, spectrograms, filters, vocal tract transfer function, formants, and acoustic software for voice and speech analysis.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5380. Communication and Aging.
The influx of senior citizens in our population will require preparation for the increased incidence of communication problems due to normal and pathological aging processes. This course will address how aging affects communication, how communication disorders manifest in the aging population, and implications for professionals working with older adults.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5390. Seminar in Communication Disorders.
Examination of current theoretical and clinical issues in Communication Disorders. Issues may include family management in communication disorders, language and literacy, issues in health care rehabilitation, instrumentation and entrepreneurship. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5391. Evidence-Based Practice in Second Language Acquisition.
This course is designed for the discussion of various areas of bilingual speech language pathology with the primary focus on second language acquisition. The assessment and treatment of bilingual individuals diagnosed with communication disorders will also be addressed. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5392. Evidence-Based Practice in Autism.
The course is designed to help students understand how to promote the social aspects of language in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders within an evidence-based practice framework. In this course, students will critically examine standardized norm-referenced tests used to diagnose autism. Also addressed will be the broad range of evidence-based language intervention strategies recommended for children with Autism in the early years and once in school. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5393. Evidence-Based Practice in Stuttering.
This course is designed to examine current evidence-based practice and clinical issues in childhood-onset stuttering. Issues addressed may include counseling approaches and strategies, treatment efficacy across the lifespan and family involvement in the therapy process for childhood-onset stuttering. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5394. Evidence-Based Practice in Neurogenic, Voice, and Swallowing.
This course examines the current theoretical and clinical issues in communication disorders related to medically-based communication and swallowing disorders (neurorgenic, voice, and swallowing disorders). Attention will be given to individual needs of the student in developing practical application of research to clinical practice. This course places emphasis on independent study in the habilitation and rehabilitation of medical-based communication and swallowing disorders and interprofessional practice. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5395. Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Disorders Across the Lifespan.
This course is designed to examine current theoretical and clinical issues impacting individuals exhibiting communication disorders throughout the lifespan. A variety of topics such as home health, language, literacy, pediatric feeding, entrepreneurship, and professional issues in Communication Disorders will be addressed. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5396. Evidence-Based Practice for Language & Literacy in Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
The course is designed to help students understand how to promote the language and literacy of children who are d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing within an evidence-based practice framework. In this course, students will critically examine the broad range of language and literacy treatment approaches that are used with children who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing in the early years and once in school. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CDIS 5399A. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s initial thesis enrollment. No thesis credit is awarded until the student has completed the thesis in Communication Disorders 5399B.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
CDIS 5399B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
CDIS 5420. Diagnostic Audiology.
This course is designed to relate anatomy and physiology of the auditory system and the science of acoustics to the study of normal, pathological auditory function. Laboratory experience in administration and interpretation of audiological tests. Discussion of professional opportunities in the field of Audiology and provision of audiological service to special populations will be held. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.
4 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 2 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from Graduate GPA|Lab Required|Leveling
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
CDIS 5462. Speech Sound Disorders.
This course is designed to provide the principles and procedures for the identification, description, assessment, and treatment of speech sound disorders in children. Students will observe demonstrations of assessment and treatment procedures during lab. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.
4 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 2 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from Graduate GPA|Lab Required|Leveling
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
CDIS 5466. Language Disorders.
This course includes principles and procedures for the identification, description, assessment, and remediation of language disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. Students will observe demonstrations of assessment procedures and types of language disorders within the context of clinical procedures. Describing observed behaviors and analyzing language samples are emphasized. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.
4 Credit Hours. 4 Lecture Contact Hours. 2 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from Graduate GPA|Lab Required|Leveling
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
CDIS 5599B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
5 Credit Hours. 5 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
CDIS 5689. Clinical Externship I in Communication Disorders.
This course is designed to be the first off-campus clinical practicum experience for second-year graduate students. The experience will include treatment planning, report writing, and patient/parent counseling. Students will be assigned to outside practicum sites, and students will be supervised by licensed speech-language pathologists employed at the designated setting. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Prerequisite: CDIS 5344 and CDIS 5345 and CDIS 5346 and CDIS 5347 all with a grade of "C" or better.
6 Credit Hours. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 30 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
CDIS 5690. Clinical Externship II in Communication Disorders.
This course is designed to be the second off-campus clinical practicum experience for second-year graduate students. The experience will include treatment planning, report writing, and patient/parent counseling. Students will be assigned to outside practicum sites, and students will be supervised by licensed speech-language pathologists employed at the designated setting. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Prerequisite: CDIS 5344 and CDIS 5345 and CDIS 5346 and CDIS 5347 and CDIS 5689 all with a grade of a "CR" or better.
6 Credit Hours. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 30 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
CDIS 5999B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
9 Credit Hours. 9 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
Long Term Care Administration
LTCA 5302. Elder Abuse and Mistreatment.
This course provides an introductory overview of key theories, concepts/principles, issues, practices and challenges in elder abuse and mistreatment (EA/M). Course content includes: definitions and theories, incidence and prevalence, risk/protective factors, assessment, prevention, intervention, factors affecting screening/reporting, and the impact of EA/M on victims, caregivers, family and society.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
LTCA 5305. Environmental Design for Dementia.
The potential of the physical environment to play an active role in supporting independence, stimulation, and life quality for individuals with dementia will be explored in this course. Emphasis will be placed on principles behind environmental design and the importance of utilizing the physical environment as a therapeutic tool.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
LTCA 5322. Environmental Management in Long Term Care.
Students will compare performance analyses of long-term care facilities with a focus on organizational culture, and internal and external customer satisfaction. Plans of managerial action to maximize customer satisfaction will be examined.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
LTCA 5323. Governance Management in Long Term Care.
Focuses on regulations for the operation of long term care facilities as promulgated by state and federal governments. Reviews the minimum requirements for licensure and the standards for Medicaid certification in Texas. Also examines specific activities and functions regarding accountability and enforcement procedures.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
LTCA 5324. Personnel Management in Long Term Care.
An examination of management issues in long-term care primarily in the critical areas of human resources, public relations, and marketing. Examples include staff recruitment and retention programs, training needs analysis, and marketing plan formulation.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
LTCA 5325. Resident Care Management in Long Term Care.
Administratively oriented content related to nursing care, quality indicator, and geriatric pharmacology utilized in long term care facilities. The course content reflects the relative legislative requirements mandated for nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
LTCA 5335. Financial Management in Long Term Care.
Students will examine the fiscal performance of selected facilities utilizing data from annual Medicaid cost reports with a focus on revenue enhancement and census development. Students will contrast various systems for determination of reimbursement and use reimbursement issues in a strategic planning sense.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
LTCA 5681. Internship in Long Term Care.
This course is an internship where the student works directly with an administrator in a licensed nursing facility and is exposed to aspects of facility operation and management. Students are required to complete 1,000 hours. To meet 1,000 hour licensure requirement, this course can be repeated up to two semesters.
6 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 24 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
Sociology (SOCI)
SOCI 5105. Practicum in Teaching Sociology.
An introduction to key concepts and practices in the teaching of college course in Sociology. Provides regular in-service training and planned periodic evaluations of instructional responsibilities. Required for first-year teaching and instructional assistants in the Sociology Department. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Repeatable with different emphasis.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Graduate Assistantship|Exclude from Graduate GPA
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
SOCI 5110. Proseminar in Sociology.
This course will orient new graduate students to the department and the profession. Topics include presentations at professional meetings, academic writing and publishing, and putting together curriculum vitae.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5198B. Applied Research Practicum II.
This course represents a student’s continuing enrollment to complete the practicum project. The student continues to enroll in this course until the practicum project is approved by the practicum committee.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SOCI 5199B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SOCI 5299B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SOCI 5300. Foundation Studies in Sociology.
This course provides prerequisite knowledge required for success in graduate-level coursework in Sociology. Course content varies depending on academic preparation. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Repeatable up to 12 hours with different emphasis. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Exclude from Graduate GPA|Leveling
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
SOCI 5306. Sociological Theory Seminar.
This graduate theory course examines the role of social theory in the historical and contemporary quest for knowledge and understanding of society. The first half of the course emphasizes the European Classics. The second half of the course is devoted to contemporary theory. Emphasis throughout will be on using theory to better understand current events and everyday life experiences. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5307. Advanced Statistics for the Social Sciences.
Application of advanced statistical theory and methods to the analysis of social data. Prerequisite: SOCI 3307 with a grade of “B” or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5308. Seminar in Quantitative Research Methods.
The application of research methods to social science with emphasis on direct, practical experience in research. Prerequisite: SOCI 5307 with a grade of "C" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5309. Seminar in Qualitative Research Methods.
This course examines qualitative methods in Sociology. Topics include examples of classical and modern qualitative research, and issues related to qualitative research. Students critique qualitative studies and conduct and defend a qualitative project. Departmental approval needed for non-majors.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5316. Seminar in Deviation and Social Problems.
A systematic analysis of contemporary social problems and various types of social deviation. Emphasis is on the socialization process as it relates to social problems and human deviation. The sociological explanation of underlying factors will be stressed. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5318. Seminar in Advanced Data Applications.
This course will cover the application of various statistical techniques, such as chi-square, correlation, and regression while introducing statistical analysis to students using software such as SPSS. Prerequisite: SOCI 5307 with a grade of "C" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5319. Seminar in Social Psychology.
A critical appraisal of the major theories and theorists found in Social Psychology with emphasis on their application to contemporary social and psychological issues.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5320. Seminar in Demography.
A seminar in the study of population with emphasis on sources of demographic data, techniques of demographic analysis, and population composition and forecasts. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5322. Impact Analysis Research.
This course is designed to introduce students to the assessment of organizational impact. It addresses both the historical development and social functions of evaluation, as well as practical application of assessment research. Emphasis will be on appropriate research design, implementing the design, and analysis of data.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5323. Grant Writing for the Social Sciences.
This course offers an applied approach to developing grant-writing skills for the social scientist. It will cover all aspects of proposal development including idea generation, funding source identification, project description, project plan, project management, evaluation methods, and budget preparation strategies.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5350. Seminar on the Sociology of Gender.
This course is a graduate level seminar on the study of gender in sociology with a focus on issues of race, ethnicity, social class, and sexuality. We will examine the major contemporary scholarly debates about gender and explore how gender issues are embedded in different institutions and organizations. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5351. Introduction to Dementia Studies.
This course is an introduction to the social-scientific study of the causes and consequences of dementia, as well as to issues related to the care of persons with dementia.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5352. Dementia and Caregiving.
This course for the Dementia and Aging Studies degree covers current research on policy and support for caregivers of persons with dementia, with an emphasis on the applied sociological focus of caregiver training and education. The course also addresses broader public sociology issues of caregiving and healthcare.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5353. Seminar in the Community.
A study of contemporary urban society with emphasis on understanding the social structure as a prerequisite to planning and problem solving at the community level. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5354. Theoretical Perspectives in Aging and Dementia.
This course discusses theories of aging from biological, psychological, and social science perspectives. The course also demonstrates how these theories can be applied to analyzing various aging issues, particularly the social care of persons with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5355. The Social Psychology of Dementia.
This course analyzes the social construction of dementia and salient social psychological theories, concepts, and research in dementia studies. It investigates the social psychology of dementia in relation to mind, identity, stereotypes, prejudice, attributions, socialization, emotions, social interaction and the impact of institutions on the self.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5356. End of Life Care.
This course focuses on issues of dying and death. Topics covered include symptom management, palliative care, hospice, pain control, life-sustaining treatment and spiritual, legal and ethical issues related to dying and death. Also covered will be different religious views on euthanasia, dying, death, and funerals.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5357. Gender and Aging in Society.
This course is a seminar on the study of gender and aging. This seminar will examine issues of aging identities, the aging body, sexuality, health and medicine, and caregiving among older adults. This course emphasizes the aging experience in our culture as a fundamentally gendered phenomenon. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5359. Seminar in Drugs and Society.
A sociological examination of the use of legal and illegal drugs in society, with emphasis on topics such as the “war on drugs,” the pharmaceutical industry, and drugs as technologies of medicalization, as well as incentives to social change. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5361. Aging and Dementia: Racial and Ethnic Minorities.
This course provides an analysis of how race and ethnicity affect aging and dementia, with particular emphasis on the United States. The course examines health and quality of life of racial and ethnic minorities in later life, social factors that influence these differences, and means of intervention. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5362. Rural Aging and Dementia.
This graduate course examines aging and dementia issues in rural America. Demographic trends, cultural and economic changes, and intervention strategies will be examined.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5363. Seminar in Medical Sociology.
A seminar on selected topics of human health and health care organizations. Topics to be stressed include: social causes and consequences of morbidity and mortality, professionalization and socialization of health care practitioners, organization of health institutions, and demographic changes in health problems and needs. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5364. Clinical Gerontology: Interventions for Elders and Persons with Dementia.
This course takes a clinical sociology perspective in studying the issues of the aged and persons with dementia. The approach is humanistic and multidisciplinary, seeking to improve the quality of older persons' lives by assessing situations and reducing problems using analysis and intervention.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5366. Social Inequality: Race, Class, and Gender in the United States.
This course investigates the topic of social inequality. The intersections of class, race and gender as they produce inequality are explored, along with theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence informing the study of social inequality.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5367. Seminar in Sustainable Cities.
This course analyzes the complex relationship between urbanization and environmental change from a sociological perspective. Overarching themes include sustainabiilty and environmental justice. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5368. Seminar in Environmental Sociology.
This course situates societies within their ecological context and vice versa. Focusing upon social and environmental interactions, including the interactions of social organization, inequality, and policy, provides a comprehensive understanding of the physical and social milieu. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5370. Seminar in Sociology of Racial and Ethnic Relations.
This course examines the dynamics of dominant and subordinate social groups. The course focuses on racial, ethnic, and class differences. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5371. Directed Study.
Course of independent study open to individual students only at the invitation of the faculty member with the approval of the department chair and the graduate advisor. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5383. Seminar on Aging.
This course provides graduate students with an opportunity to examine national and global issues involved with the aging process and population aging from a social scientific and multicultural perspective. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5388F. Seminar in Poverty.
This course is a graduate seminar on the sociological study of US poverty and social mobility. We will examine poverty measurement and trends, poverty-related social policies, theories for explaining poverty and mobility, and the intersection of poverty and social mobility with issues of gender, race, family structure, and place. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5388G. Seminar in Food and Society.
This graduate course focuses on the sociological study of food. It examines the current food system and its interactions with macro-level social institutions, as well as individual identity and well-being. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5388H. Advanced Statistical Analysis II.
The focus of this course is advanced data analysis. This course will cover topics such as regression, limited dependent variables analysis, and time series analysis. A secondary aim is to demonstrate data analyses using popular software packages. Prerequisite: SOCI 5307 with a grade of "B" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5388J. Applied Survey Research.
This course offers an applied approach to learning about survey methods. The course links research on survey construction and implementation to practical applications in which students solve problems associated with real-world survey instruments. Students will learn appropriate survey research terminology, as well as how to communicate in an effective and non-technical manner to others in need of survey assistance.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5390. Seminar in Globalization and Development.
This seminar explores issues related to socioeconomic development and change, particularly in the “Global south.” The course will focus on factors affecting development and underdevelopment around the world. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5395. Global Insecurity.
This graduate seminar covers global, socially constructed risks perceived as threats to sustainable development. Topics include theories of globalization and insecurity; an assessment of threats to democracy and human rights, the environment, food security, public health and safety; as well as local, national and international responses to these threats. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5398A. Applied Research Practicum.
Directed impact analysis project in a government agency, business, or non-profit organization requiring the student to apply skills and demonstrate knowledge gained in course work. The project topic will be determined jointly by the faculty supervisor, the student, and the research site. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 10 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SOCI 5398B. Applied Research Practicum.
Directed impact analysis project in a government agency, business, or non-profit organization requiring the student to apply skills and demonstrate knowledge gained in course work. The project topic will be determined jointly by the faculty supervisor, the student, and the research site. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 10 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SOCI 5399A. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s initial thesis enrollment. No thesis credit is awarded until the student has completed the thesis in SOCI 5399B.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SOCI 5399B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SOCI 5599B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
5 Credit Hours. 5 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SOCI 5999B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
9 Credit Hours. 9 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit