Gerontology - MS

Degree Offered

Program Admission

Applications are accepted for fall and spring admission dates. All candidates applying for admission must meet the minimum qualifications and standards established by the Graduate School, which are outlined in the Admissions section of this catalog. A letter of interest including personal goals, resume/CV, and three letters of recommendation are required.

Admission to this online program is selective. A U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a non-U.S. educational institution is required. No specific undergraduate course of study is required or recommended. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required. International applicants must provide acceptable results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. 

Program Description

The Master of Science in Gerontology is a 36-42* credit program offering flexible online and hyflex course delivery formats designed to provide individuals with an integrated perspective on the scope, challenges, and opportunities arising from an aging society. The program prepares students with core knowledge and training related to fundamental issues in the interdisciplinary field of gerontology, a foundation in research methods, and familiarity with questions of central concern in an aging society.  Upon completion of the program, students should be able to successfully apply gerontological concepts to policies and programs so that effective services, care, and support to, and on behalf of, older adults and their families can be achieved. The program thoroughly reviews the bio-psycho-social-spiritual process of aging through a life course lens to promote quality of later life; apply effective decision-making methodologies rooted in the realities of the aging experience, and promote behavior to interact effectively, ethically, and sensitively to meet the needs of older persons.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes**

Upon completion of the MS in Gerontology students will be able to:

• Gain an understanding and appreciation for the interdisciplinary and interconnected nature of the aging process and theories relating to these perspectives. 
• Reflect, write, and learn to discuss critically and insightfully about fundamental theories, research, and controversies in the field of aging. 

• Identify and challenge common (generally negative) myths, stereotypes, and false beliefs regarding older adults. 

• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills with and on behalf of older persons.

• Gain working knowledge in research methods commonly used in gerontological research 

• Articulate issues of central concern in an aging society. 

Students select either the generalist area of study or one of three areas of concentration:

Aging & Applied Thanatology

Develop the advanced and practical skills needed to provide compassionate care to those dealing with dying, death, and grief - all fundamental and significant aspects of the human experience.

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate sensitivity to individual, developmental, and cultural variations in addressing and coping with aging, dying, death, and grief;
• Describe and apply empirically-based methods of therapeutic grief intervention;
• Analyze and evaluate legal and ethical principles and dilemmas regarding death, dying, and end-of-life choices;
• Work effectively as an interprofessional team member around issues related to aging, dying, and grief by developing and applying the competencies of
  interprofessional practices; and
• Evaluate the societal, cultural, and religious/spiritual influences on responses to death and dying

Health & Social Innovation

Innovate with purpose. The social entrepreneurship centered curriculum provides you with the fundamental tools and competencies needed to take idea to action and prepares you to build your own venture or lead change in an existing organization.

Learning Outcomes:

• Apply principles of innovation, entrepreneurship, and design-thinking to solve complex health and social challenges resulting from an aging society;
• Examine and impact innovation within existing organizations serving older adults and/or their families;
• Use the principles of human-centered design to identify the needs of older persons at the societal, community, and individual levels;
• Understand how change can be realized by examining policy and regulations; and
• Develop innovative initiatives that support the health of older persons

Principles in the Management of Aging Services

Gain the competencies needed to identify and articulate gaps between need and the management of aging services. Use innovation and forward thinking to achieve optimal aging from the perspective of individuals, families, and communities.

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe challenges and discover opportunities to achieve optimal aging from the perspective of individuals, families, and communities;
• Recognize and refute stereotypic and misleading notions of aging that are pervasive in the culture and some current service models.
• Gain a broad, management-level understanding of management accounting, decision-making budget functions, and performance metrics.
• Understand the necessity of forward-thinking leadership in the management of aging services.
• Apply integrative thinking to an identified gap or entrepreneurial opportunity in aging services

 *Number of credits required vary based on student’s employment history and selection of the thesis or non-thesis option.

** Learning outcomes are consistent with the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) and the Accreditation for Gerontology Education Council (AGEC) standards of practice.

Degree Requirements

Required Courses

Concentration Courses

Concentration Courses (Select based on area of concentration; Generalist select nine [9] elective credits in consultation with a program adviser/director)