Gain the skills needed to effectively work with and on behalf of older adults.
The online MS in Gerontology provides students with a core of knowledge in fundamental issues in the interdisciplinary field of gerontology, a foundation in research methods, and familiarity with questions of central concern in an aging society. It is focused on building the knowledge and skills required 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.
Students must complete a curriculum consisting of 36-42* graduate credits and select either a generalist area of study or an area of concentration:
- Aging & Applied Thanatology
- Health & Social Innovation
- Principles in the Management of Aging Services
The MS program is able to take advantage of courses available through the premiere joint campus Doctoral Program in Gerontology with the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) and from the Erickson School for Aging Studies also at UMBC.
Applications for admission to the spring term are due by December 1. This program is not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship.
*Number of credits required vary based on student’s employment history and selection of the thesis or non-thesis option.
Become a leader in the health and social service workforce.
Whether interacting with and/or caring for older family members, working alongside an older person or being an older adult ourselves, we are all impacted by the dynamic process of aging.
By 2030, older adults will represent more than 20% of the American population and by 2034 there will be more people age 65 and older than under the age of 18 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019). There is a genuine need for a workforce prepared to address the opportunities and challenges resulting from this demographic shift (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2019). For example, more than one million new medical professionals educated in geriatrics and gerontology are needed just to preserve current provider-to-population ratios (Health Resources & Services Administration, 2019).
Mid-level health care and social service-related professions, the two most frequently posted occupation categories regionally and locally for master’s-prepared Gerontology professionals, are expected to grow by 21% and 16%, respectively (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018).
Our program is taught using a combination of live instruction via interactive video conferencing as well as individually-paced online modules. The hyflex option allows remote students to join face-to-face classes synchronously and interactively via video platforms, while our online modules allow students to complete assignments anytime, anywhere.
Program Completion Timeline
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The degree is designed for completion within 2.5 years academic years, but students are allowed up to five years to complete the program.
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Participants can start the program in the fall or spring term.
Upon completion of the MS in Gerontology students will be able to:
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Gain an understanding and appreciation for the interdisciplinary and interconnected nature of the aging process and theories relating to these perspectives.
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Reflect, write, and learn to discuss critically and insightfully about fundamental theories, research, and controversies in the field of aging.
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Identify and challenge common (generally negative) myths, stereotypes and false beliefs regarding older adults.
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Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills with and on behalf of older persons.
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Gain working knowledge in research methods commonly used in gerontological research.
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Articulate issues of central concern in an aging society.
Learning outcomes are consistent with the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) and the Accreditation for Gerontology Education Council (AGEC) standards of practice.
Admission requirements for the MS in Gerontology are listed below:
- An official application
- 75.00 application fee
- No GRE Required
- Cumulative 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts from all former institutions
- Unofficial transcripts can be used to determine an admission decision.
- You must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in the health professions or a related field
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Current CV/Resume
Additional information about the application process can be found on the Master's Program Applicants page.
