36 credits
The course work for the degree in applied gerontology may be completed in less than two years, or it may be combined with another degree program in order to obtain a double major. For example, a student in an MA program in adult and community education, biology, counseling, physical education and sport, wellness management, etc., may take the core course requirement in gerontology and then apply related electives and internship experience to a degree in applied gerontology.
The master’s degree in applied gerontology is an interdisciplinary degree that provides the student with a broad-based overview of aging, as well as more focused training in a selected area of study. Faculty from wellness, health sciences, educational psychology, sociology, counseling, physical education, nutrition, nursing, and other disciplines teach a variety of courses on special issues in aging and in serving an older population.
Educational programs are focused on three levels: exposure to information about processes of aging and the needs of an aging society for a wide variety of students and the general public; proficiency training of professionals and other service providers who are involved with serving older adults; and the development of expertise for professionals who are planning to specialize in geriatric services.
Research programs center on two aspects of gerontology: interdisciplinary studies of the processes of aging and applied research regarding the delivery of services and program evaluation.
The faculty provides consultation, training, and other resources for agencies serving an older clientele and for community groups of older adults.
In addition to the MA degree in applied gerontology, several other options are available for the study of gerontology, including an undergraduate minor, a graduate minor, and a graduate certificate. A curriculum advisor is available to discuss these options with any interested student.
Admission requirements
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School. A grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0, a combined score of 300 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and/or approval of the program director for gerontology are required for acceptance into the program.
Degree requirements
The minimum requirement for the degree is 36 credits, including a core of gerontology courses, a research experience, and electives in related areas.
15 credits
3-9 credits from
12-18 credits from Electives either from Concentration 1 or Concentration 2
Concentration 1—Aging well electives, 12-18 credits
Concentration 2—Aging management electives, 12-18 credits
Total Credits: 36