Graduate

- Master of Science Program
- Online Masters Program
- Online Master of LTCA
- Dual Degree Program

Academic Programs

Online Master of Arts in Gerontology

There is a large and growing demand for education in gerontology. According to research that Dr. David Peterson and his colleagues reported, the majority of professionals who work with older adults have not participated in formal gerontological education. Many professionals and staff members of agencies and organizations that serve the elderly received their education in disciplines such as Social Work, Public and Health Administration, Business, and Medicine that provide preparation for certain job roles within healthcare and social service agencies, but which do not provide preparation for accommodating the special needs and issues of older clients. While most current professionals have not had formal education in aging, many realize the utility and seek degree granting programs and continuing education to enhance their careers, better serve their older adult clients, and to better understand their own and their loved ones’ aging process. However, many professionals are not able to come to a campus for traditional education due to family and/or work constraints on their time. Other options for education are needed for working professionals.

The online M.A. in Gerontology provides an opportunity for professionals who are currently working in an organization serving older adults to acquire skills and formal training in gerontology. The online program requires 28 units of course work.

The required courses are delivered via the Internet. The courses are offered in sequential order and are restricted by availability. Continuous registration in the program is required. Leaves of absence are available for limited times and are excluded from the total time limit. Entering students are required to begin their course of study by taking GERO 500.

In order to participate in the online courses, students will be required to have access to a multimedia computer with modem, printer and CD-ROM drive; an Internet provider with email and an Internet browser; and word processing software. Specific details regarding the computer requirements will be provided by the department.

Admission standards and prerequisites are the same as listed for the on-campus Master of Science in Gerontology with the exception that students in the online M.A. program are expected to have experience working in a human services, health care, business or similar setting with older adults. Students are not required to have taken an approved additional course.