Gerontology, M.S.

Overview

The Master of Science in Gerontology trains professionals for leading roles to meet the needs of America’s growing older adult population. Our program prepares individuals to understand the aging process and issues related to an aging society. Graduates are prepared to apply research and theory to address the needs of older adults and equipped to be leaders in the aging services and beyond.

The MS in Gerontology is the only fully online graduate program in Gerontology in the state of North Carolina.

Coursework encourages students with any academic background to broaden and deepen their understanding of aging by developing a gerontological lens and to adopt a scholar-practitioner perspective that emphasizes theory and research-based practice with older adults.

Program Distinctions

The Master of Science in Gerontology Program is fully online and asynchronous, making it an ideal program for working professionals and students living at a distance.

• Fully online
• Accredited by the Accreditation for Gerontology Education Council, and meets the standards for gerontology programs by the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE), the professional organization of post-secondary gerontology programs in the United States.
• The Gerontology program at UNCG has been named one of Today’s Best for Online Learning in Gerontology by EduMed.org (2021), Best Online Master’s in Gerontology by Intelligent.com (2022), and Best Masters in Gerontology by onlineschoolsreport.com (2020).

What Students Learn in the Program

Students in the program represent a wide range of academic backgrounds, bringing diverse perspectives to their studies. Graduates tailor their career paths to their individual interests and can further specialize through elective courses offered within the program, across campus, and throughout the state. The program also provides flexibility, allowing students to progress at their own pace by taking as few or as many courses as fit their schedules, with the option to complete the degree in as little as one year. In addition, students choose from several capstone field experience options — including research, internships, or service-learning — and may even use their current place of employment for this requirement if the organization primarily serves older adults and the experience extends beyond their regular job responsibilities.

Possible Career Paths Upon Graduation

After graduation, students can expect to find career opportunities in the following:

• Community, human services, and religious organizations
• Health care and long-term care institutions
• Federal, state, and local government agencies
• Retirement communities
• Professional organizations
• Business and industry
• Academic and other education and research settings

Application Requirements

• 30 credit hours
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Official transcripts
• Written professional statement/statement of purpose
• Video personal statement
• No GRE or entrance exam required
• TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers
• Three letters of recommendation