Frequently Asked Questions
These questions are posed and answered from the perspective of a general applicant. If you have specific questions you are encouraged to contact the Gerontology Program at [email protected].
In broad terms, gerontology is the scientific study of aging across the life course, and geriatrics is the healthcare specialty related to the diagnosis, management, and prevention of medical problems associated with aging. Geriatrics focuses specifically on disease while gerontology focuses on all other aspects of aging especially the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects.
A degree in gerontology qualifies you for a career working directly with older people or indirectly for their benefit. In general, increases in both the number of older adults and their longevity assure an expanding job market for graduates with training in gerontology. Graduates from gerontology programs work for local and state agencies, non-profit organizations, health and long-term care institutions, financial and legal firms, as well as private companies that develop products and services for older adults. Specifically, graduates in gerontology are moving into positions with titles such as corporate gerontologist, aging planner, geriatric care manager, memory unit director, family caregiver specialist, in-home care supervisor, policy analyst, retirement property manager, marketing/development director, adult tourism coordinator, and innumerable other fascinating jobs. Envision your job title!
Upon graduation from the MS program, students may use the designation “gerontologist”. The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) defines a gerontologist as an individual who “improves the quality of life and promotes the well-being of persons as they age within their families, communities and societies through research, education and application of interdisciplinary knowledge of the aging process and aging populations”. The growth in the aging population will create more demand for gerontologists.
M.S. in Gerontology students are required to complete a capstone experience that may include an internship, research, or project. Such experiences are developed individually between the student and Graduate Program Coordinator to meet the educational needs of the students.
No GRE or MAT test scores are required for the M.S. in Gerontology or Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program.
You can enroll as a non-degree seeking student at both the undergraduate and graduate level. This coursework can be applied to a future degree or certificate.
The personal statement is our opportunity to learn something about the applicant and to access an applicant’s writing abilities. And it is your opportunity to tell The UNCG Gerontology admission committee about your prior academic and professional career paths, your goals, and why you feel the program will help you meet your goals. The personal statement should be no more than 2 or 3 pages.
Please see this video from The Graduate School on writing your personal statement.
The standard deadlines for application are set by the Graduate School and include July 1 (to start in the Fall), December 15 (to start in the spring), and April 1 (to start in the summer) Please visit Graduate School.
Note that there are different deadlines for international students.
Once an application is complete, it is reviewed in a timely fashion. You will be able to check the status of your application online.
The program is non-cohort and has a rolling admission meaning applications are evaluated as they are received. You may start the program any semester as long as you meet the application deadline for that semester.
Complete the application for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate which includes submission of a personal statement and payment of the application fee. Note that we can use common parts of your original application to the Graduate School, such as your references, in this review process. The coursework you have already completed, or coursework in your other program, may count toward your certificate. The Gerontology Coordinator will review that potential with you when you develop a plan of study.