Gerontology, M.S.

Overview

The Master of Science in Gerontology trains professionals for leading roles to meet the needs of America’s growing elderly 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).

THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

• Students in the program come from a variety of academic backgrounds. Graduates pursue careers based on their interests and can specialize through elective options offered by the program or across campus and the state.
• You have flexibility to complete the program at your own pace, taking as few or as many courses that fit your schedule. You can earn your degree in as little as one year.
• Students are exposed to an array of techniques and strategies for nonviolent, constructive solutions to conflicts that arise in diverse personal, professional, organizational, and community environments.
• Several options for capstone field experiences, including research, internship, or service-learning, and may use your place of employment for your field experience if the organization primarily serves older adults and the work is outside of normal job responsibilities.

AFTER 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