Online Master’s in Gerontology
Course Length: 8 Weeks
Delivery Format: 100% Online
Cost Per Credit Hour: $515 (beginning fall 2020)
Technology Fee: $17 (per credit hour)
Books & Materials: $800 (approx.)
Estimated Tuition & Fees: click here to learn about costs
Why Pursue a Master’s in Gerontology from Concordia University Chicago?
The Master of Arts in Gerontology at Concordia University Chicago positions graduates to promote and contribute to the wellness of our aging population. It prepares graduates to work in a variety of aging-related careers. Additionally, this course of study allows for a tailor-made curriculum combining an integrated perspective on aging and older adults. Students are trained in the best practices of gerontological education, research, and practice.
The master of arts in gerontology from Concordia University Chicago is designed to provide an interdisciplinary course of study for individuals interested in meeting the needs of an aging world and improving the lives of older adults.
The world’s population is aging and the number of older adults is increasing. This demographic reality suggests that there will be a demand for individuals skilled in addressing the unique opportunities and challenges associated with aging.
Wondering how a degree in Gerontology is different than Geriatrics? Learn more, here.
Additional Program Information
Additional Program Information
- The master of arts in gerontology program is designed to prepare traditional and nontraditional students for a career in gerontology. Based on the conceptual learning guidelines proposed by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE), the master of arts degree in gerontology is designed to enable the student to:
- Appreciate the uniqueness, abilities and potentials of all older adults and their contributions to their families, their community and to society
- Acquire educational, research and practice skills for an informed gerontological professional identity and practice.
- Develop increased competency in service to older adults and their families.
- Develop skills for scholarship and research in assessing and implementing future change for older adults and an aging society.
Candidates are required to complete an eleven-course program of study in gerontology for a total of 33 graduate credit hours, including practicum experiences. These requirements and experiences will support the candidate to:
- Understand the interdisciplinary nature of and major concepts within the field of gerontology.
- Utilize a critical perspective when considering complicated and complex issues as they relate to aging, older adults, and society.
- Apply a variety of gerontological theories and research based in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities in diverse contexts.
- Exhibit social and cultural awareness, sensitivity, competence, and support when considering the heterogeneity of an aging population.
- Demonstrate personal, social, and ethical responsibility while working to improve the lives of older adults.
- Communicate effectively using well-developed written, oral and interpersonal skills in an increasingly global society.
Concordia University Chicago’s master of arts in gerontology is nationally recognized by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE). Gerontology programs at Concordia-Chicago are aligned with AGHE’s national competencies and best practices.
Therefore, our engaging classroom activities and discussions are supplemented with ample opportunities to engage in gerontological education, research, and practice. Interactive group and individual projects encourage candidates to hone their skills as future gerontologists in a supported environment.
- 100% online
- Asynchronous (you don’t have to log-on at a certain time)
Required Coursework 33 Credit Hours
Course Number | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
GERO 6000 |
Perspectives in Gerontology
Introductory course for the Master of Arts in gerontology program that provides students with a comprehensive overview of the multi‐disciplinary field of gerontology. Involves several academic disciplines or professional specializations in an approach to gerontology. Substantive, conceptual and methodological issues central to the study of aging and the life course are explored.
|
3 |
GERO 6050 |
Adult Development and Aging
This course promotes integrity as students acquire attitudes and skills that promote the understanding of adult development with special attention paid to the aging process. It further promotes integrity as students learn to suspend judgment and draw various fields together in order to understand and provide quality care services to the aging population with sensitivity to cultural differences. Students obtain the knowledge of techniques and research while attaining competency in the timely use of various person‐centered interventions. As knowledge and competency develop, a sense of confidence and leadership is cultivated.
|
3 |
RES 6620 |
Introduction to Research
This course examines foundation-level principles and processes of social and behavioral research as applied across disciplines. This course is designed to enable students to acquire both a basic understanding and skills in general research methods. Specifically, the course prepares students to be critical consumers of research and to be active participants in the generation and implementation of research knowledge.
|
3 |
GERO 6045 |
Aging, Values, Attitudes, and Ethics
Provides an overview of ethics as they relate to aging and older adults. This course examines a variety of ethical and moral issues at the clinical, social, cultural, policy and individual levels. Students explore key value issues thatshape societal and individual perceptions about ethics and aging. This course considers the ethical implications of ageism.
|
3 |
GERO 6980 |
Practicum in Gerontology (240 hours in field)
The practicum experience encompasses a supervised practice in a community agency that serves older adults and their families. In addition to the coursework, students are required to complete 240 hours of service during this 16‐week course
|
3 |
GERO 6510 |
Diversity in Aging
This course focuses on the differences and diversity of the aging population from a national perspective. Topics include race, ethnicity, gender, social class, spiritual and economic issues.
|
3 |
GERO 6160 |
Sociology of Aging
This course examines the impacts of aging on individuals and societies, including social, cultural and individual reactions to aging in the society and the diversity of reactions to aging. Theoretical frameworks for aging and involvement will be presented, examined and integrated. Field trips may be required.
|
3 |
GERO 6500 |
Public Policies and Aging (GERO 6500)
The course provides an overview and analysis of the policymaking process and policy initiatives as these affect older adults in society
|
3 |
GERO 6495 |
Program Management in Aging (GERO 6495)
Designed to expand students’ knowledge of and skills in effective program management of aging services and organizations serving older adults. Students review the aging network while considering the unique needs of older adults. This course also examines approaches for managing service programs effectively. Implications for program evaluation are considered.
|
3 |
GERO 6750 |
Advanced Topics in Gerontology
Covers a variety of special topics in gerontology. This course is developed and offered based on interest from students and instructors. The topics broaden and complement the gerontological content offered in the required courses taken in the M.A. in gerontology program. Examples of topics include: Families in Later Life; Death and Dying; Aging and Health; Resilience over the Life Course; Global Aging; Gender and Aging; Aging in Literature and Film; Sexuality and Aging; and Grant Writing
|
3 |
GERO 6900 |
Seminar in Gerontology (includes capstone experience)
Focuses on current issues and problems in gerontology utilizing literature reviews, research and primary data collection. Students complete a thesis, applied or analytical project and are expected to define, complete and defend their project and complete their capstones during this 16‐week course. This course includes the capstone experience.
|
3 |
The faculty at Concordia University Chicago can be found hard at work in the fields they teach and specialize in. At Concordia, we realize that a top-flight education in only possible with best-in-class instructors with real-world experience. We recruit passionate professionals from around the globe who are committed to helping you achieve your academic and professional goals. Read more about our gerontology faculty:
Mixon Ware, PhD
Mary Frances De Rose, MA
M. Bennett Wolfe, SR. MSW
Julie Bates, MSG
Kathy Bonnar, EdD
Victoria Russo, PhD
Our tuition is reasonable and will not change while you are enrolled in our program.
Concordia University Chicago is committed to providing students with a high-quality education at a reasonable cost. And for graduates, the benefits of obtaining a Master of Arts degree can be very valuable. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the median of earnings for adults ages 25-34 working full-time, year-round, with a master’s degree or higher was $59,200, compared to just $44,970 for individuals with a bachelor’s degree.
MA Gerontology | COST |
---|---|
Tuition (Per Credit Hour, Beginning Fall 2020) | $515 |
Technology Fee (Per Credit Hour) | $17 |
Books (Approximate) | $800 |
Total | $18,356 |
- A conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent non-U.S. degree.
- To be considered for Full Admission at Concordia University, candidates in the MA Gerontology program will present a cumulative grade point average above 2.85 or will have earned a master’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
- To be considered for Provisional Admission to the program, candidates will present credentials that generally satisfy full admission requirements, but need to satisfy additional admission requirements such as special program prerequisites.
- Note: All admission requirements must be satisfied by the end of the candidate’s first enrolled semester in the program. Provisional Admission is only available to US residents and citizens.
- For students to be considered for Probationary Admission, one or more of the following special conditions may exist: 1) a cumulative GPA between 2.25 and 2.84 (on a 4.0 scale); 2) holding a master’s degree with a cumulative GPA below 3.0; and/or 3) credentials/documents that raise cause for reservation for admission. Students admitted on probationary status must earn a 3.0 GPA in graduate course work within their first semester of enrollment to continue in the program.
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