• 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

The faculty at Concordia University can be found hard at work in the fields they teach-specialties 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 the Gerontology faculty by clicking the links below

Lydia K. Manning, Phd
Mixon Ware, PhD
Mary Frances De Rose, MA
Marcus B. Wolfe, SR. MSW
Julie Bates, MSG
Kathy Bonnar, EdD
John K. Holton, PhD

Our tuition is reasonable and will not change over time.

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.

Innerbody.com reports a very positive outlook for gerontology careers, and with an aging population this positive outlook is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Professional gerontologists may work in a variety of settings that include the following:

• Community, human service and religious organizations
• Healthcare and long-term care institutions
• Federal, state, and local government agencies, including the aging network (the system of service delivery to older persons established by a federal law entitled the Older American Act)
• Retirement communities
• Academic and other educational and research settings
• Professional organizations
• Business and industry

Innerbody.com also reports that the earnings of gerontologists vary widely, depending on discipline, experience level and geographic location. Average yearly salaries in the profession of gerontology range between $53,000 and $80,000, while new professionals start between $42,000 and $66,000. Experienced gerontologists can expect to earn a minimum yearly salary of $64,000.

For additional information regarding the career outlook for gerontologists, please visit:

• Gerontology careers, Innerbody.com
• Careers in aging, Business and Aging blog

• 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.