The need for professionals in the field of gerontology, both social and medical, is set to increase astronomically in the next several decades. According to the Administration for Community Living, by 2040, senior individuals (65+ y/o) will represent about 20% of the total U.S. population.
Well-educated professionals, who can provide vocational, legal, medical, social, psychological, and advocacy services will be a much-needed asset in the short future. Students in one of the Top 15 Online Schools for Master’s Degrees in Gerontology will accrue many applicable skills in ethics, law, and practice in order to provide the aging population with significant and healthful services.
quick links
- Top 15 Online Schools for Master’s Degrees in Gerontology
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA
- IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
- CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, NEBRASKA
- NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
- KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
- WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY
- WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS BOSTON
- TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
- MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN INDIANA
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Top 15 Online Schools for Master’s Degrees in Gerontology
METHODOLOGY: In compiling this list, OnlineSchoolsCenter.com chose to list these relevant schools in random order, for all of which have their own unique strengths. These Top 15 Online Schools for Master’s in Gerontology degree programs were chosen for several factors that put them ahead of other online graduate programs based on the following factors:
- 100% Online format availability,
- Displays comprehensive and advanced coursework in an online Master of Gerontology degree program,
- Properly Accredited; to ensure quality education,
- Positive reviews by reputable journalistic resources, as well as from past graduates from the Online Master of Gerontology degree program,
- Prepares students for research, analysis, and policy in Gerontology-related issues,
- Focuses on our aging population and the many ailments, diseases, and preventative steps taken for senior longevity,
- Offers Internship options, capstone/thesis project options,
- Provides an education suitable for a wide array of career opportunities within the field of Gerontology; through administration, advocacy, research and policy changes, and more.
To learn more about our school selection process, please see our Methodology page.
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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Online MS of Gerontology
Program Standouts:
The University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology offers an online program that is focused mainly on policy and research. Perfect for seasoned professionals and beginners in the field, “this program prepares graduate school students to become leaders who effect policy changes on the local and national levels alike.”
Campus Location: Los Angeles, CA
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Tuition and Fees:
- $1,602 per unit—tuition
- $85 one time—application fee
Types of Aid: Institutional, departmental, and alternative scholarship opportunities; federal loans and grants; student employment opportunities; institutional fellowships and assistantships; various payment plans.
Acceptance Rate: 16%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution representing a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a current professional resume, a statement of interest, and two letters of recommendation.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Physiology of Development and Aging
- Social Policy and Aging
- Life Span Developmental Sociology
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from this school often land employment positions at the executive level in the fields of research, science, and policy in the field of aging. Steeped in planning, administration, and evaluation of programs, these individuals go on to effect positive change on a wide scale.
Learn more about the University of Southern California’s Online MS of Gerontology
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UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA
MA in Social Gerontology Online Degree Program
Program Standouts:
One of the unique and exciting features of this school’s online Master in Social Gerontology is the option to include a thesis. Following the thesis track, graduate students are provided with much further research in the field and will be prepared to conduct research of their own. The non-thesis track involves more focus on practice and the program assessment.
Campus Location: Omaha, NE
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $249.50 per credit hour—in-state tuition
- $697 per credit hour—out-of-state tuition
- $25 per credit hour—distance learning fees
- $11 per credit hour—technology fee
- $45 one time—application fee
Types of Aid: Federal, state, and institutional grants; federal and alternative loans; institutional, departmental, and outside scholarship opportunities; student employment programs; institutional assistantships and fellowships.
Acceptance Rate: 86.5%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate school/s representing 6-15 credit hours of coursework in gerontology, two letters of recommendation, a completed information form, and a writing sample.
Program Options:
- Thesis Option
- Non-thesis Option
Degree Outcomes:
This accomplished online school produces graduate-level social gerontologists who provide the field with pertinent research theories, as well as finely tuned social and medical programs that give aging citizens more helpful resources.
Learn more about the University of Nebraska – Omaha’s MA in Social Gerontology Online Degree Program
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IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
MS of Family and Consumer Science in Gerontology Distance Learning degree program
Program Standouts:
Iowa State University works in collaboration with six sister schools to deliver an online Master of Family and Consumer Science in Gerontology that is lead and instructed by practicing professionals who have extensive experience in the field. In a wide range of coursework that covers research, legal, social, and medical aspects of gerontology, students gain a consummate education of the discipline.
Campus Location: Ames, IA
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $390 per credit hour—tuition
- $46 per 4 or fewer credit hours; $69 per 4.5 – 8 credit hours; $92 per 8.5 or more credit hours—technology fee
Types of Aid: Institutional and private scholarship opportunities; institutional and federal grants; federal and private loans; student employment programs; various payment plans; employer tuition reimbursement; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 89.3%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution/s representing an exemplary GPA, GRE scores, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Adult Development
- Aging in the Family
- Economics, Public Policy, and Aging
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from this school go on to provide a crucial service in businesses, government agencies, service organizations, educational institutions, and private practices. As the need for these professionals becomes greater, ISU produces well-trained and highly experienced graduate students.
Learn more about Iowa State University’s MS of Family and Consumer Science in Gerontology Distance Learning Degree Program
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CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, NEBRASKA
Online Master of Healthcare Administration: Gerontology Degree program
Program Standouts:
As it is well-worded on the school’s website, Concordia University, Nebraska’s online Master of Healthcare Administration: Gerontology degree program prepares students with “the training, knowledge and skillsets to ensure that members of the aging population maintain or improve their quality of life through access to community resources.”
Campus Location: Seward, NE
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $620 per credit hour—tuition
- $50 one time—application fee
Types of Aid: Federal and private/alternative loans; federal grants; institutional and private scholarship opportunities; employer tuition reimbursement; numerous military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts representing a GPA of 2.8 or higher, a personal essay, and a current resume.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Social Gerontology
- Mental Health and Aging
- Issues in Gerontology and Aging Studies
Degree Outcomes:
Concordia graduates go on to fill many various positions in the discipline, such as housing specialist, long-term care administrator, patient transition specialist, case management supervisor, hospice, manager, and occupational therapist—there are innumerable areas in which these students’ phenomenal knowledge and expertise are needed.
Learn more about Concordia University – Nebraska’s Online Master of Healthcare Administration: Gerontology Degree Program
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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
MA in Gerontology E-Learning Degree Program
Program Standouts:
This school’s gerontology program “fosters the development of the conceptual and clinical foundations necessary to design and provide strengths-based services to our aging population.” The curriculum is designed for “mid-career professionals” who want to expand their knowledge in gerontology or re-specialize if coming from an applicable discipline.
Campus Location: San Diego, CA
Accreditation: Western Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $406 per quarter unit—tuition
- $60 one time—application fee
Types of Aid: Federal and state grants; federal and private/alternative loans; institutional scholarship opportunities; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution representing a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and GMAT/GRE scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Public Policy and Aging
- Counseling Older Adults
- Physical Change and Aging
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from this school will demonstrate strong capabilities in practice, research, program design, and advocacy in gerontology. Trained in a brilliant array of skills and techniques, these individuals will develop strategies to solve complex problems facing senior citizens.
Learn more about National University’s MA in Gerontology E-Learning Degree Program
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KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Online Master’s in Family and Human Services-Gerontology Degree Program
Program Standouts:
This online school delivers a Master’s in Family and Human Services-Gerontology program that is designed around “core competencies” set forth by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. Kansas State University works in collaboration with other allied schools, giving students a diverse, online academic experience.
Campus Location: Manhattan, KS
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $529.50 per credit hour—tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and private/alternative loans; federal, state, and military grants; institutional and alternative scholarship and assistantship opportunities; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 94.1%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, two copies of official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution, a resume, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Environments and Aging
- Public Policy: Economic and Social Impacts on Older Adults
- Program Evaluation and Research Methods in Gerontology
Degree Outcomes:
Alumni of Kansas State University’s graduate school often continue on into employment positions including, but not limited to: health promotion programs, director of intergenerational activities, management in senior centers/retirement communities, counseling, and program planning.
Learn more about Kansas State University’s Master’s Degree Program in Family and Human Services-Gerontology
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WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY
Master’s in Aging Studies Distance Learning Degree
Program Standouts:
Wichita State University’s online graduate school offers a Master’s in Aging Studies that is designed on standards set forth by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. Focused in social sciences, “the curriculum addresses biological, psychological, social, healthcare, policy, fitness, and business dimensions of aging as well as research methods and statistics.”
Campus Location: Wichita, KS
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; Association for Gerontology in Higher Education
Tuition and Fees:
- $273.70 per credit hour—tuition
- $15 per credit hour—College of Health Professions course fee
Types of Aid: Federal grants; federal and private/alternative loans; student employment opportunities; institutional and external scholarship opportunities.
Acceptance Rate: 93.8%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution representing a GPA of 2.75 or higher, a brief personal statement, two professional references, and TOEFL scores from international students only.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Interprofessional Perspective on Aging
- Aging Programs and Policies
- Sexuality and Aging
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from this exceptional distance education school occupy many different positions within the industry of aging studies and gerontology, such as business, social work, senior living, senior services, nursing home administration, fitness, and nutrition.
Learn more about Wichita State University’s Master’s Distance Learning Degree in Aging Studies
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WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Online Master of Nursing Degree
Program Standouts:
Thorough knowledge of gerontology is particularly important in the field of nursing. Winona State University’s online school offers two unique master’s programs in adult-gerontology that will prepare trained nurses for specialization in aging studies.
Campus Location: Winona, MN
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $934.20 per credit hour—tuition
Types of Aid: Federal and state grants; federal, institutional, and alternative loans; student employment programs; institutional, state, and external scholarship opportunities; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 66.5%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed application, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution representing at least a 3.0 GPA in the field of nursing, a resume representing at least one year of professional experience, evidence of a current nursing license, three letters of recommendation, a statement of goals, and some applicants may be required to complete an interview.
Program Options:
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from this online school will have the knowledge and skill to affect positive change in nursing and other medical environments as they apply to senior citizens. Alumni have a plethora of opportunities for employment in a range of environments.
Learn more about Winona State University’s Online Master’s of Nursing Degree Program
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UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS BOSTON
Master of Management of Aging Services E-Learning Degree Program
Program Standouts:
The University of Massachusetts Boston, McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies’ online Master of Management of Aging Services program have won numerous awards, and “is part of the second oldest graduate Gerontology Department.” In an interactive virtual classroom, students have excellent opportunities to engage and network with others.
Campus Location: Boston, MA
Accreditation: New England Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $671 per credit hour—in-state tuition and fees
- $1,296 per credit hour—out-of-state tuition and fees
Types of Aid: Federal grants; federal and private/alternative loans; student employment programs; institutional assistantships; institutional, state, and external scholarships.
Acceptance Rate: 75.1%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, a brief cover letter, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution representing a GPA of 3.0 or higher, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and TOEFL scores from students who use English as a second language.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Understanding Psychological Processes in Later Life for the Delivery of Aging Services
- Marketing Aging Services
- Human Resources and Personnel Management
Degree Outcomes:
Students who graduate from this prestigious school have many career opportunities in sales and marketing, advocacy, aging policy, nonprofit management, care management, senior housing and transportation, financial services, and community programming for the elderly.
Learn more about the University of Massachusetts – Boston’s Master of Management of Aging Services E-Learning Degree Program
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TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
Ms in Human Development & Family Studies-Gerontology Online Distance Learning Degree
Program Standouts:
Texas Tech University offers an online Master in Human Development and Family Studies-Gerontology that is part of a consortium of universities, allowing students to take courses from multiple schools. Blending coursework with that from other schools gives TTU’s degree program a competitive edge as to its level of diversity and academic standing.
Campus Location: Lubbock, TX
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $530 per credit hour—tuition
- $60 one time—application fee
Types of Aid: Federal, state, and institutional grants; federal, state, and private loans; student employment programs; institutional and alternative scholarship opportunities; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 69.2%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution, GRE scores, TOEFL scores from students who use English as a second language.
Program Options:
- Adult Development
- Aging in the Family
- Environments and Aging
Degree Outcomes:
Texas Tech University assists students throughout their academic experience and in local internships and practicums. Through the school’s diverse curriculum and outside opportunities to put learned knowledge to practical use, students undergo a challenging and diverse distance education program.
Learn more about Texas Tech University’s Online MS in Human Development and Family Studies-Gerontology Degree Program
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MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY
Online MSN in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Degree Program
Program Standouts:
This online school has designed an MSN in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program that is “student-centered, academically rigorous, and market-relevant.” Students gain an impressive array of networking connections through graduate school. The curriculum is based on the ever-changing needs of the discipline as reported by businesses and professional leaders.
Campus Location: St. Louis, MO
Accreditation: North Central Association of College and Schools; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition and Fees:
- $781 per credit hour—tuition
- $800 per semester—university fees
Types of Aid: Numerous institutional and alternative scholarship opportunities; federal loans; federal, state, and institutional grants; student employment programs.
Acceptance Rate: 91.9%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution representing a 3.0 GPA or higher in nursing, proof of a current nursing license, three recommendations, a current resume or CV representing one year of professional experience, a personal statement, and a statement of goals.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Health Care
- Nurse Practitioner Practicum
- Diagnosis and Management
Degree Outcomes:
Having established strong connections inside and outside of the virtual classroom, students exit this graduate program and re-enter the workforce with positions and opportunities awaiting them. Students also have a strong TTU career support center upon which to rely and gain information about exciting opportunities within the field.
Learn more about Maryville University’s Online MSN in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Degree Program
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UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
Online Ms Degree in Gerontology
Program Standouts:
Few come close to this school’s dedication to both theoretical and practical knowledge. UIndy’s Master in Gerontology “has earned the Program of Merit designation from the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education,” has met and exceeded national guidelines.
Campus Location: Indianapolis, IN
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $498 per credit hour—tuition
Types of Aid: Institutional and alternative scholarship opportunities; departmental assistantships; federal, state, and alternative grants; federal and private/alternative loans; various payment plans.
Acceptance Rate: 82.2%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution representing a GPA of 3.0 or higher, three letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Aging in Place: 21st Century Issues
- Programming in Health Promotion for Older Adults
- Ethics and Aging
Degree Outcomes:
Students have opportunities to concentrate their degree paths in certain areas by choosing particular concentration/specialty track courses. The school gives students enormous flexibility and assistance in the design and implementation of their individualized curriculum.
Learn more about the University of Indianapolis’ Online MS Degree Program in Gerontology
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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN INDIANA
MS in Nursing Distance Learning Degree Program
Program Standouts:
The University of Southern Indiana offers three exciting opportunities to study adult-gerontology through an MSN program. Whether students are geared more toward practice, acute care, or specialization, USI provides challenging yet rewarding avenues through which to study gerontology.
Campus Location: Evansville, IN
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition and Fees:
- $337.92 per credit hour—in-state tuition
- $666.19 per credit hour—out-of-state tuition
- $100 per credit hour—departmental fee
- $40 one time—application fee
- $30 per 8 or more credit hours a semester—university services fee
Types of Aid: Institutional, departmental, and alternative scholarship opportunities; federal and state grants; federal and private/alternative loans; students’ employment programs; and institutional assistantships.
Acceptance Rate: 93.6%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate nursing institution representing a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a current resume representing at least one year of professional experience, proof of current nursing licensure, two professional references, and a statement of goals.
Program Options:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Degree Outcomes:
According to their website, students exiting this online graduate school “are successful in their professional, personal, and academic careers… and are able to integrate critical thinking, independent judgment, provide leadership, synthesize knowledge, and promote the essential values of caring in their professional and personal lives.”
Learn more about the University of Southern Indiana’s MS in Nursing Distance Learning Degree Program
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How will earning an online Master’s degree in Gerontology help my career?
Typically, if you are interested in earning a Master of Gerontology degree, you probably are interested in career advancement or promotion within the field. In addition, the management or leadership positions are available for those with this distinguished degree. Perhaps a pay raise is in order, as well!
Administrative positions are available as Hospital or Clinic Directors, in addition to, Director of Nursing positions which are readily available in hospitals or long-term nursing care facilities.
If you would like to be an educator as a professor at the university level, your online Master of Gerontology degree will provide you with a lucrative career in teaching. Many options are available, such as teaching online, on-campus, or through local social service agencies.
Is research your passion? If so, the field of Gerontology will welcome your expertise and your desire to improve upon the betterment of our seniors. Often forgotten or neglected, the elderly deserve the most innovative technology used today to help serve them physically and emotionally. Do you desire to change policies related to the elderly? Again, if so, your online Master’s degree in the field of Gerontology will serve you well.
Other related careers to consider with a Master of Gerontology degree are positions in Psychology, Sociology, Human Resources, or Insurance Underwriting.
What will I learn in my online Master of Gerontology degree program?
At the Master’s degree level, you can expect to expand on your previous knowledge in the field of Gerontology. Most programs focus on the many facets of elderly care, such as their biological, psychological, and social needs. You can also expect to learn about senior nutrition, the aging process, long-term healthcare needs, the economic aspects of aging, as well as the essential need for research in this field.
Also, you may be required to complete an internship, thesis, or capstone project to graduate. Before signing on to an online Master of Gerontology degree program, please be sure it is properly accredited and that your program will prepare you for licensure if so desired.
Is there a difference in Gerontology and Geriatrics?
Gerontology and Geriatrics… two words that are similar and do overlap; however, have different meanings. But yes, they both deal with the care of our aging population.
Through your online Master of Gerontology degree program, you will study the scientific aging process and its effects on today’s senior citizens. It includes studies in sociology, psychology, medical and biological health. Most Gerontologists pursue careers in research to implement policy changes and are advocates for the elderly.
Geriatric Physicians, or Geriatricians, are fully trained M.D.s that treat health issues concerning senior citizens. They must fulfill the requirements of becoming a doctor, including earning their medical degree, residencies, and board certification. A Geriatrician performs all direct treatment-related to aging, including pain management, disease prevention, urology, general surgery, and oncology, plus much more.
A Gerontologist plays a significant supportive role to the Geriatrician as they work together in the care of the elderly. With an online Master of Gerontology degree, you can make a difference in the quality of life for seniors!
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