Academics
Learn more about the M.S. Aging & Health Program
The Aging & Health program provides the basic competencies in aging studies offered by faculty interested in aging from mid-life to end of life. We offer core courses that examine aging through theory, research, biology, policy, economics, demography, psychology as well as ethics and humanities. The program when pursued full-time is an 11-month, 30-credit curriculum based on knowledge and skill competencies endorsed by the Academy of Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) and the Accreditation in Gerontology Education Council (AGEC).
Program Description
Students will receive:
- A thorough, scientifically grounded, training in theory, policy and research in gerontology
- Hands-on experience through an individualized and supervised field internship
- Opportunities to interact with professionals in the field of aging through research experiences and informal mentoring
Curriculum
A descriptive listing of the core courses and concentration courses can be viewed on our Course Descriptions page.
Program Requirements
The structure for the Master of Science in Aging & Health Program comprises a 30-credit program of 8 core courses and 3-4 concentration courses. A required Capstone/Internship project can be performed over the summer.
Areas of Concentration
The Master of Science in Aging & Health Program offers three concentration areas:
- Senior Living Administration
- Healthcare Economics and Policy
- Health Systems Administration
These concentration areas can be completed by taking three concentration courses in relation to each. The courses are selected in order to provide students with skills important for various areas of employment in health systems administration, senior living administration, healthcare economics, and health policy.
Senior Living Administration Concentration
The Senior Living Administration concentration offers the nation’s only graduate curriculum dedicated exclusively to the executive management of active adult, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and life plan (continuing care retirement) communities. The track is designed to provide graduates with the operational, marketing, resident care, and hospitality services skills required to become effective executives and managers of senior living communities. In addition to the 8 core courses, students will select 3 related concentration courses to complete the Senior Living Administration concentration.
Healthcare Economics & Policy Concentration
The Healthcare Economics & Policy Concentration is designed for students who wish to work in the policy sector of the health care industry, gaining the leadership capacity to work and resolve the most complex concerns in society related to economics, policy, and aging. Students will learn in-depth about economics, policy, and the government as it relates to aging. In addition to the 8 core courses, students will select 3-4 related concentration courses to complete the Healthcare Economics & Policy Concentration.
Health Systems Administration Concentration
The Health Systems Administration concentration is designed for students who wish to work in the health care industry, gaining the technical and leadership capacity to address the most complex concerns in society. Students will learn in-depth about finance, organization, and operations of health systems. In addition to the 8 core courses, students will select 3 – 4 related concentration courses to complete the Health Systems Administration Concentration.
Experiential Learning
Professional Development/Seminar Series
Students participate in a monthly seminar series focused on hot topics in aging. Learning from working professionals helps students to network, as well as articulate their knowledge and skills relevant to the workplace. Seminar speakers from last year include:
- Laura Newland, DC Office on Aging
- Gail Kohn, Age-Friendly DC
- James Appleby, Gerontological Society of America
- Dr. Patrick Doyle, BrightView Senior Living
- Dr. Kate de Medeiros, Miami University
Internship/Capstone Project
The M.S. Aging & Health internship/capstone program is designed to enhance students’ knowledge and skills.
An internship can be an onsite or long-distance placement in an organization through which students gain practical experience.
A capstone is a substantive program evaluation or research project on an aging-related project. Options include healthcare agency, advocacy group, non-governmental organization, state or federal agency, international health organization or a commercial enterprise.
The internship/capstone is a natural step to future job placement. Our students have successfully completed internships with the following organization: DC Office on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Grant Makers in Aging, Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC), Birmingham Green, and AARP.
See here for a list of other internship partners.
Part-time and Online Options
The program is designed to be completed full-time or part-time. To accommodate part-time students, we offer multiple classes on the same day when possible. The course schedule is designed to accommodate students who are working full-time as much as possible. Some courses may include online components.