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 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 3-semester 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:

  1. Senior Living Administration
  2. Healthcare Economics and Policy
  3. *Health Systems Administration (not offered in Fall 2020)

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.  

*The Health Systems Administration not offered in Fall 2020

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:

Internship/Capstone Project

Students register during the summer or the semester for a 4 credit core course to reflect this requirement. This class meets once a week students to share ideas and to ensure a worthwhile Internship/Capstone experience. Students must meet regularly with an assigned internship site mentor as well as submit a final written report describing their experience.

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.

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