Online Master of Science in Aging

The online Master of Science in Aging prepares you to improve the well-being of our rapidly growing older adult population. Gaining expertise in this high-demand area can prepare you for a role in research, education, service delivery or administrative roles in a variety of settings.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5–15

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered.

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What will I learn in a Master of Science in aging degree?

Societies around the world continue to age. According to the U.S. Census, 2035 will mark the first time older adults outnumber children. This shift has led to an increased demand for professionals with expertise in aging across all settings. Professionals in fields as diverse as engineering, business development, housing, construction, education, social services and more may benefit from knowing how to meet the needs of this rapidly growing population.

The Master of Science in aging explores the well-being of older adults in health care settings, home, work and their communities. Earning a master’s in aging online is a convenient way to obtain a degree from anywhere in the world and is important for anyone who works with older adults.

Upon completion of the program and confirmation of your degree, you are eligible and encouraged to apply for the gerontologist credential from the National Association for Professional Gerontologists.

The Age-Friendly University network consists of institutions of higher education around the globe who have endorsed the 10 AFU principles. These organizations have committed to becoming more age-friendly in their programs and policies. ASU is an age-friendly university recognized by the Gerontological Society of America. The college is also home to the Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging and Center for Advancing Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research.

What is gerontology?

 

Gerontology is the study of aging. The science of gerontology has evolved as people have begun to live longer. Older adults have diverse needs that will have to be addressed by trained professionals.

Due to this variety of needs, areas of specialization are not only limited to health care. Experts in gerontology come from a range of backgrounds. Many have studied in areas like the social sciences, health policy, psychology, social work and public health.

Care for aging populations

 

Caring for the well-being of aging populations takes many forms. Those with an interest in gerontology may research bodily changes from middle age to later life and examine how these changes affect their daily lives. They may also study societal changes and trends as a result of the aging population.

In the Master of Science in aging, you’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills needed to work with a variety of professionals and the expertise to promote the well-being of older adults. During the program, you’ll learn the following:

  • Communicating effectively with older adults.
  • Determining how groups will respond to interventions.
  • Designing quality improvement and evidence-based practice projects.
  • Educating coworkers about aging populations.
  • Explaining the generational differences between populations.
  • Impacting health care policy.
  • Managing research projects.
  • Navigating the financial aspects of aging, such as retirement and health care.
  • Supporting, educating and advocating for caregivers.
  • Translating and applying research.
  • Understanding the special and complex needs of older patients.

Throughout the program, you’ll be encouraged to pursue hands-on learning experiences in solving problems related to aging. Although the courses are online, you’ll be expected to participate in learning experiences outside of the classroom. For example, you may be expected to complete a site visit or interview an administrator at a long-term care facility. Or you may shadow an occupational therapist at a rehabilitation facility or interview older adults to learn about their needs.

Due to the aging of our population, job growth is expected to continue in fields related to the well-being of older adults. Upon graduation, you may choose to pursue a research, administrative or consultant role in one of the following settings:

  • Accountant office.
  • Acute care facility.
  • Alzheimer’s disease research facility.
  • Assisted living facility.
  • Banking.
  • Community-based care center.
  • Construction.
  • Dental office.
  • Economic security department.
  • Homeless center.
  • Housing services.
  • Law enforcement.
  • Law firm.
  • Nonprofit organization.
  • Nursing home.
  • Older adult housing.
  • Primary care facility.
  • Rehabilitation center.
  • Utility company.
  • Veteran’s affairs hospital or care center.
  • Or any other setting specifically related to your undergraduate degree.

Does my Master of Science in aging say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Gerontology courses online

The courses in the Master of Science in aging provide a strong foundation in the care of older adults. You’ll learn about the multidimensional aging process and how to address the needs of the aging population. You’ll also learn about national health initiatives and community collaborations to improve health outcomes. The program requires foundation courses, six credit hours of electives, an optional stackable specialization and a culminating experience.

The curriculum in this program is based on the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education’s Competencies for Graduate Education. It provides you with advanced knowledge that focuses on improving the well-being of older persons.


Core

Perspectives on Aging and the Life Course


Core

Research and Program Evaluation Issues in Aging


Core

Diversity in Aging


Core

Interdisciplinary and Community Collaboration in Aging


Core

Mental Health Assessment and Intervention


Elective

Administrative Systems Management


Elective

Caregiving Issues for Families and Professionals


Elective

Research, Theory and Principles for Palliative Care in Older Adults


What kind of jobs are in gerontology and aging life care?

Jobs are available in a variety of fields for those who earn a master’s in aging. Graduates may pursue job titles such as:

Adjunct lecturer

Aging specialist

Community services manager

Facility director

Gerontologist

Health policy advocate

Long-term care administrator

Marketing consultant

Medical and health services manager

Learn from experts in aging and gerontology

The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation is the home to world-renowned faculty members.

  • Countless national faculty nursing awards.
  • Fulbright Senior Scholar.
  • Rosalynn Carter National Leadership Award in Caregiving.
  • Ruth B. Freeman Award from the American Public Health Association.

Learn from experts in aging and gerontology

The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation is the home to world-renowned faculty members.

  • Countless national faculty nursing awards.
  • Fulbright Senior Scholar.
  • Rosalynn Carter National Leadership Award in Caregiving.
  • Ruth B. Freeman Award from the American Public Health Association.

How to apply

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation.

Eligibility

Application requirements

English proficiency

Aging and health insight from an innovative nursing and health innovation college

ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation provides a first-class education to students across a wide range of health disciplines. The college distinguishes itself through high-quality instructors and challenging courses and programs.

10+


undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs online.

250


faculty members.

$13.2 million


in research awards.

4,000+


students.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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