Why study Gerontology & Aging Studies through IDEA?
People are leading longer, healthier lives. By 2034, adults ages 65 and older will outnumber the population under the age of 18 for the first time in American history (see the U.S. Census Bureau projection). With this demographic shift comes an increase in demand for skilled professionals who are committed to creating age-friendly services and advocating for active aging in this growing population.
This degree provides a broad range of skills essential for leadership in the field of aging while offering practical learning opportunities, so you are well-equipped to meet the needs of this changing demographic. Our online curriculum prepares you to be a practitioner in integrative aging studies and an advocate for older adults whether you work in a long-term care facility, design spaces to help adults age in place, or own your own business and seek specialized knowledge and skills to engage with this older population.
"As a non-traditional college student in my early 50s, living and working in the Pacific Island of Guam, choosing the right program for graduate studies was very important to me. The process of selecting the right program was intentional – it had to offer a diverse student population, professors with real-life experiences, a safe space to share cultural perspectives, and a curriculum that offered classes that were aligned with students’ educational and professional goals. The IDEA program met and exceeded all my expectations."
Reuel C. Drilon, gerontology master's graduate and recipient of the 2023 Student Excellence Award
Through this online gerontology & aging studies graduate program you will learn to:
- Identify strengths and challenges within the aging process and understand how those affect individuals and society.
- Apply aging theory and evidence-based research to create innovative and strengths-based approaches to policy and programs.
- Advocate for older adults using person-centered approaches to solve problems, promote quality of life, and foster successful aging.
- Promote age inclusivity, access, and equity through societal policymaking, community-level program development, and one-on-one interactions.
- Apply course materials to real-world contexts through hands-on and experiential learning.
Hear from Alex Bishop, associate professor at Oklahoma State University, about the importance of our gerontology program and the need for qualified professionals to meet growing demand.
Designed for working professionals and those with busy schedules, the gerontology & aging studies master’s degree and graduate certificate are offered entirely online, providing flexibility and convenience, as well as affordability through a common price per credit hour through all universities.
It is an ideal program if you enjoy working with and for older adults and are passionate about improving the quality of life for people as they age.
Program Formats in Gerontology & Aging Studies
IDEA offers both an online master’s degree and a graduate certificate program in gerontology and aging studies, allowing you to select the best-fit academic path to meet your goals and advance your career in this high-demand field. The curriculum is aligned with the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education’s Competencies for Graduate Education.
This program is offered through a collaboration between five reputable universities. You will choose one institution as your home university. Your home university is where you pay tuition, manage your program, receive academic advising, and meet graduation requirements. While you will take courses online at each of the participating universities, your home university will award the diploma at the completion of the program.
There is no GRE requirement for application to this program.
Degree and certificate titles vary by member university. Review the official degree names for each member institution in our gerontology & aging studies student handbook.
Gerontology Student Handbook
The online master’s degree in gerontology & aging studies consists of a 30-credit-hour curriculum that takes about three years to complete when taking one to two courses per semester.
Courses are organized according to four pillars of interactive aging studies, which include:
- Holistic aging in context
- Strengths-based and person-centered approach
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Linking theory and research to policies and practice
Of the six core courses (18 credit hours), all students start with building foundational skills and knowledge through the following two required courses which make up Block 1, Foundations of Gerontology, of the curriculum:
- Foundations in Integrative Aging Studies
- Contemporary Perspectives on Adult Development and Aging
Another required course takes place in Block 5 through a customized experience in integrative gaining. Students have the opportunity to learn through creative components, directed studies, practica, or research - all of which are available through your home university.
The remaining 12 credit hours are categorized into Blocks 2-4 with lots of flexibility and choice for students, providing them the opportunity to tailor their degree to their interests and needs.
- Block 2: The Aging Individual - This block focuses on active aging and whole-person wellness.
- Block 3: Aging in Context - This block explores trends and innovations in environmental social frameworks.
- Block 4: Practice in Integrative Aging Students - This block applies previous learning to community outreach and advocacy.
Students work closely with their academic advisor to develop the appropriate course selection and sequence.
"One of my greatest takeaways from my education is understanding the process of human development and aging. This knowledge has impacted how I engage with others both personally and professionally and helped me develop compassion for other people's circumstances; an important quality when working in a human services field."
Andrea Lang, Special Projects/Program Coordinator, Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota Alumni, North Dakota State University
The 15-credit online gerontology & aging studies graduate certificate is a valuable tool for career advancement whether used for continuing education credits or to supplement a master’s degree in another field. Credits from this graduate certificate are designed to transfer fully into the online gerontology & aging studies master’s degree.
The graduate certificate is offered by Iowa State University, North Dakota State University, and Texas Tech University. The certificate includes two core courses and a choice of three electives. Courses include critical topics in gerontology and aging studies, such as a lifespan development framework, current social and political issues, adapting physical environments to support older people, and the application of physical activity and nutrition to community settings.
Listen as Tim Killian, instructor in the gerontology and aging studies program, explains how students can choose from a wide range of courses at many different universities.
Program Information at Participating Universities
The following member universities offer a master’s degree in gerontology & aging studies and hold regional accreditation:
All IDEA member universities are accredited by regional agencies, aligning with requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education. This ensures that students pursuing their degrees through IDEA are met with a high standard of academic excellence, which is essential in sitting for certification exams and pursuing future employment. Learn more about the accreditation of our member universities.
Career Opportunities in Gerontology & Aging Studies
An advanced degree in the field of gerontology and aging studies can benefit a diverse range of professionals. Whether you work with older persons through programs and services in your community, advocate for age-friendly policies and practices, or seek a better understanding of the needs of this growing population to help grow your business, our master’s degree and graduate certificate ensure you’ll find success in this high-demand field.
Some gerontologists work directly with older persons in a wide variety of programs and services in the community. Others work on behalf of older persons in areas such as advocacy and teaching about aging.
Direct Care
- Retirement communities and senior activity centers
- Rehabilitation and recreational therapy
- Health promotion and nutrition sites
- Retirement and financial advising
Business and Industry
- Researcher or consultant on aging issues within firms and companies
- Hospitality and marketing
- Architecture and interior design
Research and Teaching
- Adult education
- Training programs
- Think tanks that specialize in long-term care
Non-Profits
- Clinical and social services
- Program planning and administration
Government Agencies
- Analyst or administrator for federal agencies
- Departments of aging at state and local levels
- Aging policy development
Listen to Sonya Carney, a graduate of the gerontology & aging studies program, explain how interacting with students from other areas in the field of aging studies has been a significant benefit to her learning.
For more information on career opportunities and options in the field of gerontology, visit Careers in Aging.
Collaborate with Expert Faculty
Coming from different home universities, IDEA’s gerontology & aging studies faculty blend perspectives and expertise to create a uniquely engaging online academic experience that you won’t find at just one institution. Faculty are nationally and internationally recognized experts in areas such as human longevity, aging in place, marital and family relations, long-term care, and cognitive and nutritional health.
Learn more about the faculty teaching in this program at the bottom of this page.
Join this High-Demand Field with a Degree in Gerontology & Aging Studies
IDEA’s online gerontology & aging studies graduate program provides flexibility and convenience so you can create an educational path that supports your career goals while balancing school with work and family.
Ready to share your passion for working with older adults? Apply now!
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What You Will Learn
How You Will Learn
