Gerontology, M.S.

The Gerontology Program prepares individuals to understand the aging process and issues related to an aging society. Graduates of our programs are prepared to apply research and theory to address the needs of older adults and equipped to be leaders in the aging services and beyond.

The mission of the Graduate Programs in Gerontology is to prepare students to apply gerontological knowledge that enriches and improves the lives of diverse older adults through inclusive, evidence-based practice.

The Master of Science in Gerontology is fully online and asynchronous, making this an ideal program for students living at a distance, working professionals, or who need the flexibility that online degree programs offer. The program is designed to launch or expand careers in aging. Coursework encourages students with any academic background to broaden and deepen their understanding of aging by developing a gerontological lens and to adopt a scholar-practitioner perspective that emphasizes theory and research-based practice with older adults.

Graduates of the program are succeeding in careers entailing advocacy roles, coordination of services for older adults, and administrative leadership positions.

Program Distinctions

• The M.S. in Gerontology is the only fully online graduate program in Gerontology in the state of North Carolina.
• The M.S. in Gerontology is accredited by the Accreditation for Gerontology Education Council, the nonprofit organization that is responsible for accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that gerontology programs meet these standards.  
• The Gerontology program at UNCG has been named one of Today’s Best for Online Learning in Gerontology by EduMed.org (2021), Best Online Master’s in Gerontology by Intelligent.com (2022), and Best Masters in Gerontology by onlineschoolsreport.com (2020).

The Student Experience

• Students in the program come from a variety of academic backgrounds. Graduates pursue careers based on their interests and can specialize through elective options offered by the program or across campus and the state.
• You have flexibility to complete the program at your own pace, taking as few or as many courses that fit your schedule. You can earn your degree in as little as one year.
• You can work and attend school as all courses are online and taught asynchronously. 
• You have several options for capstone field experiences, including research, internship, or service-learning and may use your place of employment for your field experience if the organization primarily serves older adults and the work is outside of normal job responsibilities.

After Graduation

After graduation, students can expect to find career opportunities in the following:

• Community, human services, and religious organizations
• Health care and long-term care institutions
• Federal, state, and local government agencies
• Retirement communities
• Professional organizations
• Business and industry
• Academic and other education and research settings

Apply to Program

• 30 credit hours
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Official transcripts
• Written professional statement/statement of purpose
• Video personal statement
• No GRE or entrance exam required
• TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers

Undergraduate Minor

• Gerontology Undergraduate Minor