Online Master’s Programs in Gerontology

Would you like to earn a master's degree in gerontology? Here, we outline what you'll learn, career options, and other helpful resources.

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Updated April 10, 2023

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Online Master’s Programs in Gerontology

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What You'll Learn with a Online Master's in Gerontology and Career Potential

Population projections suggest that the number of U.S. adults over age 65 will reach 80 million by 2040. This will create demand for healthcare professionals who can treat aging populations. A gerontology degree emphasizes care methods and quality of life for aging individuals. Professionals in this field focus on both mental and physical health.

Geriatrics focuses specifically on medical care for aging populations. Gerontology graduates find careers in healthcare management, counseling, social work, and nursing. A master's degree in gerontology does not prepare candidates for geriatrician roles, which require a medical degree.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much-faster-than-average growth for gerontology-related careers in 2020-2030. Health services managers enjoy 32% growth projections and nurse practitioners enjoy 45%. Nearly all gerontology careers require at least a bachelor's in gerontology degree. A master's can lead to many higher paying jobs. This page covers master's in gerontology degrees, including typical courses and career outcomes.


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What Can I Learn in an Online Master's in Gerontology Program?

Earning a gerontology degree online builds specialized skills related to aging population care. The list below highlights five typical gerontology courses. While course titles may differ among schools, general content should remain the same.

What Common Courses Are Offered in a Master's in Gerontology Program?

What Exams or Projects Should I Expect?

Graduation requirements for gerontology degrees vary among schools and programs. A master's degree in gerontology typically culminates in a capstone or thesis during the final semesters. These projects assess overall student learning and form a bridge to professional gerontology practice.

Capstone projects typically relate to practical elements of professional practice. A thesis serves students interested in research or academic careers.

What Specializations Are Available in a Master's in Gerontology Program?

Students earning their gerontology degree online can choose a specialization, preparing them for different career paths. The list below highlights five popular gerontology specialization tracks.

What Can I Do With a Master's in Gerontology Degree?

Gerontology includes many career paths and professional roles. This list highlights just a few of the field's options.

How Much Can I Make with a Career in Gerontology?

Students can follow many career paths after completing a master's degree in gerontology. This list highlights some of the most popular career paths for gerontology graduates.

Career Salary Potential
Career Median Annual Salary Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029)
Geriatric Care Manager $104,280 32%
Sociologist $86,110 5%
Geriatric Social Worker $51,760 12%
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner $117,670 45%
Occupational Therapist $86,280 17%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Online Master's in Gerontology Program Accreditation

When researching any gerontology degree online, make sure that both the school and the program hold proper accreditation. The accreditation process regulates schools and ensures they adhere to national education standards.

Accreditation comes in three types: regional, national, and programmatic. Regional accreditation serves four-year colleges, while national accreditation serves vocational and trade schools. Any school offering a master's degree in gerontology should hold regional accreditation, rather than national accreditation.

Programmatic accreditation evaluates individual programs within a certain field. For gerontology, look for either Accreditation for Gerontology Education Council or Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education accreditation.

How to Pay for a Master's in Gerontology Degree

Graduate students can find many funding options for their gerontology degree. This list outlines three common funding sources: loans, graduate assistantships, and financial support for military personnel and veterans.

  1. 1

    Graduate Assistantships

    Some programs offer full or partial tuition remission through graduate assistantships, which require students to teach or assist in research. For example, St. Cloud State University in Michigan offers graduate assistantships to roughly 30% of full-time graduate students.
  2. 2

    Student Loans

    Graduate students use both federal and private student loans to finance their education. Filling out the FAFSA shows students their eligibility for different types of aid.
  3. 3

    Military and Veteran Financial Aid

    The federal government offers educational funding to military veterans and their families through many programs. The VA provides education benefits for veterans primarily through the GI Bill®.

Additional Resources

Gerontologists and other professionals in the field depend on different industry organizations to share knowledge. Many of these organizations offer memberships to graduate students pursuing gerontology degrees.

A nonprofit dedicated to aging health, the Alliance for Aging Research advocates for effective public policy and research. The organization hosts resources on aging and informative public events. Serving over 2,000 geriatric psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals, AAGP offers networking and collaboration resources for industry professionals. Student members can access job boards, educational publications, and other resources.

With over 6,000 geriatrics healthcare members, AGS works to improve patient care, public policy, education, and research. Student members receive access to career resources, networking opportunities, and educational events.

Bringing together professionals focused on aging, ASA works to build leadership skills and knowledge among its members. Members receive access to job resources, networking opportunities, and professional conferences.

Dedicated to education, research, and practice in the aging field, GSA serves over 5,500 members nationwide. Membership benefits include access to trade publications, awards and fellowships, and mentorship services.

Online Master's in Gerontology Programs

#1 Online Master’s Programs in Gerontology

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

  • Greensboro, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Among the University of North Carolina at Greensboro's academic offerings are online master's programs in fields including adult gerontology. The public institution's student population includes on-campus degree-seekers and 10,282 online students. Many online programs feature flexible scheduling options, which can make earning a degree easier for busy learners balancing academics with personal obligations.

Degree-seekers complete a rigorous curriculum and gain field-specific training while fulfilling requirements for the MS in gerontology. Students can customize the master's curriculum based on their interests and professional goals. The online program emphasizes field-specific skills and knowledge. After earning the master's degree in adult gerontology, graduates can launch a new career in the field. Students and alumni can benefit from the institution's career services.

In addition to career advising, learners can access financial aid counseling to ensure they explore all available funding options. The school supports online learners through affordable tuition rates and institutional funding. Learners often apply for fellowships to fund their graduate education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,422
Out-of-state
$19,581
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,219
Out-of-state
$18,937
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
20,196
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
51% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Online Master’s Programs in Gerontology

University of Utah

  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Utah educates degree-seekers online and at its Salt Lake City campus. Along with in-person programs, the school delivers online graduate programs across fields. Online learners can enroll in the convenient master of science in gerontology program to gain advanced knowledge in adult gerontology.

The rigorous curriculum, combined with academic and career advising, prepares enrollees for gerontology careers. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program offers flexible enrollment options. While most master's degree-seekers graduate in 1-2 years, part-time enrollment may extend degree completion time.

Students at the accredited institution can receive federal financial aid. Of the student body, 29% take out loans, which require repayment, to pay for their degree. In addition, financial aid helps 85% of the institution's learners fund their studies.

University of Utah at a Glance:

Total Programs: 384

Number of Online Programs: 16

Online Master's Programs: 123

Number of Online Students: 11,058

Religious Affiliation: Non-affiliated

Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,412
Out-of-state
$26,017
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,211
Out-of-state
$25,455
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
32,852
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
34% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#3 Online Master’s Programs in Gerontology

Kansas State University

  • Manhattan, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners throughout the country can pursue high-quality online graduate programs from Kansas State University. From its campus in Manhattan, the public institution offers 73 online programs, including 26 online master's programs. At the school, graduate degree-seekers can enroll in a master's program in gerontology. The online gerontology program is ideal for students with busy schedules.

Learners gain foundational knowledge during core classes and complete advanced gerontology coursework to develop specialized skills. Students gain theoretical and practical knowledge during experiential learning opportunities and elective classes. Full-time master's degree-seekers typically require 1-2 years to complete their program. Prospective applicants should reach out to the program to learn more about admission standards and deadlines.

The school's affordable tuition rates make graduate studies more accessible. Graduate students pay an average in-state tuition rate of $10,212 and an average out-of-state tuition rate of $23,050. The institution holds accreditation, which means enrollees with financial need can qualify for federal grants and loans. According to the school, 88% of students fund their education through financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,735
Out-of-state
$25,251
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,212
Out-of-state
$23,050
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
21,719
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
27% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Online Master’s Programs in Gerontology

Iowa State University

  • Ames, IA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners enrolled at Iowa State University can pursue an online master's degree. Located in Ames, the public institution enrolls 7,802 students in its remote programs. Online programs typically feature flexible scheduling options, which are ideal for busy learners.

Degree-seekers in the master's in gerontology program complete a rigorous curriculum that fosters field-specific knowledge and transferable skills. Faculty mentors help graduate students customize the program based on their professional goals. Learners in the online program develop specialized gerontology skills and knowledge. After earning the master's degree in gerontology, graduates can apply for new positions in the field or advance their current career. The institution's career services and alumni network can help master's students locate and secure professional opportunities.

In addition to career advising, learners can access financial aid counseling to ensure they explore all funding options. Online learners at the school pay affordable tuition rates. Students who need additional funding can secure private scholarships and institutional fellowships.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,042
Out-of-state
$23,230
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,758
Out-of-state
$24,720
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
33,372
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
23% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Online Master’s Programs in Gerontology

Webster University

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Webster University enrolls students in an online master's program. The school, located in Missouri, reports that 1,908 students take online classes. The school offers an online MA in gerontology program. The accredited program offers a rigorous course of study valued by employers. The program provides advanced training for gerontology careers. The institution reports a student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1, giving students one-on-one time with faculty.

Prospective students can learn more about online support services at the school's website. The online program charges affordable tuition rates and offers financial aid. This helps graduate students complete a master's degree with less debt. The college reports a 58% graduation rate for its programs.

Webster University at a Glance:

Total Online Enrollment: 4,741

Number of Online Master’s Programs: 31

Graduate Tuition: $13,500/year in-state and out-of-state

The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,500
Out-of-state
$28,500
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,500
Out-of-state
$13,500
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
9,860
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
48% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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