The Best Online Master’s in Gerontology Programs

Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University prepares students with a solid foundation in gerontology with its master's degree program. Students gain a better theoretical foundation in gerontology, human development and family science, giving them the competencies to succeed upon earning their degrees.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science Gerontology
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 33 hours

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall: August 20, 2018

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: October 15
GPA: 3.0

University of Florida

The University of Florida continuously updates its curriculum to reflect the latest research in the health care industry. Students in the gerontology master's degree program learn from updated information and enter the workforce with modern skills to succeed in today's health care facilities.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master's in Gerontology
Available Concentrations: Geriatric Care Management, Geropsychology, Medical Physiology
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asychronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

University of Southern California

Students interested in health care policy development should consider the University of Southern California. This program includes numerous courses in social policy in the field of aging and more, providing the necessary competencies for students to advance into policy development roles after earning their master's degrees.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Program Name: Master of Science in Gerontology
Accrediting Body: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 44 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2-3 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 1
GPA: 3.0

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University designed its master's degree program in gerontology to develop the students' professional skills for career advancement. Through comprehensive coursework and interactive training, graduates emerge with a master's degree to propel their careers in nursing, social work, public policy and more.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Human Sciences
Program Name: Masters of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credit

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall: August 27, 2018; Spring: January 16, 2019; Summer: June 4, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: December 1; Fall: April 15; Summer: April 15

Iowa State University

Iowa State University is committed to helping its students succeed not only in the master's in gerontology program but also in their professional careers. Students work with faculty advisers to design the program based on their specific needs and career objectives, helping them every step of the way to ensure successful completion of the program.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Masters of Family and Consumer Sciences
Available Concentrations: Gerontology specialization
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronously

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credit

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall: August 20, 2018

University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas has a non-thesis track purely for online students who enjoy participating in courses and lectures more than writing. This option excludes the requirement for a six-hour thesis and defense and opts for an oral and written exam to pass.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Human Environmental Sciences
Program Name: Master of Science in Human Environmental Sciences
Available Concentrations: Human Development and Family Sciences
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2-3 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 1; Spring: December 1; Summer: April 15
GPA: 3.0

University of Missouri

The University of Missouri offers a 100 percent online master's degree program in gerontology with no residencies or on-campus visits required. Students can take every class online and at their own pace, developing the skills to advance their careers in long-term medical facilities, hospitals and other health care settings.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Human Environmental Sciences
Program Name: Master of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies
Available Concentrations: Gerontology
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2-3 years
Program start dates: Fall: August, Spring: January, Summer: June

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 1; Spring: December 1; Summer: April 15
GPA: 3.0

University of Utah

The University of Utah offers an accelerated path to graduation with its full-time master's degree program in gerontology. Although students can participate in part-time classes, full-time students will benefit the most as they can earn their master's degrees in only one year.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Nursing
Program Name: Master of Science in Gerontology
Accrediting Body: NWCCU

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited university or college
Credit Requirements: 33-34 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 1-2 years
Program start dates: Summer, Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer: March 15; Fall: April 1; Spring: November 1
GPA: 3.0

Rutgers University

Rutgers University offers a structured master's degree program in health sciences and features two tracks: a gerontology master's degree or a graduate certificate, which is shorter in length. Both options are designed for working professionals who want to expand their skill set to work with the aging.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Health Professions
Program Name: M.S. Health Sciences
Available Concentrations: Aging
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 5 years
Program start dates: Summer: May

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer: April 15
GPA: 3.0

Kansas State University

Kansas State University offers a highly accessible master's degree program in gerontology for professionals seeking career advancement. With no GRE or thesis required, students can start right away and focus their studies on interactive coursework to improve their skills and knowledge for working more effectively with older adults.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master's in Gerontology
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credit hour

Program LengthProgram Options: Full time

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: February 1; Spring: August 1; Summer: December 1
GPA: 3.0

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas not only concerns itself with the professional development of its students; it also focuses on their personal growth. Students in the gerontology program engage in a high level of interaction with their peers and faculty members and reach their full potential thanks to a holistic learning approach.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Health and Public Service
Program Name: Master of Science in Health Services Administration
Available Concentrations: Applied Gerontology, Long-Term Care, Rehabilitation Services
Accrediting Body: CAHME

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Spring, Fall, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: October 15; Fall: June 15; Summer: April 15
GPA: 3.0

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers an affordable master's degree program in gerontology. In terms of value, this program exceeds expectations as it offers competitive tuition, innovative training and accelerated seven-week courses in a 100 percent online format.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Health and Human Sciences
Program Name: MS in Gerontology
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in any field of study from an accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 1; Spring: October 1; Summer: April 1

Wichita State University

Wichita State University is the ideal location for students who want to earn their master's degree in gerontology thanks to the Master of Arts in Aging Studies program. This program provides graduate students with a career pathway for increasing their skills and improving the quality of life for the aging population.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Aging Studies
Available Concentrations: Administration, Public Health, Social Sciences
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 15; Spring: December 1; Summer: April 15
GPA: 2.75

North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University offers students a multidisciplinary master's degree program in gerontology to cover the fundamentals of aging and the development of senior assistance programs. Students graduate with the skills to assist aging individuals and to develop programs that benefit the older population.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Human Development and Family Science
Program Name: Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science
Available Concentration: Gerontology
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 36 credit

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall: August; Spring: January; Summer: May

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 1; Spring: December 1; Summer: April 15
GPA: 3.0

Texas State University

Texas State University offers an interdisciplinary master's degree program in aging studies with an emphasis in dementia. Graduate students learn the skills not only to work with the aged community but also to conduct effective research on dementia.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Liberal Arts
Program Name: MS in Dementia and Aging Studies
Available Concentrations: Dementia and Long-Term Care, Practitioner, Research
Accrediting Body: Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 33-36 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 15; Spring: October 15; Summer: April 15
GPA: 3.0
Work Experience: 2 years of documented experience in the field of gerontology

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University provides a highly flexible master's degree program in gerontology for professionals seeking career advancement. This program is designed for active practitioners who want to earn their master's degrees without interrupting their careers, giving them the freedom to complete the coursework when it's most convenient for them.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Gerontology
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronously

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: August 7, 2017

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0

Webster University

Webster University excels in distance education, providing exceptional master's degrees programs to enhance the careers of current and aspiring professionals. The M.A. in Gerontology is one such program that delivers advanced coursework and real-world training in an online format for distance learners who have to balance work and school in one.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts & Sciences
Program Name: Master of Arts in Gerontology
Accrediting Body: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: March 18, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 2.5

McDaniel College

McDaniel College takes an interactive approach to educating students in the master's in gerontology program. Students engage in workshops, interactive coursework and hands-on practicals, including various opportunities to enhance their presentation and research skills, to become better assets in their respective health care facilities.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: The Center for the Study of Aging
Program Name: M.S. in Gerontology
Accrediting Body: Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

DeliveryFormat: Online; Hybrid
Instruction Style: Asynchronously

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 30-36 hours

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time; Part-time
Program Length: 1-6 years
Program start dates: Summer: May 20, 2019; Fall: August 26, 2019; Spring: January 13, 2020

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 1; Spring: December 15; Summer: May 1
GPA: 2.5

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University prepares graduates for leadership roles in the field thanks to an in-depth master's degree program in gerontology. Graduates emerge with a better understanding and advanced skills in gerontology to succeed in wellness, policy development and rehabilitation careers.

Program OverviewProgram Name: MLS Concentration in Gerontology
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 31 credit hours

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall: June 1; Spring: October 1

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 8, 2018
GPA: 2.75

Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University takes an experiential approach to teaching students in the master's in aging studies program. Students learn in high quality, accessible, and affordable online classes learning the fundamental skills to work with and to assist aging individuals.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Aging Studies
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree, 2.75 minimum undergraduate GPA, essay statement, and two letters of recommendation
Credit Requirements: 33 credit hours

Program Length
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Applications accepted year round for an admission in fall, spring, or summer semesters
GPA: 2.75 minimum undergraduate GPA, maintain 3.0 minimum GPA in graduate degree program

University of Maryland - Baltimore County

UMBC provides an outstanding M.A. in Management of Aging Services program to students looking to train with industry professionals and academic scholars. The university's student-focused professors are established in the field and share their expertise with current students, helping them to gain the skills for bright careers after college.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Erickson School of Aging Studies
Program Name: M.A. in Management of Aging Services
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 16 months
Program start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: June 1; Spring: December 1
GPA: 3.0

University of Nebraska Omaha

The University of Nebraska Omaha provides a social gerontology master's degree program for professionals seeking the skills to grow in their nursing careers. With thesis and nonthesis options, including advanced courses in foundational principles, graduates are equipped with the knowledge to improve the interactions between older adults as they age.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Public Affairs and Community Service
Program Name: Master of Arts in Social Gerontology
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's or master's degree at a regionally accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Summer: May 13, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0

Concordia University - Nebraska

Concordia University-Nebraska designed its master's in gerontology program for experienced professionals and aspiring graduate students, providing them with an in-depth curriculum to improve their overall skill set. This program covers foundational and advanced courses in one and culminates with a practicum to showcase the students' competencies.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Healthcare Administration concentration in Gerontology
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Master's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credit hours

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: March 9, 2018
GPA: 3.0

Brenau University

Brenau University's master's degree program in gerontology is designed for professionals who have different career needs and goals. Students can customize the curriculum to align with their goals and to focus their studies in a specific area that increases their skills and knowledge for career advancement in their chosen field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Ivester College of Health Sciences
Program Name: M.S. in Applied Gerontology
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credit hour

Program LengthProgram Options: Full time
Program start dates: Fall: August 27, 2018

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: January 15, 2018
GPA: 3.0

University of Louisiana Monroe

The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a gerontology master's degree program with a specialization in long-term care administration. Students benefit from this program's curriculum and hands-on training, giving them the skills to provide useful and beneficial services to elderly individuals in various health care facilities.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Business & Social Sciences
Program Name: Master of Arts in Gerontology
Available Concentrations: Program Administration, Aging Studies, Long-term Care Administration, Small Business Management, Mental Health, Grief Care Management
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Summer 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer: May 31, 2019
GPA: 2.75
Work Experience: 3 years or more experience in the field of Gerontology

Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago offers small class sizes in the master's in gerontology program for a more personalized educational experience. Students work in small groups and get to know their peers and professors more easily, having greater opportunities for collaboration and one-on-one support throughout the program.

Program OverviewProgram Name: MA in gerontology program
Accrediting Body: Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE)

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 24 months

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: January 14, 2019
GPA: 3.0

Southeastern University

Southeastern University offers a specialization in gerontology in the master's in human services program, providing enhanced focus in the sociology of aging and social issues on caring for the aged community. Graduates emerge with improved skills for working with aging individuals and learn specialized knowledge in aging and long-term care.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Human Services
Available Concentrations: Gerontology
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 12 months
Program start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: May 1; Spring: November 1
GPA: 3.0