Meet the Needs of an Aging Population
Join a program that prepares professionals to understand the aging process and issues related to an aging society. Learn from experts who value an interdisciplinary approach, and leave the program equipped to be a leader in the field of aging.
Program Overview
The Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program Master of Science degree program is an online program available in both full-time (9-12 credit hours per semester) and part-time (6 credit hours per semester) options.
- The full-time program of study is completed in 3-4 semesters – 1 year, including the summer semester.
- The part-time program of study is completed in 6 semesters – 2 years, including summer semesters.
A total of 33 - 34 credit hours are required to complete this program, depending on the project/thesis option selected (33 for the master's project, 34 for masters thesis).
Admissions
The University of Utah is a participating partner in the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) and the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP). Graduate applicants interested in the Master's program may be eligible for reduced costs. In most cases, WRGP students pay tuition at resident rates. Please contact WICHE for more information.
Nursing Education Xchange (NEXus)
Opportunities are also offered for doctoral/graduate students, through the Nursing Education Xchange (NEXus), enrolled at member colleges and universities to take courses that may not be offered at his/her home institution for a common price.
Master of Gerontology Program Expected Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental biological, psychological, and social dimensions of the aging process.
- Demonstrate an understanding of major concepts, theories, and approaches to research in the study of the aging process, including the understanding of an interdisciplinary approach and the use of multi-methods in the study of the aging process.
- Demonstrate an understanding of healthy aging as a life course process involving the interplay of hereditary, behavioral, environmental, social and economic influences in conjunction with the role of the biomedical / healthcare systems. Students are encouraged to view aging as a phenomenon fraught with variability, consisting of opportunities for continued developments and growth, as well as the challenges associated with chronic conditions frailty, and potentially stressful life transitions faced by some aging individuals.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the macro (e.g., social-demographic), meso (e.g., home and community), and micro (e.g., physiological/biological) influences on the aging process and the interaction among all levels through the use of the ecological conceptual model.
- Be able to identify, analyze, and assess information from a variety of sources and perspectives and indicate the ability to apply technological advancements (e.g., social media) in the various domains of educational gerontology.
- Be prepared to work directly with older adults in a variety of service program settings, long-term care facilities, government agencies, community-based non-profit organizations, lifelong learning programs, and in private care management practices.