By the end of the program, students with a Master of Gerontology degree will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental biological, psychological, and social dimensions of the aging process.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the major concepts, theories, and approaches related to the study of the aging process, including the understanding of an interdisciplinary approach and the use of multi-methods.
• 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/health care systems. Students are encouraged to view aging as a phenomenon filled 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) and meso (e.g., home/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.
• 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 facilities, government agencies, community-based non-profit organizations, lifelong learning programs, and in private care management practice.