Gerontology is the study of aging and its effects on individuals and society as a whole. As the population continues to age, there is an increasing demand for professionals with expertise in this field. Online graduate programs in gerontology offer individuals the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to work with older adults in a variety of settings.

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of pursuing an online graduate program in gerontology, the types of programs available, and the potential career paths for graduates.

Let’s get started!

Master’s Degree

The Master of Science in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Gerontology is ideal for current and aspiring professionals in the field of gerontology and geriatric care. This 36-credit-hour, non-thesis program will impart the skills, knowledge and experience students need to advance their careers and help aging populations transition from one stage of life to the next.

The number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to reach 77 million by the year 2034, and within two decades, seniors will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. There is a growing call for gerontologists and geriatricians that is going unanswered.

Become an Advocate for Older Adults

As a master’s degree student, you will be provided a comprehensive and personalized curriculum covering the biological, clinical, psychological, sociological, legal and ethical aspects of aging. You’ll learn to advocate for the unique needs of older adults, including their mental and physical health and independence.

Through our program, you’ll deepen your knowledge of aging in preparation for providing older adults with services as a gerontologist or quality health care as a geriatrician. Our program also affords the opportunity to earn a graduate certificate with the successful completion of the 9-credit track in addition to your degree.

Additional benefits include:

• Accessibility: No clinical experience or campus visits are required.
• Affordability: Tuition is competitively priced and the same for all students, regardless of their location.
• Efficiency: Earn a master’s degree in as little as one year.
• Flexibility: Courses are asynchronous and can be completed at students’ convenience.
• Relevancy: Curriculum is updated regularly to reflect the latest trends and research findings.

Earn your master’s degree in as little as one year and gain a specialized skill set. Distinguish yourself from your competitors and succeed in your profession or medical school.

Master Gerontology Topics in Our Virtual Classroom

Entirely online and asynchronous, our MS in gerontology program will allow you to complete coursework on your own time and at your own pace. Throughout our program, you’ll access readings, view multimedia materials, complete assignments and participate in discussion boards, all from the comfort of your own home.

Learn (virtually) alongside your fellow graduate students from leading doctors and researchers in the field of aging. Become a master’s degree student to join a supportive online learning environment that’ll prioritize your personal, professional and academic needs.

Secure Your Future in the Field of Aging

For the first time in human history, the majority of people can expect to live well into their sixties. The aging population will become more racially and ethnically diverse with time, meaning that untrained professionals will be unable to adequately provide for the needs of older adults.

Professionals who are able to account for an individual’s unique circumstances, such as their race, gender and health, will find their expertise rewarded. To benefit from emerging opportunities, students can enroll in our online MS in gerontology program.

Required Core Courses (24 credit hours)

• COURSE NUMBER COURSE TITLE CREDITS SPRING SUMMER FALL
  • GMS 6099 Research Methods in Gerontology 3 X X X
  • GMS 6483 Theories of Aging 3 X X X
  • GMS 6484 Geriatric and Age-Related Diseases 3 X X X
  • GMS 6485 Population-Based Research 3 X –– ––
  • GMS 6486 Biology of Aging 3 X X X
  • GMS 6715 Healthy Aging: Behavioral Outcomes 3 X X X
  • GMS 6717 Healthy Aging in the New Millennium 3 X X X
  • GMS 6771 Clinical Neuroscience of Aging 3 X X X

Elective Courses (12 credit hours)

• COURSE NUMBER COURSE TITLE CREDITS SPRING SUMMER FALL
  • GMS 6487 Anti-Aging Interventions 3 X X X
  • GMS 6495 Aging Practicum (Master’s Thesis) 3 X X X
  • GMS 6495 Data Science and Technology in Gerontology 3 X X X
  • GMS 6491 Aging Research Journal Club 1 X X X
  • GMS 6440 Fundamentals of Medical Physiology 1 X X X
  • GMS 6474 Medical Cardiovascular and Muscle Physiology 3 X X X
  • GMS 6419 Medical Endocrinology and Reproduction 3 X X X

Complete the UF Master’s Degree Application

When completing and submitting the application, please note the following important information for each section of the application:

Getting Started

• Go to the Graduate Application.

Keep the username and password that you create in order to log in and edit your application before submission.

• Submitting the Online Application
• Personal Information

Provide all of the requested Personal Information:

• International Applicants:
  • You must enter your Surname and Given name in the Passport Name section even if you do not have a passport.
  • If you are a permanent resident alien and/or reside in the United States, you must provide your resident alien number and upload a copy of your permanent resident alien card directly to the application.
  • Conduct Disclosure
  • Accurately answer and report all information in the Conduct Disclosure section.

Application Information & Program of Study

Follow the instructions below to make the correct selections for the degree you are applying for:

• In the Location of Intended Program dropdown, select Distance Education.
• In the Program of Study section, click or search College of Medicine. From the expanded selection, choose Medical Sciences.
• Choose the term you are applying for from the dropdown.
• Review your selection in the Program Display and verify that it is correct before moving to the next application step. If you need to amend your selection, choose Re-Select Program.
  • Fill out the Additional Information section with the following:
    • Under Concentration, choose the dropdown option Gerontology.
    • In the Department Contact Name field, type blank.

Activities

• Report past and/or planned activities in this section, including pertinent work experience.
• English Proficiency Test Score Information
• International applicants that are required to provide English proficiency test scores should select the test that they have taken, or plan to take, to meet this requirement.

Additional Questions (Statement of Purpose & Resume/CV)

• A statement of purpose and resume/CV are required and should be uploaded to the application.
• Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application requires inclusion of all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding.
• Please ensure this information is included on your curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé.
• Letters of Recommendation
• Two letters of recommendation are required and should be uploaded to the application.

Academic Background

• Report your undergraduate major.
• Enter all of the colleges or universities you have attended. Accurately report both the degree you earned and the date it was earned.
• Upload your unofficial transcripts for each school, if you have them.
• Note that your application will not be reviewed for an admission decision until your official transcripts are received (instructions for sending official transcripts are on the Step Three tab on this page).
• The upper-division GPA must be reported on the UF Graduate Application.

Residency Information

• Enter your residency information. The residency of our students has no bearing on tuition cost for our program, but this information is required by the University of Florida.
• If you are a non-Florida resident, check the appropriate box.
• If you are a Florida resident, fully complete the Residency Information section, including the numbers and original issue dates for two of the following three identifying documents.
  • Documents may be directly uploaded to the application:
    • Driver’s License
    • Vehicle Registration
    • Voter Registration
  • Application Fee
    • The $30 application fee must be paid with the submission of the online application in order for the application to be submitted.