Gerontology: Aging Studies (Master of Science)

At the University of Utah, our courses combine the flexibility of online teaching with the advantages and direct engagement of traditional teaching. Enjoy the benefit of studying online at your own pace while still engaging with classmates and instructors. This flexible way of teaching improves your overall experience and your ability to retain what you learn.

Interactive learning comes in a variety of ways:

• Group assignments, where you collaborate via email or a discussion forum to answer a problem set.
• Contributions to a discussion forum, where you directly respond to previous posts.
• Peer reviews, where you review and comment on assignments from other students.

Our classes also offer multiple routes to stay connected and get help:

• Communicate directly with the instructor.
• Participate in guided online discussions.
• Attend online office hours in discussion threads or on the phone.
• Instructors are available in “real” office hours for students on or near campus; some courses offer Q&A sessions in a classroom.

The Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program administers educational offerings at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

All of the courses at the University, whether online or on campus, are taught by the same high-quality faculty members. There’s no distinction on your diploma that you completed courses online.

The Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program admits students once a year. The following are the minimum requirements needed to apply for the Gerontology Interdisciplinary MS Program:

• Completed application for graduate admission. Apply here.
• Transcripts from ANY and ALL colleges and universities attended, including the University of Utah, must be uploaded as part of the graduate application.
• Evidence of a bachelors degree from a regionally accredited university or college
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• A current resume or curriculum vitae
• Three professional references
• Personal statement
• International Students:  Due to the online nature of this program we are not allowed to accept international applications. 

Applicants should note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program Master's Degree. Applicants are evaluated according to university and departmental requirements.

The Gerontology program requires completion of a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Learn more about the required coursework for the Master of Science for the full-time program of study (PDF) and for the part-time program of study (PDF). 

Note that in addition to the completion of the core curriculum requirements, there are also elective courses, a 150-hour practicum and a Master’s Project or Thesis. All requirements for the Master's degree are fulfilled by completing the 11 courses illustrated in the programs of study. 

$735/ credit hour* for resident and non-resident (out-of-state)

For Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 (*Subject to change without notice)

This program qualifies for the U of U employee reduced tuition benefit.

Gerontologists work in community and government agencies, independent living and long-term care facilities, research, counseling centers, hospice and home health services, and a variety of university settings. Many work as entrepreneurs or consultants with companies geared to the needs of older people. They engage with individuals at home and meet with caregivers and family members.

• Entrepreneur
• Audiologist
• Occupational or Physical Therapist
• Art or Music Therapist
• Social Worker or Marriage and Family Therapist
• Lawyer
• Pharmacist
• Nurse
• Registered Dietician
• Speech-language Pathologist
• Clinical Psychologist

Applications are reviewed by both the University of Utah Office of Graduate Admissions and the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program Advisory Committee. Successful applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements for, and be accepted by, both the graduate school and the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program.

Final Deadline: March 1

For more information, please consider attending a College of Nursing Graduate Information Session. Please note that while the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program is housed within the College of Nursing, students from all backgrounds may apply for the Gerontology Master's Degree as it is not a nursing degree.

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