Online M.S. in Gerontology: Aging Studies

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.

Master of Science in Gerontology from the College of Nursing. 

All of the courses at the university, whether online or on campus, are taught by the same expert faculty members. 

The master’s in gerontology degree program requires 33-34 credits across 11 courses. You can complete the gerontology degree online in as few as three semesters or take up to four years if you prefer part-time study.

In addition to completing the program’s core courses, you will take elective classes, fulfill a 150-hour practicum, and choose between a master’s project or thesis. Explore the required coursework for the full-time, part-time, and accelerated programs of study.

view program curriculum & requirements

Student Learning Outcomes

• 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 development 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/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 care facilities, government agencies, community-based nonprofit organizations, lifelong learning programs, and private care management practices.

The tuition rate for the online gerontology master’s degree program is $735 per credit hour for Utah residents and nonresidents. Tuition is subject to change. Use the tuition estimator to calculate your cost. 

Tuition does not include additional fees, such as online textbooks or proctored exams. Fees and materials vary by program. 

As a student pursuing an online gerontology master's degree, you have several opportunities for financial support. Each year, you can apply for scholarships or paid Teaching and Research Assistant positions that offer a tuition benefit.

The University of Utah also participates in the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) through the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), allowing students from eligible states to pay reduced tuition rates.

Explore more about UOnline cost. 

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

The master’s in gerontology degree program requires applicants to meet the admission standards of the University of Utah's Graduate School and the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program, as both committees review applications. 

Each fall, a cohort of 12-15 students are admitted into the full-time program. Occasionally, additional applications are accepted in the spring. Due to the program’s online nature, we cannot accept international applications.

Although the program is housed within the College of Nursing, students from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as the online gerontology master’s degree is not a nursing degree. For more details, register for a College of Nursing Graduate Information Session.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet and submit the following application materials for admission consideration in the master’s of gerontology degree program:

• Completed graduate application
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including the University of Utah
• Evidence of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university or college with a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• A current résumé or curriculum vitae
• Three professional references
• Personal statement

Note: Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as applicants are evaluated based on the University of Utah and departmental standards.