Aging, MS
Become an expert in the field of aging, and make a tangible difference in the lives of a rapidly growing and diverse population. You'll be prepared to promote a healthier, more vibrant future for older adults.
Quick facts
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation and professional licensure
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Aligned with the Arizona State University charter and design aspirations, the flexible online Master of Science program in aging assumes responsibility for the overall health of communities by educating you to become an expert in the field of aging. This graduate program emphasizes theory and research to understand the unique opportunities and challenges of the aging population. After completing this program, you may apply for credentialing as a gerontologist through the National Association for Professional Gerontologists.
By fusing intellectual disciplines and socially embedding partners in the network of aging health, wellness and social services, as well as entrepreneurs developing senior-related business ventures, this program is uniquely positioned to address the varied needs of this rapidly growing population. The program provides you with advanced interdisciplinary knowledge that focuses on improving the well-being of diverse older adults within the context of their families and communities.
The curriculum of the MS in aging is competency-based and designed in accordance with the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education competencies for graduate education. It addresses the multidimensional aging process and the needs of aging populations and their potential contributions to society; reflects national health initiatives; and encourages interdisciplinary and community collaborations that are reciprocal, beneficial and sustainable to improve health outcomes of older adults.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (HCA 593)
Required Core (15 credit hours) Restricted Electives (6 credit hours) Electives (6 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information For restricted electives, students select two courses from the list.
HCA 501 Perspectives on Aging and the Life Course (3)
HCA 502 Research and Program Evaluation Issues in Aging (3)
HCA 503 Diversity in Aging (3)
HCA 505 Interdisciplinary and Community Collaboration in Aging (3)
HCA 508 Mental Health Assessment and Intervention (3)
HCA 504 Caregiving Issues for Families and Professionals (3)
HCA 507 Care Coordination Across the Continuum of Care (3)
HCA 510 Innovations in Program Development and Policy (3)
HCA 593 Applied Project (3)
The program requires six credit hours of electives to support academic and professional interests. Students should consult with their advisor for the current approved elective list. Other courses may be used with approval of the academic unit.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Examine human development and the aging process using gerontological frameworks
- Discriminate between normal biological aging changes and acute and chronic conditions.
- Evaluate relevant resources and scientific methods to assess programs and potential outcomes for aging individuals and their families.
Examine human development and the aging process using gerontological frameworks Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants are required to submit: Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates have the knowledge, training and insight to provide relevant information for the aging population in a wide variety of settings. The broad base of comprehension and expertise enables graduates to effectively participate and lead within the aging community.
Career examples include:
- advocate
- consultant
- entrepreneur
- expert witness
- facilities director
- lecturer
- program manager
- research coordinator
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
|
HLTHN 301
msaging@asu.edu
602-496-0937
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
