The Best Online Master’s in Gerontology Programs
When you pursue an online master’s degree in gerontology, you will study aging and its effects on society. This degree prepares you for a variety of careers, such as social and community service manager, medical or health services manager, social worker, researcher, or adult care specialist.
Choosing a Program
All the best online master’s in gerontology programs cover similar subject matter, with coursework focusing on the social and psychological ramifications of aging rather than delving deeply into medical topics (which are typically covered in geriatrics programs). Foundational courses for gerontology include the physiology and psychology of aging, economic issues affecting senior adults, management of programs for seniors, and ethics. These subjects prepare students for future career paths in the field, particularly in management or other leadership positions.
Some schools offer a concentration such as management of aging services or geriatric psychology as part of their online gerontology master’s degree. Others offer a graduate certificate in gerontology. You may even have a choice between an online master’s degree in gerontology and an MBA with a concentration in gerontology. Consider which type of program best suits your career aspirations. It’s also important to closely examine the requirements of each program to make sure you can fulfill them. One program may include a master’s thesis or capstone project, while another may have a research requirement, an internship, or a practicum.
What Will I Learn in an Online Gerontology Master’s Program?
While the exact curriculum offered by an online gerontology master’s degree program will vary from school to school, certain classes will be found in just about any such program. The precise titles may differ slightly, but some of the most common courses you can expect to see in the best online master’s in gerontology programs are detailed below.
- Physiology of Aging
- This course covers the physical effects of aging on the human body, including the special needs which often arise as an individual ages. This subject matter informs virtually every aspect of gerontology, so it is crucial that anyone pursuing a career related to gerontology gain a good foundation in this area.
- Psychology of Aging
- This course explores the psychological effects aging has on an individual and their relationships with other people, including how they cope with new physical limitations, grief, and other major life changes. Anyone who plans to work in this field must understand these common concerns in order to achieve positive outcomes for the senior adults in their care.
- Aging Policy and Services
- This course covers the types of services that are available for aging adults, as well as ethical considerations and public policy that affect this population. This is especially relevant to careers in the management of social or community programs or medical and health–related services for the elderly.
Online Master’s in Gerontology Careers
Graduates of an online gerontology master’s degree have a variety of career paths available to them. If you prefer to work directly with senior citizens, you might consider a career as a social worker or employee of another type of community service organization. If leadership roles appeal to you, you may prefer to seek a management position in a community service or healthcare organization which deals with elderly clients. Below are a few examples of these career opportunities.
- Social and Community Service Managers
- These managers oversee programs or community organizations which provide various services for the elderly. These professionals are responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and managing the employees who staff these programs and organizations. A master’s degree is often preferred among candidates for these management positions, and some master’s programs offer concentrations related specifically to this area.
- Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $78,240
- Projected Growth Rate (2023-2033): 8%
- Medical and Health Services Managers
- Medical and health services managers oversee healthcare facilities which serve the elderly, including clinics, hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes. These professionals may manage the entire facility, or a department and its staff. If you are considering pursuing this leadership position, you’ll typically need several years of professional experience and a master’s degree.
- Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $117,960
- Projected Growth Rate (2023-2033): 29%
- Social Workers
- Social workers help people, including the elderly and their caretakers, cope with various issues in their lives. They are often employed in government agencies, healthcare facilities, and community organizations. Clinical social workers also help treat mental and emotional issues in their clients, and must have a master’s degree and state licensure.
- Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $61,330
- Projected Growth Rate (2023-2033): 7%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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