Best Master's in Gerontology Degrees

Most gerontology degrees do not require applicants to earn a specific undergraduate degree. Degrees in certain subjects, however, may prove more helpful than others. Given that gerontology often deals with caring for the wellbeing of others, it may behoove those who consider getting a master's in this field to get a bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field. This can be in nursing, which some gerontology programs fall under, health administration, or similar degrees. Likewise, sociology is often a key component of gerontology programs, so a degree in that discipline may serve you well when studying for a graduate degree in gerontology.

Usually, applicants must complete a paper or online application with basic information. They typically also need a bachelor's degree, though, as described above, there is not usually a requirement for an undergraduate degree in a particular subject. However, there is often a grade point average requirement for those programs, with students needing a GPA of at least 2.75 in many cases. These degrees must also be from an accredited institution, which will be discussed below. It is unlikely that a gerontology master's program will require students to complete an admissions test or submit an essay as part of the application process.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing a master's in gerontology program. Some of these programs are interdisciplinary or within a particular college. Depending on students' interests, it may be important to consider this. For example, a program may work with a nursing one to provide an education to students. Another aspect worth examining is the faculty members. The areas of research these instructors focus on, along with their academic and professional background, can provide another revealing glimpse into how well a program matches your interests and its standing within academia.

Top gerontology schools may be accredited by the Accreditation for Gerontology Education Council (AGEC). This body accredits programs that offer associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in this subject to show students and employers that these programs are exceptional and conform to industry standards.

With so few accrediting bodies focused on gerontology, another way to look for evidence of a program's quality is to see if its curriculum takes into consideration the guidelines set forth by the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE). As part of The Gerontological Society of America (GSA), this group helps set the standard for gerontology studies at the collegiate level. That includes publishing core competencies those who graduate with a degree in this field should have. Check to see if a program meets these competencies as a way to determine how beneficial it may be for your career.

Most programs that offer a master's degree in gerontology require students to complete approximately 30 to 36 credit hours to earn their degree. It normally takes students anywhere from one to three years to finish these courses, depending on how many they take each semester and whether they take classes over the summer. Some programs focus more on equipping graduates to provide different services in this field, while others are geared more toward preparing graduates for research or education in gerontology. In many cases, students finish their degree by completing an internship, practicum, or thesis paper.

Gerontology Foundational Courses

Generally, foundational classes in gerontology classes seek to teach students in areas like adult development and aging, theoretical perspectives in gerontology, research in this field, ethical issues in this discipline, physical health, nutrition, and wellness, and public policy on aging. These classes may be within a gerontology department of a given school, or they may be taught as part of another department;'s curriculum, with sociology and psychology being two common examples. The required courses vary from institution to institution, but they normally include classes like:

• Gerontology overview
• Research in gerontology
• Public policy and aging
• Psychology of aging
• Physiology of aging
• Management and administration of programs for older adults

Gerontology Specialist & Elective Courses

This degree is already a highly specialized one, so it is fairly uncommon for gerontology programs at the graduate level to offer further specialization options. For students who want to either work hands-on in this field after graduation or move into research and education, some programs cater more toward one of those goals. It is also possible to tailor a degree to your interests through elective courses. Many master's degrees in gerontology allow students to take three to five elective classes as part of their degree, which students can use to focus their studies on topics that interest them. Possible electives include:

• Mental health and aging
• Qualitative gerontology
• Long-term care administration
• Counseling in gerontology

Licensure & Certification in Gerontology

In many cases, it is unlikely that those who obtain a master's in gerontology will also need to obtain any sort of licensure or certification to work in this sector. But several optional certifications exist that may help graduates set themselves apart from other job candidates. These are different from graduate certificate programs in gerontology because this type of certification is usually offered by a professional organization and is more about demonstrating skills rather than learning them.

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) offers a handful of certifications in gerontology for those working in fields like medicine, nursing, and pharmacy. Another example of an optional certification is the one offered by the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association called the APRN Gerontological Specialist - Certified (GS-C). Like many option certifications, this one requires individuals to pass an exam.

The most frequent option for those who want to continue their academic pursuits in gerontology after earning a master's degree in this subject is to obtain a doctoral degree in gerontology. This commonly takes the form of a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). These degrees may be offered on their own or as a specialization within a larger doctorate program like psychology. They generally are designed to prepare graduates for work in academia, including teaching and research within the gerontology discipline.

As already mentioned above, individuals who work in gerontology can become members of numerous professional organizations. In addition to providing certification opportunities, these groups may offer networking possibilities, industry publications, advocacy, and more. Three of the largest professional organizations in this field are:

• The Gerontological Society of America - GSA is the oldest and biggest organization devoted to education, research, and practice in gerontology. Its aim, and the goal of its over 5,000 members, is to promote the study of aging while educating scientists, leaders, and the general public about the findings of that study. It does so through holding an annual meeting, publishing peer-reviewed journals, and providing career assistance to members.
• American Geriatrics Society - AGS is a nationwide nonprofit for health care professionals who work with older individuals. It has over 6,000 members whose job titles range from social worker to geriatrics nurse practitioner. Its purpose is to provide leadership in this sector through implementing and advocating for programs focused on research, education, public policy, and patient care.
• Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association - Formerly known as NCGNP, GAPNA was founded in 1981 to offer continuing education conferences to those who work as advanced practice nurses within gerontology. It has since expanded from just continuing education, with its goals now including advocacy of quality care, promoting professional development, and educating the public about aging.

Graduates with a master's in gerontology can work in several positions. Numerous types of employers are seeking to cater to the older segment of the population, meaning these can go beyond the roles that may immediately come to mind when considering possible careers in this area. Some of these may require even more education, such as if you want to work in elder law. Possible career options include:

• Gerontology nurse practitioner
• Social worker
• Nursing home director
• Grant writer
• Gerontology aide
• Corporate gerontologist
• Home safety auditor

Job Outlook for a Master's in Gerontology

The number of fields those with a master's in gerontology can work in makes it somewhat difficult to conclusively determine the salary and career information for individuals with this degree. Nevertheless, many of the most common jobs people with this degree pursue fall under the larger umbrella of the healthcare industry, so that can provide some helpful information. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), employment in health care occupations is expected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, adding approximately 2.4 million jobs over that decade. That is much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS further states that this projected growth is chiefly because of the aging population, meaning that many of those jobs may be ones available to someone with a master's in gerontology.

How to Become a Nursing Home Administrator

Also called a nursing home director, nursing home administrators plan, coordinate, and direct a senior care facility. That specifically involves managing staff, finances, and admissions, developing goals and objectives for the nursing home, keeping technology up to date, caring for the building, creating and monitoring budgets, attending board meetings, communicating with residents' family members, and ensuring all residents receive quality care. As part of these responsibilities, nursing home administrators must keep abreast of changes to laws governing this field, including new regulations.

At least a bachelor's degree is needed for this job, but a master's degree is often preferred by employers. Candidates may also need work experience in this field to work in this administrative role, depending on the employer. Furthermore, all states require nursing home administrators to obtain a license, though the requirements change in each state. The BLS reported in 2020 that the median annual wage for nursing home administrators was $104,280. The job is also expected to grow 32 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is quite a bit higher than the national average for all occupations, which stands at 4%.

How to Become a Social Worker

An option for master's in gerontology graduates who do not want to work in health care, social workers help people deal with problems in their everyday lives. It is possible to specialize in geriatric social work, which would be the most likely route for someone with a master's in gerontology. These social workers mainly focus on helping their clients understand their health problems and make the necessary adjustments in their life or living situation as they age. Likewise, they may also help the health care providers get a better understanding of the effects of health problems on their aging patients.

There are multiple academic avenues that you can take to become a social worker, although a bachelor's degree in social work is the most common degree for entry-level social workers to earn. But those who have a degree in a related field, such as gerontology, may also find employment, especially if their degree focused more on skills related to social work like communication, emotional skills, and problem-solving. The BLS reported in 2020 that social workers had a median annual wage of $51,760 and that the job was projected to grow 13 percent from 2019 to 2029.

Like with undergraduate degrees, the first step in getting financial aid to earn a master's degree in gerontology is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form shows students what federal funds they may qualify for, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. Diverse documents like social security numbers and federal tax information are needed to complete the FAFSA. It may take a couple of hours to complete the application, but it can be worth thousands of dollars.

For scholarships, perhaps the most common sources are schools and private organizations. Your chosen university, professional organizations, and academic groups all offer scholarships to those who seek to obtain a master's degree in gerontology. In addition to checking with your school, one of the most time-effective ways is to use a scholarship search tool like the Scholarship Finder tool on CareerOneStop.