Applied Gerontology, M.S.

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Elizabeth Fugate-Whitlock

The Master of Science in applied gerontology will train professionals to face the challenges of a nationally and regionally aging population. The program is built on theoretical foundations, supported by the practical application of service-learning, integrating teaching, research and service. Graduates will use their knowledge of applied gerontology to affect the quality of life for older adults in retirement communities, health care settings, and other public and private organizations which provide services and goods needed by an aging population. Through course work that is both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary, the MS in applied gerontology will prepare graduates to be aware of all aspects of aging. Graduates will be able to realistically consider careers involving work with older adults through synthesizing coursework in biology, health sciences, psychology, and sociology of aging, as well as hands-on experience with older populations. This is a 36 credit hours program and prospective students will include biology, psychology, sociology, social work and nursing majors, as well as allied health professionals. The primary goal of the program is to improve the quality of life for the region’s older adults through the workforce. UNCW is a regional university, with a mission statement that indicates a dedication to serve the population of southeastern North Carolina.

The Gerontology Practicum requires 250 clock hours and will be under the combined supervision of UNCW faculty and persons in business, government or non-profit organizations who deliver products or services to older adults. The goals of the practicum are twofold: 1) to gain hands-on experience in the field under the supervision of practicing gerontologists, and 2) to gather research data that may be incorporated in and shape each student’s applied final master’s project.

The final master’s degree project will be designed in consultation with a committee that includes two members of the gerontology program faculty and one professional drawn from the world of business, government, and/or non-profit organizations that serve older adult clients. In many instances, the professional will have been involved with the student’s practicum experience.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Science in applied gerontology must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in this country or its equivalent in a foreign institution based on a four-year program and have a strong overall academic record with a “B” average or better in the following basic courses prerequisite to gerontology:

Introductory coursework in gerontology or aging. Students who have had no academic coursework in gerontology may note that an introductory course is available at UNCW that can be taken prior to enrolling in any graduate gerontology course.
Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Psychology
Statistics and Research Methodology
Principals of Biology

Individuals with identified deficiencies may be accepted provisionally provide there is a reasonable plan for remediation of deficiencies.

Documents to be submitted to the Graduate School for admission are:

An application for graduation admission
Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
An essay on the applicant’s goals in pursuing the master’s
Three recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields
Official scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline

In addition to the above, students must interview with the Gerontology Student Admissions Committee regarding vocational or personal development goals.

Degree Requirements (36 total hours)

Core requirements: The following 21 semester hours of core courses are required

GRN 501 - Aging and Society Credits: 3
GRN 503 - Investigative Inquiry in Gerontology Credits: 3
GRN 523 - Physiology of Human Aging Credits: 3
GRN 540 - Current Issues in Gerontology Credits: 3
GRN 590 - Practicum in Gerontology Credits: 3
(6 credits required)
PSY 524 - The Psychology of Aging Credits: 3

Additional Requirements

Each student must also complete

9 credit hours of approved electives
3 credit hours of Master’s Project Proposal Development GRN 597 and three (3) credit hours of Final Project
GRN 598