Nov 23, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalogue 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalogue Archived Catalogue

Applied Gerontology, M.S.


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Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Tina K. Newsham

Click here to view video: Gerontology at UNCW

More people are living longer lives than ever before in history, and this change is happening regionally, nationally, and internationally. The Master of Science in Applied Gerontology prepares professionals to improve the well-being of older adults, as advocates, direct service providers, educators/trainers, administrators, marketers and product developers, program planners, evaluators, researchers, and more. Gerontologists may work with a variety of public and private organizations that provide services and goods needed by an aging population, or they may create their own new job opportunities in this fast growing field.

This is a 36 credit hour program and prospective students will include those who have majored in fields such as psychology, sociology, social work, exercise science, recreation therapy, public health, recreation and tourism, biology, or nursing, as well as allied health professionals. The program is built on theoretical foundations, supported by the practical application of service-learning, and integrating teaching, mentoring, research, and service. Many courses are online. A primary goal of the program is to improve the well-being of the region’s older adults through strengthening the size and skills of the workforce. UNCW is a regional university, with a mission statement that indicates a dedication to serve the population of southeastern North Carolina. However, we also recognize that population aging is a global issue, and this perspective is represented in our program as well.

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, which will help them both personally and professionally. Graduates will be prepared for careers involving work with older adults through synthesizing coursework in health, psychology, and social sciences, as well as hands-on experience with older populations. Students will customize the degree program with 9 to 12 credit hours of electives to meet their needs and interests.

Admission Requirements


Applicants seeking admission to the graduate certificate program 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 basic courses related to gerontology. Applicants are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

  1. An application for graduate admission.
  2. Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate).
  3. An essay on the applicant’s goals in pursuing the master’s.
  4. Three recommendations by individuals in academically or professionally related fields.
  5. Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

Degree Requirements (36 total credit hours)


Core requirements (24-27 credit hours)


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