10 Best Master’s in Gerontology Online 2020

Professionals that earn one of the best online master’s in gerontology degrees will meet the needs of older adults on a mental, social, emotional, and physical level. With an ever-growing and aging population, skilled professionals who understand the science behind old age are essential to the overall well being of humanity. One thing is for certain: human beings age. Having more health professionals focusing their attention in the older demographic can change the trajectory of our lifespan and overall happiness. There is no better time than now to study the elderly by taking advantage of technology to further understand this inevitable time period in each and every life. After all, the U.S. Census Bureau projected that, for the first time in U.S. history, older adults will begin to double and eventually outnumber children between 2012 and 2060. What is a Master’s in Gerontology Degree? Earning a master’s degree in Gerontology involves furthering your understanding in a specialized demographic-old age, and choosing a field of discipline within that demographic. Gerontology is the study of the aging process and can be researched on a social, biological, cultural, psychological, or cognitive level. Students will learn the problems that elderly people face and use the science to deepen their understanding of how to bring them a solution. Not every master’s program will have the same course material, but students can expect to see courses relating to the psychology of aging, sociology of aging, and adult development. The majority of master’s programs will require an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Students without an undergraduate degree in a related health major may be required to take additional coursework before starting the master’s program. Some institutions may require the GRE or GMAT test scores in addition to the completion of an undergraduate degree. Careers for Master’s in Gerontology majors According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for medical and health services managers are projected to increase 18 percent by 2028, along with social and community service managers/workers increasing by 12 percent. With the job market expecting growth, holding a master’s degree in gerontology can position you for a promising career. With this degree, graduates will work within a career that serves the elderly directly or for their advantage. Graduates typically find employment in health care, research, government, or community organizations. Some career paths that a gerontology major may choose include: Social workerClinical managerAssisted living directorCommunity service manager Master’s in Gerontology salary potential Gerontologists can end up in several positions regarding aging care. It’s common for graduates to work within care facilities, hospitals, or human service organizations. According to PayScale, professionals who have obtained a master’s degree in gerontology make a median salary of $57,000. Gerontologists can work as caretakers, nurses, assistants, or a number of administrative roles. Reported by PayScale; last updated September 2019: Payroll Manager: $82,000Case Manager/ Social Services: $46,000Gerontologist: $50,000Assisted Living Director: $59,000Wellness Director: $71,000 What are the Best Master’s in Gerontology Degrees? We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of CollegeRank utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following three aspects: 40% Potential Salary After Graduation: Average mid-career salary of school alumni 30% Institutional Accreditation: Regional and National Accreditation for the 2019-2020 school year 30% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@collegerank.net. 1The University of UtahLocationSalt Lake City, UtahAverage Net Price$12,363More Information Fully deserving of the No. 1 spot on our list is the University of Utah, with its interdisciplinary Master of Science in Gerontology degree. This program requires completion of a core curriculum of 21 credit hours, a 150-hour practicum, and six or nine elective courses, depending on whether one chooses to write a thesis or complete a master’s project. A master’s project encompasses four credit hours, while a thesis is worth six credit hours. This equals 34 hours for those completing a project and 33 hours for a thesis. Admissions requirements for this program are stringent. At a minimum, applicants must submit a completed application, transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended, hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, show a minimum 3.0 GPA, present a current resume, three professional references, and a professional goals statement. Applications are reviewed by the Office of Graduate Admissions and the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program; in other words, successful successful applicants must be accepted by both offices before enrolling in the program. The application deadline for fall semester enrollment is December 1. Roughly 12-15 students are accepted and begin work each fall.