NDSU Distance & Continuing Education (DCE)

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Online Degrees

M.S. in Human Development and Family Science: Gerontology

Gerontology is an emerging area with job opportunities in areas related to health promotion, education, research, inter-generational activities, senior centers, and retirement communities.

Students enrolled in the gerontology program will: gain knowledge of the physical, mental and social changes associated with aging; investigate societal changes due to an aging population; apply obtained knowledge to policies and programs; and improve career options.

Two major tracks for working in the field of Gerontology are available:

Direct Service: involves working directly with older persons in such areas as health promotion programs, inter-generational activities for older persons, senior centers, or retirement communities. Direct care to frail elderly, counseling older persons and their families, and assisting persons with financial and personal preparation for retirement are also areas of direct service that need trained professionals.

Education and Research: Gerontologists can also work in education and research. This can include evaluating community-based services; conducting research on the aging process and social and developmental aspects of aging; teaching students, professionals, and older adults and their families about aging; aging policy development; and program planning and administration.

 

Gerontology Brochure.pdf

 

We also offer a 21 credit online Gerontology Graduate Certificate. Graduate certificates are valuable tools for career advancement and are designed for individuals who want to gain credentials at the graduate-level prior to completing a full master's program. Credits from the graduate certificate are designed to transfer into a full graduate degree program.

 

Sample Plan of Study

Required Core Courses:

Elective Courses: (6 - 9 CREDITS)

During the final year of study, students choose from the following:

Total Credits : 36

 

Graduate Faculty

For information about graduate faculty for this program as well as their current research interests, visit the M.S. in Human Development and Family Science: Gerontology bulletin page.

 

Admission

Apply for admission
View Getting Started Guide

For current admission requirements, visit the M.S. in Human Development and Family Science: Gerontology bulletin page.

 

TUITION AND FEES

View Great Plains IDEA tuition and fee information.

 

Contact Information

NDSU Department of Human Development and Family Science
Phone: 701-231-8269
Email: Joel.Hektner@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/hdfs/

NDSU Distance & Continuing Education
Phone: 1-800-726-1724 or 701-231-7015
Email: ndsu.dce@ndsu.edu

NDSU Graduate School
Phone: 701-231-7033
Email: ndsu.grad.school@ndsu.edu
Web: http://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/