Gerontology Master's Option

Gerontology is an emerging area with job opportunities in areas related to health promotion, education, research, intergenerational activities, senior centers, and retirement communities.
For information about the Gerontology Online Master's Degree & Graduate Certificate Programs (Download brochure)
Earn Your Degree Online
The College of Human Development and Education at North Dakota State University (NDSU) is able to bring graduate level, web-based training to students through its collaboration with the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance member universities. Through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GPlDEA), a consortium of eleven universities, offers online graduate programs. Each university brings a unique strength to the multi-institution academic programs. Online courses are taught by the best faculty in the discipline from several universities.
In a multi-institution degree program:
- You apply and are admitted to one university;
- Enroll in all your courses at that university; and
- Graduate or receive a certificate from that university.
- Tuitions and Fees: For information: Great Plains IDEA Program Tuition and Fees
For additional information or questions please contact:
Name: Karen C. Murie
Telephone Number: 701/231-8638
Email Address: Karen.Murie@ndsu.edu
Department: Distance & Continuing Ed
Title: Degree Credit&Scheduling Coord
Building and Room: SGC D 116
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.
• Improve career options.
• Consider the Career Possibilities:
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, intergenerational 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.
Due to the expanding consumer market of older adults, there will be opportunities in both product development/marketing and consumer education. Professionals are also needed to work with business and industry on the issue of the aging workforce.
(Adapted from: Careers in Aging: Consider the Possibilities. The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. http://www.aghe.org