M.A. in Gerontology

Serve the aging population from a holistic perspective.

New career options:

Many people will live nearly a quarter of their lives in 'active retirement,' due to improved health and life expectancy. Become equipped to respond to the evolving challenges of aging by imagining, creating, and implementing new ways of serving persons at this time in their lives.

Learn to support, educate, and catalyze elderly persons for service and generativity (investing in others and future generations).
Work together with them to create intergenerational communities that embody principles of justice, fairness, and continued learning and growth.
Develop holistic approaches to long-term care, which will continue to be an important social, political, and economic reality.
Courses incorporate professionals and programs that provide exemplary and creative service in the field of aging.

Gerontology is multi-faceted

Physical, psychological, relational, financial, and spiritual dimensions are affected by changes that occur after midlife.
Cultural, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic level all influence the experience of aging.

Help transform this rapidly changing aspect of our culture

Help them identify new areas of vocation and identity
Develop programs of study and service for persons in 'active retirement'
Provide leadership to programs, institutions, agencies, congregations
Provide ongoing training to professionals involved with the elderly
Influence development of social policies that recognize and honor aging persons
Conduct theoretically grounded, practically relevant research
Respond with integrity and compassion to ethical challenges

Ideal learners:

In-career adults who want to pursue a career in the expanding fields related to gerontology
Persons serving in professions who would like to add competence and specialization in gerontology
Professionals working in the field of gerontology who want to deepen and expand their capacities
Individuals who thrive in an interdisciplinary program

Help older adults lead resourceful lives.

Complete your M.A. in Gerontology

36 semester credits
Register once for the entire program
You will demonstrate mastery through written assignments, projects, presentations, class interaction, small group work, and practicums

Schedule designed for busy, in-career adults

Take 1 course at a time
Complete the course work in approximately 2 years with a short break during the summer
All courses meet face-to-face, 1 evening a week

Meet on Bethel's campus (near the intersection of 35W and 694)
Park for free