M.A. in Gerontology

The M.A. in Gerontology program at Bethel University prepares students from a holistic perspective for serving the aging population.

Advance in a career that serves the aging

Dramatic demographic changes are forecast for the next quarter century in the United States. Today one person in eight is over age 65, and by 2025 the ratio changes to one in four.

Help aging adults live resourceful lives.
Influence policy to ensure that needs of the aging are met.
Make informed decisions about the many facts about elderly care.

Aging is Multi-Faceted

If age were the only issue, predictions about life after 65 would be relatively simple. Gerontologists are quick to explain, however, that aging is multi-faceted, touching every aspect of life: physical, psychological, social, cultural, economic, and spiritual. Today, thinking about aging requires a new paradigm.

Unique, Cutting-Edge Program

Study aging and the aging population from a holistic perspective. Integrate new knowledge and fresh competencies with your current skills and experience. Prepare yourself to serve in a world that demands:

high levels of professionalism.
deep empathy and understanding of cultural and generational differences.
a commitment to justice.

Get started on your M.A. in Gerontology
degree today!

Apply your study in a wide variety of professional settings

You will be prepared for professional gerontological practice. Graduates will be those who:

assume leadership or management positions in programs, institutions, or agencies.
develop programs that are well conceived, professionally planned, and effectively implemented.
write grants to support the implementation of new ideas and initiatives.
conduct training programs and events for professionals.
provide direct service to the older population.
use appropriate research processes and results in a variety of gerontological practice settings.

Ideal Learners

In-career adults who need new knowledge and fresh competencies to move into the expanding and creative fields related to aging
Professionals already working in the field who desire fresh vision and retooling to advance to new opportunities
Individuals who grasp the big picture and thrive in a program integrating several academic disciplines
Students who can apply new learning to specific settings by developing finely honed skills through well-designed practicums

Program Design

The program is designed to be completed in two academic years.
Courses are offered sequentially through the academic year a short summer break.
Courses are taken one at a time, one evening a week, with the exception of the Integrative Seminar and Practicum.
Courses incorporate professionals and programs that provide exemplary and creative service in the field of aging.
The cohort model--a small group of students progressing through the program together and representing a variety of backgrounds and specialties--provides a supportive and stimulating learning environment.
One cohort begins each academic year. Additional starts will be scheduled if demand is high.

Policies

All program policies can be found in the Graduate School catalog. The catalog can be download here in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. Once the file is downloaded, you will be able to view and print the document using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have that program on your computer, follow this link to download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader.