Best 15 Masters in Gerontology Programs in 2024

Concordia University Nebraska has an acceptance rate of 75% for its Master of Healthcare Administration: Gerontology degree. It’s a program concentrated on working in healthcare and improving the aging population’s quality of life within their communities with better access to community resources.

Winona State University offers a Master of Nursing Degree that prepares students to work with a thorough understanding of gerontology. This is a good option for those focusing on work in health care. There are also two unique gerontology-based programs available to trained nurses interested in learning about aging. Only 66.5% of applicants are accepted to this program.

At the University of Louisiana Monroe, students can complete a Master of Arts in Gerontology in just 36 credit hours. There are seven areas to specialize in, including grief care management, mental health, long-term care administration, small business management, aging studies and program administrator. These concentrations cover the continuum of healthcare and business curriculum to prepare our graduates for a variety of jobs in the Gerontology industry. They also have a new Graduate Certificate Program in Senior Healthcare Management which is a fully online 15-hour graduate certificate. The Master’s program offers seven concentrations that have received a national ranking: Aging Studies, Grief Care Management, Healthcare Management, Long-term Care Administration, Mental Health, Program Administration, and Small Business Management. The Master’s Program as well as the Graduate Certificate Programs are fully online. For more information, prospective students can contact Dr. Anita Sharma at asharma@ulm.edu.

Located in Omaha, the University of Nebraska Omaha offers a Master in Social Gerontology that does require a thesis. It’s accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has an acceptance rate of 86.5%.

Wichita State University is located in Wichita, Kansas, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The MA in Aging Studies program offers a diverse and flexible curriculum including concentrations in Senior Living Management, Senior Community Services, and Public Health. This fully online program prepares students to advance their careers and meet the growing needs of the aging population. Students in a fully online degree program at Wichita State University pay in-state tuition regardless of residency. A total of 93.8% of applicants are accepted to the MA in Aging Studies program.

Brenau University offers an M.S. in Applied Gerontology that is a 30-credit hour program. It can be completed in around two years or less. This is an interdisciplinary program, which means that students get to mix and match classes to build a curriculum that matches their career goals.

Located in Evansville, Indiana, the University of Southern Indiana has an acceptance rate into its MSN program of 93.6%. The program is geared toward acute care, practice and specialization in the MSN field. This opens up the possibility of working as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialist.

The University of Indianapolis Master of Science in Aging Studies program admits 99% of applicants. It has a Program of Merit designation from the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Texas Tech University offers a Master in Human Development and Family Studies: Gerontology. The program is located in Lubbock, Texas and has an acceptance rate of 69.2%. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Kansas State University offers a Master’s in Family and Health Services: Gerontology. The program is based on the competencies designed by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. Around 94.1% of applicants are accepted to the program.

Iowa State University offers a Master of Family and Consumer Science in Gerontology. This is designed to teach about medical, legal, social, research and other aspects of gerontology. The acceptance rate is 89.3%.

At the University of Massachusetts Boston, students can get a Management of Aging Services Master’s. This program is flexible and may be completed in under three years, even when attending part-time. There are 12 courses in the program, and they’re available synchronously and asynchronously.

National University is located in San Diego, California, and offers a gerontology degree for people who are “mid-career professionals.” The program is accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools, and it accepts all applicants.

Miami University offers a Master of Gerontological Studies degree. The focus is social gerontology, with coursework addressing theory, policy, research, and organizations in aging.  Miami funds several master’s students on graduate assistantships each academic year.

The University of Southern California has a tight acceptance rate of only 16%. The program is hosted primarily online, but it has concentrations in policy and research. It’s designed for both beginners and seasoned professionals. It’s also accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.