Mar 29, 2024  
2015-2016 EIU Graduate Catalog 
    
2015-2016 EIU Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Aging Studies


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Graduate Degree Programs

Program Mission: The online Master of Arts in Aging Studies program is designed to provide a multidisciplinary education for future and current professionals in gerontology. We are committed to maintaining the quality and distinction of the program that was exemplified by our recognition as a Program of Merit by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. Opportunities are available for students to gain exposure to specialized expertise in gerontological theory, research, practice, social policy issues, and the process of aging in a global and culturally diverse society. This expertise prepares students for a wide range of careers in the field of aging, including direct community and social services, program administration, mental health practice, government services, higher education, long-term care,  health and wellness, and entrepreneurship.

Admission Requirements: To be eligible for degree candidacy, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School (see “Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs”).

Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically in the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the “Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates” section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the program coordinator.

 

 

Degree Requirements


Degree requirements include those outlined for the master’s degree by the Graduate School (see “Requirements for the Master’s Degree”). 

The courses for the degree must total 36 semester hours. The program is organized in a cohort fashion, with all students progressing throught the courses together and completing the master’s degree in 18 months. Students are never actively taking more than two courses at once.

Required Courses: all courses in the MA program are required and listed below.

On-Campus/Low Residency Component (LRC)


Included in the master’s degree program are three in-person components, referred to as LRCs that are as follows:

LRC1: At the start of the degree program, students will be required to be on campus for four days (Thurs., Fri., Sat., Sun). Included in this in-person component will be a new student orientation, welcome dinner, D2L tutorial, library orientation, and description of the independent study/internship/thesis options. Also during the LRC1 the students will spend one day in a face-to-face component for FCS 5400.

LRC2: The second in-person component will occur in the final (5th) semester of the program and consists of an experiential/laboratory learning experience as part of the FCS 5200 Immersion in Long Term Care course. Students in the course will reside in a nursing home for 48 hours. Students begin their residency at Sullivan Rehab noon on Friday (during one of two possible weekends). The instructor will visit students three times during their stay. Immersive learning experience ends at 1:00 pm Sunday and students participate in a two hour debriefing/critical reflection session with the instructor before departing Sullivan, IL.

LRC3: The third resident component will take place toward the end of the final/5th semester of the student’s program. The purpose of the three-day on-campus module will be for students to give professional capstone presentations based on their completed independent study/internship/thesis work. Presentations will be given in front of their cohort members as well as the faculty from the Aging Studies program.

Graduate Assistantships


Information on graduate assistantships may be obtained by contacting the Coordinator of the Aging Studies Program or Chair, Family and Consumer Sciences, 2056 Klehm Hall, EIU.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Graduate Degree Programs