Program Mission:  The mission of the Master of Science in Aging Studies is to prepare future and current leaders in the aging/gerontology fields through an interdisciplinary education to be productive professionals who serve the aging needs of diverse local, regional, national, and international populations. Students will acquire specialized expertise, competencies, and skills in older adulthood, processes of aging, and later life stages through the study of theory, research, practice, and policy. Students will be prepared to begin or advance careers focused on but not limited to: administration and leadership in national, state, and local government or nonprofit aging-specific programs; human and social services resource and case management for aging individuals and families; and aging research and policy.

Admission Requirements: Two Aging Studies degree options include (1) the M.S. in Aging Studies or (2) the M.S. in Aging Studies: Long Term Care Administration. 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”). Additional requirements include an essay describing academic/career interests and goals and an assessment of strengths and areas of growth, and two academic or professional reference letters.

Online Format: The graduate degree program is completed in the form of online courses to fulfill the required minimum total of 33 credit hours. All required courses are offered online regularly. A limited number of courses are also available in face-to-face or hybrid formats.

Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically 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 Master of Science in Aging Studies must total a minimum of 33 semester hours.