Program Mission:  The insterdiciplinary Master of Science in Aging Studies prepares leaders in the aging/gerontology fields as professionals who serve the later life needs of diverse populations. Students will acquire specialized expertise, competencies, and skills focused on older adulthood, processes of aging, and later life stages. Students will be prepared to advance their new or existing careers in areas such as: administration of 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 application requirements include an essay describing academic/career goals and a self-assessment of strengths and areas of growth, and two academic or professional reference letters. Applications are accepted year-round and admitted students may begin the program during any semester with full- or part-time status.

Online Format: The Aging Studies graduate degree program is completed online for the required minimum total of 33 credit hours. There are no on-campus or residency requirements. All required and elective courses are offered online regularly. A limited number of courses are also available in face-to-face or hybrid formats.

Credit for Prior Learning: Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) provides graduate students in specific programs an opportunity to gain course credit by utilizing their professional work experience and acquired knowledge. Through submitting a portfolio, students’ applicable workplace experiences are reviewed to determine if the content and rigor of coursework have been met. Up to 9 credit hours may be earned and applied toward the M.S. in Aging Studies or M.S. in Aging Studies: Long-Term Care Administration. For more information, see “Credit for Prior Learning” on the EIU Graduate School’s website.

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 Graduate School’s certification officer when 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 in 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 graduate coordinator.

Degree Requirements

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

M.S. in Aging Studies Total Hours: 33