Course Planner

Master's Degree - Gerontology
Credit hours to complete degree: 36
Last Updated: 3/28/2024 9:00 am

Coursework and Degree Requirements

Starting fall 2024, the Gerontology program will be offering a newly-designed curriculum to better equip professionals to lead in a diverse, aging world. Courses are organized below according to four pillars of interactive aging studies, which include:

  1. Holistic aging in context
  2. Strengths-based and person-centered approach
  3. Diversity, equity, and inclusion
  4. Linking theory and research to policies and practice

Students are encouraged to choose elective courses that meet their own unique professional needs and goals and should contact their advisor with any questions they may have.

Of the 30 hours required for this degree, eighteen hours are core requirements, including a customized culminating experience, leaving twelve credit hours that are a combination of elective courses to be chosen from Blocks 2-4. Students are encouraged to begin with courses in Block 1 when possible, though this is not required. Consult your academic advisor for information specific to your home university requirements.

Block 1: Foundations of Gerontology

This block is designed to build foundational skills and knowledge in the field of aging studies. Foundations in Integrative Aging Students and Contemporary Perspectives in Adult Development and Aging are required courses.

Coursework and Degree Requirements Course or Instructor Availability by Year and Semester
2023202420252026
CourseCreditsSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummer
Foundations in Integrative Aging Studies3Peter MartinISUISU
Contemporary Perspectives on Adult Development and Aging3Alex BishopAlex BishopAlex BishopOSU
Professional Seminar in Gerontology3Jennifer Margrett

Block 2: The Aging Individual

This block focuses on active aging and whole-person wellness. Students must take at least one course from this block.

Block 2: The Aging Individual Course or Instructor Availability by Year and Semester
2023202420252026
CourseCreditsSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummer
Socioemotional and Cognitive Well-being throughout Adulthood3Joe SampleNDSU
Sexuality and Aging3Joe SampleJoe SampleISU
Spirituality and Aging3Page HeisserTTU
Physical Health, Wellness, and Active Aging3Tim Killian

Block 3: Aging in Context

This block explores trends and innovations in environmental and social frameworks. Students must take at least one course from this block.

Block 3: Aging in Context Course or Instructor Availability by Year and Semester
2023202420252026
CourseCreditsSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummer
Gerontechnology3ISU
Creativity & Aging3OSU
Family Relationships and Aging3Tim KillianTim KillianUARK
Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Environments for Aging3Emily RobertsEmily RobertsOSU
Person-Centered Care3Emily RobertsOSU

Block 4: Practice in Integrative Aging Students

This block applies previous learning to community outreach and advocacy. Students must take at least one course from this block.

Block 4: Practice in Integrative Aging Students Course or Instructor Availability by Year and Semester
2023202420252026
CourseCreditsSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummer
Applied Research Methods and Evaluation of Aging Programs3Page HeisserMiriam MulsowTTU
Aging Policy and Advocacy3Heather FullerHeather Fuller
Implementation of Community Programs for Older Adults3ISU

Block 5: Customized Experience in Integrative Aging

This block provides opportunities for learning through creative components, directed studies, practica, or research - all of which are available through your home university. Consult with your academic advisor about course selection and scheduling.

Block 5: Customized Experience in Integrative Aging Course or Instructor Availability by Year and Semester
2023202420252026
CourseCreditsSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummer
Practicummultiple universitiesmultiple universitiesHeather FullerAshlie Lester

Cross-Program Electives

These electives, offered by faculty in the family financial planning graduate program, provide students with unique opportunities to network with financial planning graduate students and expert faculty while expanding their toolkit for supporting the aging population.

Cross-Program Electives Course or Instructor Availability by Year and Semester
2023202420252026
CourseCreditsSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummerFallSpringSummer
Seminar: Financial Abuse Across the Lifespan3Axton Betz-Hamilton
Fundamentals for Family Financial Planning3Jim DealJim DealJim DealNDSU