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Aging, MS

Aging, MS


Adult, Aging advocacy, Development, Geriatric, Gerontologist, Gerontology, Lifespan, Long-term Care, OLDER, aging

You have the potential to make a tangible difference in the lives of a rapidly growing and diverse aging population. Your expertise will be a valuable asset as you drive positive change by promoting a healthier, more vibrant future for older adults.

Program description
Degree awarded: MS  Aging

Aligned with the Arizona State University charter and design aspirations, the MS program in aging assumes responsibility for the overall health of communities by educating students to become experts in the field of aging.

By fusing intellectual disciplines and socially embedding with partners in the network of aging health, wellness and social services, as well as entrepreneurs developing senior-related business ventures, this program is uniquely positioned to address the varied needs of this rapidly growing population. The program provides students with advanced interdisciplinary knowledge that focuses on improving the well-being of diverse older adults within the context of their families and communities.

The curriculum of the Master of Science in aging is competency-based and designed in accordance with the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education competencies for graduate education. It addresses the multidimensional aging process and the needs of aging populations and their potential contributions to society; reflects national health initiatives; and encourages community collaborations that are reciprocal, beneficial and sustainable to improve health outcomes of older adults.

At a glance
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Degree requirements

30 credit hours including the required applied project course (HCA 593)

Required Core (15 credit hours)
HCA 501 Perspectives on Aging and the Life Course (3)
HCA 502 Research and Program Evaluation Issues in Aging (3)
HCA 503 Diversity in Aging (3)
HCA 505 Interdisciplinary and Community Collaboration in Aging (3)
HCA 508 Mental Health Assessment and Intervention (3)

Restricted Electives (6 credit hours)
HCA 504 Caregiving Issues for Families and Professionals (3)
HCA 507 Care Coordination Across the Continuum of Care (3)
HCA 510 Innovations in Program Development and Policy (3)

Electives (6 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
HCA 593 Applied Project (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
The program requires six credit hours of electives to support academic and professional interests. Students should consult with their advisor for the current approved elective list. Other courses may be used with approval of the academic unit.

For restricted electives, students select two courses from the list.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants are required to submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. three letters of recommendation
  4. professional resume
  5. letter of intent or written statement
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Career opportunities

Graduates have the knowledge, training and insight to provide relevant information for the aging population in a wide variety of settings. The broad base of comprehension and expertise enables graduates to effectively participate and lead within the aging community.

Career examples include:

  • advocate
  • consultant
  • entrepreneur
  • expert witness
  • facilities director
  • lecturer
  • program manager
  • research coordinator
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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