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Deciding which college to attend can be a daunting task. For many, it will be the most important decision that they make in their lives. To make an informed decision, you have to consider a lot of variables, such as cost of attendance, financial aid, student/teacher ratio, academics, student life, and more. These factors will either positively or negatively impact the quality of education that you receive.
Do you want to acquire a master’s degree in gerontology, but don’t know what institution you should attend? Well, if you are as ambitious as I was in my late teens, then you want to attend a top school, instead of an average or mediocre one. Fortunately, we have already done the legwork for you. To help you find the right school for your interests and goals, we’ve compiled a list of 2022’s best master’s in gerontology programs.
What institution did we forget? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
The University of Southern California is one of the world’s most prominent private research institutions, rated 15th out of over 1,000 institutions by The Wall Street Journal. With more than 45,000 learners enrolled in their 22 schools, USC is an all-encompassing institution dedicated to excellence and innovation.
USC’s Master of Health Administration/MS in gerontology dual degree is perfect for people who wish to have a strong comprehension of healthcare issues while studying in gerontology:
- 72 units: 36 in gerontology, 36 in health administration
- Sample Classes: Social Policy and Aging, Life Span Development Sociology, Legal Issues in Health Care Delivery
- Online classes available
George Washington University’s gerontology degree program is offered in the School of Nursing, which is rated in the top 11 percent of all graduate nursing schools. GW’s master of science in nursing—adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner degree program trains learners to become licensed nurses that work with adult patients. There are two on-campus components: One track teaches learners how to perform a physical examination, and the other one is a skills assessment evaluation.
Purdue University was established in 1862 after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Land Grant Act, which turned public land into the institution’s campus. The institution has 13 colleges, with its MS in gerontology degree program offered via its School of Nursing. Purdue’s MS in nursing and adult—gerontology primary care nurse practitioner concentration incorporates other subjects to prepare learners for a career in nursing:
- 630-hour preceptorship
- Research chances
- Sample Classes: Pharmacotherapeautics for Advanced Practice Nursing, Sociocultural Influences on Health, Health Policy: Local to Global
MSU’s MS in nursing with an adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist readies future registered nurses who wish to work in adult care:
- Graduates eligible for licensure as an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Learners allowed to take as long as six years to finish the degree
- Sample Classes: Clinical Diagnosis and Management, Advanced Pathophysiology for Advanced Practiced Registered Nurses, Health Policy and Advocacy
As this is a nursing degree program, graduates will also be eligible for licensure as a Nurse Practitioner and recognition as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.
KSU was rated the number one institution for great town-gown relations by the Princeton Review, and the tenth best college town in the nation by the American Institute for Economic Research. KSU’s master’s in gerontology is an online degree that readies graduates to work in a developing world.
- Sample Classes: Gerontechnology, Physical Health & Aging, Public Policy: Economic and Social Impact on Older Adults
- No GRE or graduation thesis
This is a 36-credit hour degree program that can be finished in three years or less if learners are full-time.
Originally established as the Georgia Institute of Technology’s “Evening School of Commerce,” this college has 80 degree programs at the graduate and undergraduate level and received over $51 million in 2015 to work on extensive research.
GSU’s MA in gerontology is for full- and part-time learners who wish to get a leadership position in the field of aging.
- 36-credit hours; estimated 2-year completion time
- Concentrations: Research, Program Administration
- Sample Classes: Communication and Aging, Diversity and Aging, Geriatric Nutrition
The research concentration is perfect for learners who wish to enter into a doctoral degree program upon graduation. In contrast, the program administration concentration is more career-focused and perfect for future managers.
ISU continues its strong pursuit of scholarly excellence and innovation, having attracted over $503 million in grants and other support money for research. ISU’s master’s in gerontology degree is perfect for learners who are just beginning their education in this field.
- Online and on-campus programs available
- No previous experience necessary
- Personalized coursework plan that is intended for each learner with a close faculty advisor
The University of Utah’s MS in gerontology degree is offered via the College of Nursing to deliver a multidisciplinary approach to the field of aging. Approximately 12 to 15 learners are accepted each fall semester. Gerontologists can work in an array of institutions, such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, or research institutions; graduates will be eligible for an array of jobs in the public and private sectors.
Brenau University hopes to be recognized as a leader in pioneering higher education via its blend of liberal arts and professional preparatory education. To reach a wider population, Brenau manages other campuses across the state and in Florida, along with an extensive online institution. Brenau’s MS in applied gerontology is an online degree program that enables adults to swiftly get the necessary skills needed to serve the rapidly growing aging population.
Because this is a fully online degree program, learners have access to the classwork 24/7. Also, this degree program uses rolling admission, so learners can start at a time that works best for them.
Its graduate programs are research-focused and career-driven to deliver the knowledge learners need to move up professionally. ULM’s MA in gerontology has six concentrations to help learners focus their education on their career objectives:
- Long-term Care Administration
- Program Administration
- Small Business Management
- Grief Care Management
- Mental Health
- Aging Studies
Jefferson is the most significant health sciences institution in Philadelphia, partnering with the nearby Jefferson University Hospitals to deliver excellent care to the community. Jefferson’s MS in nursing, adult-gerontology—primary care nurse practitioner degree program is a focused degree for registered nurses who already have experience in the clinical field.
VCU is known as a premier public research institution, always pursuing new pioneering ways to solve the world’s problems. VCU is rated as a top 100 research institution, according to the National Science Foundation. They are also the third-best research institution in the entire state. VCU’s MS in gerontology degree is focused on comprehension of aging via research, real-life experiences, and professional development. All classes are taught by experienced gerontologists. Of the 30 credit hours, learners will take about eight general classes and five elective classes. Electives should be chosen based on which concentration the learner wishes to study.
Youngstown State University is a research institution that sits on a beautiful 145-acre campus between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. With just over 12,700 learners, YSU is a holistic institution with a small school atmosphere, sustaining small class sizes and individualized teaching from professors. YSU’s MA in gerontology degree program centers on epidemiology and health issues for learners who plan on working with older adults in their career.
Situated on a scenic waterfront campus, the University of Massachusetts Boston is a diverse campus dedicated to delivering learners with an international education in a busy city. Today, the institution has over 16,000 learners but sustains a small college presence on-campus.
UMass Boston’s MS in gerontology research policy couples research methods and social science concepts to comprehend how aging policies are formed.
- 36-credit hours; full or part-time allowed
- Sample Classes: Race and Culture, Statistical Methods in the Analysis of Social Problems, Families of Later Life
- Research capstone project
The University of Southern Indiana began to deliver public higher education to the state’s growing population. Its vision of “shaping the future through learning and innovation” is seen through its 70 undergraduate majors, 10 master’s programs, and one doctoral degree program. USI’s master’s in gerontology degree program is offered as a nursing degree program, which is held on-campus and online.
USI’s MS in nursing, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner: primary degree program is a specialty degree intended for registered nurses.
- 42 credit hours; 665 clinical hours
- Eligible to sit for national licensure upon graduation
- Sample Classes: Advanced Health Assessment, Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Systems, Population-Based Care and Health Policy
