Last Updated: October 10, 2024
As the global population ages at an unprecedented rate, the demand for professionals skilled in gerontology—the study of aging—has surged, making an online master’s degree in this field a timely and impactful investment. The World Health Organization projects that by 2030, the number of people aged 60 and older will reach 1.4 billion, a 40% increase from 2020. This demographic shift is driving a need for experts who can address the complex biological, psychological, and social challenges of aging, positioning a master’s in gerontology as a gateway to a growing and meaningful career.
Earning this degree online offers unmatched flexibility, allowing working professionals to upskill without sacrificing their current roles—a critical advantage in a field where experience matters. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 29% growth in medical and health services management jobs—many of which intersect with gerontology—between 2023 and 2033, far outpacing the average for all occupations. Graduates can pursue diverse roles, from healthcare administration to policy advocacy, with median salaries often exceeding $80,000 annually, according to Payscale, underscoring the degree’s financial return.
Beyond economics, the value of an online master’s in gerontology lies in its potential to effect real change. A 2024 study from NYU found that advanced degrees yield a 9-10% annual return on investment over a lifetime, with fields like gerontology gaining relevance as society prioritizes aging populations. For those passionate about improving quality of life for older adults, this degree offers not just a career but a chance to shape the future of an aging world—all from the convenience of a digital classroom.
What are the Best Master’s in Gerontology Degrees?
We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of CollegeRank utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following three aspects:
40% Potential Salary After Graduation: Average mid-career salary of school alumni
30% Institutional Accreditation: Regional and National Accreditation for the 2023-2024 school year
30% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school
In addition to these factors, we also considered the following criteria in choosing the best online master’s degree in gerontology programs.
- Overall reputation of the universities in the education industry
- Respected reputation for academic excellence for their graduate gerontology programs in the profession
- Feature faculty members known for their authority and expertise in their fields, particularly in gerontology
- Offer a rigorous gerontology-focused curriculum with a balance between theory and practice
- Provide candidates with a wide range of student support services that promote their academic and career success
- Preferably with Accreditation for Gerontology Education Council accreditation or curriculum aligned with Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education standards
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
The University of Utah

Fully deserving of the No. 1 spot on our list is the University of Utah, with its interdisciplinary Master of Science in Gerontology degree. This program requires completion of:
- A core curriculum of 21 credit hours
- A 150-hour practicum
- Six or nine elective courses depending on whether one chooses to write a thesis or complete a master’s project.
A master’s project encompasses four credit hours, while a thesis is worth six credit hours. This equals 34 hours for those completing a project and 33 hours for a thesis.
Admissions requirements for this program are stringent. At a minimum, applicants must submit:
- A completed application
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- A current resume
- Three professional references
- A professional goals statement
Applications are reviewed by the Office of Graduate Admissions and the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program; in other words, successful applicants must be accepted by both offices before enrolling in the program. The application deadline for fall semester enrollment is December 1. Roughly 12-15 students are accepted and begin work each fall.
Iowa State University
Location
Ames, Iowa
Average Net Price
$12,967 (in-state, annual tuition and fees); $30,577 (out-of-state, annual tuition and fees)

Iowa State University’s master’s degree in family and consumer sciences with gerontology is designed for professionals either working directly with the eldery or who are involved in related education and research.
This 36-credit hour program includes:
- 24 hours of required courses
- 12 hours of electives
No final project or thesis is required. Classes connected to all sorts of industries and fields of study are offered including:
- Economics
- Public Policy and Aging
- Environments and Aging
- Aging in the Family
Many of the admission requirements are similar to those of other schools including:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
Applications are accepted year-round, though recommended admissions deadlines are Feb. 15 for summer and fall admission and Sept. 15 for spring admission.
Kansas State University

Kansas State University’s master’s degree in gerontology enjoys a fine reputation for good reason. The program aims to provide students with the core competencies identified by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education and draws on the expertise of graduate faculty who have dedicated their professional lives to the field. Students completing this program earn a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science, with a specialization in gerontology.
The structure of the program calls for completion of 36 credit hours consisting of:
- 24 core hours
- 12 elective hours
No final project or thesis is required. Prospective students must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA in their last 60 credit hours. Applications are accepted year-round, and applicants are encouraged to apply two to three months prior to the start of their preferred semester. The application fee for US residents is $65, while it is $75 for international applicants.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Location
Omaha, Nebraska
Average Net Price
$401/credit (in-state); $848/credit (out-of-state); $602 (OUR)

The University of Nebraska at Omaha offers a Master of Arts in Social Gerontology specifically designed to meet the educational needs of students who are mainly interested in research and professionals who are already working in the field. UNO offers two degree options, both of which are available online or on campus.
Students who choose to pursue the thesis option will learn how to conduct research of their own and gain the knowledge and insight needed to interpret their findings critically. Those who opt for the non-thesis option (often current practitioners who need a deeper understanding of normal and abnormal age-related changes) will design, implement, and evaluate specific programming for the elderly with whom they currently work.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must also be accepted to UNO’s Graduate Studies department (the larger department within which the gerontology program is contained) and submit a writing sample.
McDaniel College


McDaniel College, in Westminster, MD, offers a basic Master of Science in Gerontology degree. The program calls for the completion of 36 credit hours that includes:
- 15 hours of core courses
- 12 hours of electives
- One three-credit independent learning component
- Six-credit thesis or extended capstone project
All graduates must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and no more than one course at or below a grade of “C.” All courses are offered online.
The application process is straightforward. Prospective students must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA from a regionally accredited college or university
- Pay a non-refundable application fee
- Submit a personal goals statement describing their academic and career goals
- Provide three letters of recommendation
University of Southern California

University of Southern California’s Davis School of Gerontology offers a Master of Science degree that positions graduates to pursue policy education and research while simultaneously studying the basic mechanics of longevity and population health. In addition to its standard coursework, the program encourages internships and provides opportunities for grant writing as a part of its capstone course.
If enrolled full-time, most students can complete the program in two years, while part-time students require an average of two to three years for completion. Some of the courses offered are:
- Life Span Developmental Psychology and Sociology
- Integrating Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Approach
- Case Studies in Leadership and Change Management
There’s a required field practicum intended to help students learn how to translate classroom theories into real-world practices.
Priority and regular admissions deadlines are March 1 and Aug. 1, respectively. Admissions requirements are similar to those of other colleges in this list. While USC is a well-known university for good reason, it is important to note that it is also the most expensive institution in this list, with an average tuition and fees of $91,084/year.
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Location
Monroe, Louisiana
Average Net Price
$4,953.91 (12 hours, in-state); $11,003.91 (12 hours, out-of-state)

Michael Adams, a Graduate Assistant in the Gerontology Department at the University of Louisiana at Monroe comments, “…my work as a GA in Gerontology is not only rewarding, it has given me a newfound optimism for the aging process.” This is the kind of mindset that graduates of ULM’s Gerontology Department emerge from the program with.
To gain admission, students must meet the general requirements for ULM’s graduate school and one of three additional criteria laid out on ULM’s website, which factor in applicants’ undergraduate GPA, GRE scores, and previous professional experience in the field of gerontology.
Once enrolled, students complete 36 credit hours, consisting of a core curriculum and the selection of one of six areas of specialization including:
- Program Administrator
- Aging Studies
- Long-Term Care Administration
- Small Business Management
- Mental Health
- Grief Care Management
These specializations allow students to tailor their studies to their interests. With an average in-state tuition and fees of $9,579 per year, ULM is the most affordable college in this list and a wonderful option for people interested in the degree.
Webster University

The courses in Webster University’s Master of Arts in Gerontology program draw from a variety of disciplines including:
- Management
- Behavioral and social sciences
- Economics
- Political science
- Natural sciences
This multidisciplinary framework establishes a broad educational base to help students understand the impact of aging on individuals and cultures.
As with other programs in this list, Webster requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Other requirements are detailed once the application process begins. The 36 credit hours required in this program include eight core courses, which are supplemented by electives contained within the gerontology major and/or the curricula of other majors. In this way, Webster’s MA in Gerontology is unique, compared to the others detailed in this article, since students can earn an MA in Gerontology while simultaneously taking courses in other subjects of interest to them.
While the positives of Webster’s curriculum make it worthy of consideration, its average tuition and fees is quite high, at $31,750 per year, which may be an important consideration for potential applicants.
National University

National University’s MA in Gerontology is focused on providing conceptual and clinical knowledge to professionals with established careers who want to increase their proficiency in the field. The program’s coursework can be tailored to those already providing direct services to the elderly, or students interested in conducting research.
Graduates with a master’s degree in gerontology from National University will be qualified to work with the following types of institutions:
- Community, human service, and religious organizations
- Health care and long-term care institutions
- Federal, state, and local government agencies
- Retirement communities
- Academic and research settings
- Private businesses and corporations
Master’s students must complete at least 54 quarter units of graduate work includes:
- 9 units from an integrative project
- 31.5 units from seven core courses
- 22.5 units are from five elective courses
The greatest benefit of studying at National University is its system of 4-week classes. Coursework is more intensive when delivered this way, compared to longer courses, but the format also allows students to focus on one subject at a time, one month at a time, and finish their degree relatively quickly.
University of Indianapolis

The University of Indianapolis’ Master of Science in Gerontology is well worth potential students’ consideration. This program is multidisciplinary in nature and is intended to mesh well with a variety of professional backgrounds.
Admission requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Original transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended
- Professional resume
- Three letters of recommendation (from academic and/or professional sources)
- $50 application fee
- Essay of 1,000 – 1,500 words that explains the applicant’s interest in aging studies and how they plan to use the degree in the future.
The program can be completed in as few as 18 months. It consists of 36 credit hours, which are broken down as follows:
- Four core courses and one required skills course (15 credit hours)
- Three concentration area/specialty track courses (9 credit hours)
- One additional skills course of choice (3 credit hours)
- Two elective courses (6 credit hours)
- Capstone seminar (3 credit hours)
Classes run on a traditional semester schedule, beginning in August, January, and May.
How to Choose the Right Gerontology Master’s Program
An online Master’s in Gerontology is a unique opportunity for students passionate about improving the quality of life for older adults and addressing the challenges associated with aging. As the global population continues to age, the need for professionals skilled in managing healthcare, policy, and social services for seniors is more pressing than ever.
Online programs offer the flexibility to balance studies with work or personal commitments, making it an ideal choice for professionals already in the field or those looking to specialize in gerontology. However, to ensure the program aligns with your career goals and prepares you for the complexities of aging populations, keep these considerations in mind to find the online Master’s in Gerontology that’s the best match for you.
- Curriculum Focus on Aging Theory and Applied Gerontology: An online program should offer a curriculum that blends aging theory with practical, applied knowledge. Look for programs that cover topics such as geriatric care management, aging policy, healthcare systems for older adults, and interventions for common age-related challenges like dementia. A comprehensive curriculum will equip you to handle the unique needs of older populations, from healthcare delivery to social and psychological well-being.
- Opportunities for Remote Clinical Practicum or Fieldwork: Since hands-on experience is critical in gerontology, check if the online program offers flexible practicum or fieldwork placements that can be completed in your community. These opportunities should allow you to gain practical experience in settings like senior care facilities, community organizations, or healthcare institutions. Ensure that the program facilitates partnerships with local organizations for a seamless integration of fieldwork into your schedule.
- Focus on Policy, Advocacy, and Aging Services: Given the importance of advocating for older adults in healthcare, housing, and social services, a solid online gerontology program should emphasize policy analysis, aging services, and advocacy strategies. Look for programs that teach students how to influence local, state, and national policies regarding aging populations, and that prepare you to work in areas like long-term care administration, aging services management, or non-profit organizations focused on senior issues.
- Access to Industry Networks and Professional Development: Even in an online format, access to a strong network of professionals in the field of aging is essential. Choose a program that offers virtual networking events, webinars, and connections to organizations like the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) or the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Additionally, programs with a strong alumni network can help you build relationships with professionals in the field and facilitate job placement after graduation.
- Accreditation and Licensure Preparation: Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized body, such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE). Accreditation ensures the program meets high academic and professional standards. Furthermore, check whether the program provides preparation for licensure or certification in gerontology, such as the Certified Aging Services Professional (CASP) or the Certified Gerontological Nurse (CGN), which can enhance your career prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Master’s in Gerontology can be worth it for those passionate about understanding and addressing the needs of older adults. It offers specialized knowledge in aging-related issues, preparing individuals for roles in healthcare, social services, or policy development. However, its value depends on personal career goals and the specific field of interest, as some positions may require or highly value advanced degrees, while others prioritize experience and certifications.
Here are some common professions associated with a Master’s in Gerontology degree:
• Social Worker
• Health Services Manager
• Home Health Aide
• Social Scientist
• Public Health Director
Clearly, you’ve got options with this degree. Your day-to-day could involve direct health care, data analysis, talk therapy, policy visioning, and more. Our aging population is every bit as active in society as other age brackets. As such, we need professionals in place in every sector to meet their specific needs.
Since the career paths for this degree are varied and diverse, it can be hard to offer a ballpark salary for someone with a Master’s in Gerontology. However, here’s a snapshot of the general mid-career salary earnings for some of the most common professions in the field (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics):
Health Services Manager: $110,680
Social Scientist: $101,770
Health Social Worker: $ 76,520
One thing that is guaranteed for this field is job availability. Right now, there are 76 million baby boomers living in the United States, all aged between 55 and 75 years old. In the coming years, this population will increasingly depend on social services specifically catered to their needs.
An online Master’s in Gerontology typically takes around 1.5 to 2 years to complete. Some programs offer accelerated options. The duration can vary based on:
• credit requirements
• course structure
• whether the student is studying full-time or part-time
Yes, gerontology is a rapidly growing field due to the aging population worldwide. With people living longer, there’s an increased need for professionals specializing in older adult care, healthcare management, policy-making, and research to address the unique needs of aging populations. This growth creates diverse opportunities for careers focused on improving the lives of older adults.
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