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Applied Gerontology, M.S.

Highly Flexible Program Built on Community Engagement and Hands-On Learning Experiences
  • 36

    Credit Hours

  • 4+1

    Combined Programs — Begin Taking Graduate Courses Your Senior Year

Applied Gerontology, M.S. Program Overview

Prospective students include those who majored in fields such as psychology, sociology, social work, exercise science, recreation therapy, public health, biology or nursing, as well as allied health professionals. 

UNCW’s Gerontology programs take a bio-psycho-social approach, drawing on empirical research and an examination of current issues. Students participate in service-learning, community engagement, group interaction and distance education opportunities.

Why Choose Applied Gerontology?

More people are living longer lives than ever before in history, and this change is happening regionally, nationally, and internationally. Gerontologists work with a variety of public and private organizations that provide services and goods needed by an aging population, or they may create their own new job opportunities in this fast-growing field.

The Science of Aging

Our program prepares professionals to improve the well-being of older adults, as advocates, direct service providers, educators/trainers, administrators, marketers and product developers, program planners, evaluators, researchers and more.

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Learn To

Articulate issues and challenges related to aging persons and their families, with specific emphasis on southeastern North Carolina

Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills through gerontology course work and service-learning experiences

Apply principles and theories that affect the quality of life for aging adults in retirement communities, health care settings, and other public and private organizations, which provide services and resources

Appreciate and synthesize knowledge of biology, health sciences, psychology, sociology of aging, with hands-on experience with older populations in our region

Evaluate aging research critically and participate in the research community to promote healthy aging

Applied Gerontology M.S. Alumni Have Careers As::

Professional that speaks and advocates for a particular category of person, such as a customer, a victim, a child or a patient.

Caring for patients, communicating with doctors, administering medicine and checking vital signs.

Lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardiovascular workouts (for the heart and blood circulation), strength training, and stretching.

Responsible for supervising the clinical and administrative affairs of nursing homes and related facilities

Responsible for facilitating and developing program agendas according to business requirements and specifications.

Produce information for people who make decisions about programs.

Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data and opinions to explore issues, solve problems, and predict trends.

Courses in Applied Gerontology

A table showing a few sample courses for applied gerontology, m.s.
GRN 501 Aging & Society
GRN 503 Investigative Inquiry in Gerontology
PSY 524 The Psychology of Aging
GRN 525 Health & Aging
GRN 540 Current Topics in Gerontology
GRN 590 Practicum in Gerontology
See The Full Curriculum

How to Apply for the Applied Gerontology Program?

  • Bachelor’s degree earned from a regionally accredited college or university, completed before graduate study begins
  • Strong overall academic record with a 3.0 GPA or better
  • An application for graduation admission
  • Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
  • An essay on the applicant’s goals in pursuing the master’s
  • Three recommendations by individuals in academically or professionally related fields
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Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: M.S. Applied Gerontology

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  • Complete applications are reviewed for admission by the program as they are received.
  • All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.

Coordinator

Location/Delivery Method

  • Main Campus

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Spring 2025 (Part-time Start Option):
    • November 1, 2024
      Note: Only those applying to be part-time students may start in the spring
  • Summer I 2025 (4+1 Start Option):
    • May 1, 2025
      Note: Only those who have completed 12 graduate credits as part of a UNCW 4+1/combined program may start in the summer.
  • Fall 2025 (Any Applicant Start Option):
    • July 1, 2025
      Note: Any student may begin the program in the fall, whether they are part-time, first time full-time, or have completed graduate coursework as part of a UNCW 4+1/combined program.

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • None Required

Recommendations

  • 3 recommendations by individuals in academically or professionally related fields

Additional Requirements

  1. Upload Supplemental Documents After Application Submission
  2. Essay:
    Essay Prompt

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