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General Catalog

Gerontology

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College of Nursing Master of Science

Program Contact Information

Program Description

Gerontology is a university-wide interdisciplinary program administered through the College of Nursing and affiliated with the Center on Aging, and is an Institutional Member of the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE).

As a basic and applied science, gerontology examines specific changes in older individuals as well as the broader social issues confronting them. The theme of promoting optimal aging and inter-generational relationships throughout the life course influences the teaching, research, and service activities of the faculty. The interdisciplinary university-wide program (since 1972) offers three degrees: 1) the Master of Science, approved by the Board of Regents in 1993, 2) an Undergraduate Minor, 3) Certificate in Gerontology (undergraduate and graduate) for matriculated or non-matriculated students. All degree and certificate programs are offered in an online format. The Gerontology Program is the leader for distance education in the field of aging in the Intermountain West.

Master of Science (MS) Degree Online: The Master of Science degree program is designed to prepare individuals to work in programs related to aging or older adults. Graduate students in gerontology come from a wide variety of undergraduate fields of study and are interested in pursuing careers as administrators, practitioners, service providers, researchers, or educators in the field of aging. This program is available in an online distance format.

Approved Combined/Dual Degrees

Master of Science in Gerontology / Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MSG/MPAS) Degree:

The Dual MPAS/MSG degree takes 32 months to complete—saving students time, increasing specialization, and increasing the number of primary care to treat an age range in critical need of primary care providers. The dual degree capitalizes on the strengths and missions of the MPAS and MSG programs, attracting a diverse group of students from across the country who are dedicated to improving the health of older adults. While completing these two degrees concurrently would take 51 months, the dual degree program permits highly-qualified students to earn both degrees in 32 months and with significant cost savings. The course of study allows MPAS/MSG students to begin their training by taking core gerontological coursework one semester before beginning the MPAS curriculum and graduating on time, earning both MPAS and MS degrees. All MSG courses will be offered online.

Program Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed by both the University of Utah Graduate Admissions Office and the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program, housed in the College of Nursing. Successful applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements for, and be accepted by both, the Graduate School and Gerontology Program. Applicants from all disciplines and backgrounds are welcome to apply. Information about Graduate School admissions can be found at the Graduate School Admissions page.

Admission to the University of Utah Gerontology Interdisciplinary Master’s Program is limited and selective. The Gerontology Master’s Program admits students once a year each fall semester. Admission cannot be guaranteed to all individuals who meet the minimum admission criteria.

Admission Procedures: A cohort of approximately 12-15 students is accepted into the Gerontology Master’s Program each fall semester. Applications are available fall of the previous year with an application deadline of February 1.

Students are responsible for the completion of their application file. Incomplete files will not be reviewed. Efforts will be made to assure applicants are fairly evaluated for admission and assisted as needed throughout their program. Applicants who have taken courses as a non-matriculated University of Utah student will be considered for admission on the same basis as other applicants. Registration for courses required for the MS degree in Gerontology prior to acceptance in the program does not assure admission to the program. The University of Utah does not allow students to count the credit hours from a course toward more than one degree.

Students can earn a Gerontology Certificate and count 9 of the credits toward the MS degree if they did not count those same credits toward another University of Utah degree.

The M.S. Program requires students to complete a minimum of 33 to 34 credit hours consisting of 21 core credits, 6-9 elective credits, and 6 thesis credits or 4 master’s project credits.

Minimum Requirements

  • Completion of a Graduate Admissions application

  • Completion of a Bachelor’s degree

  • Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale

  • A personal interview may be required

Entrance Exams: English Proficiency Exams (TOEFL or IELTS only)

  • Evidence of English-language proficiency is required for applicants whose first language is not English. Applicants are required to submit results of either the Test of English Foreign Language or IELTS. Minimum score requirements for admission can be found at the University of Utah Admissions Office.

Financial Assistance: Financial Assistance is available to qualified graduate and certificate students. For information about financial assistance, please contact the University Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. For scholarship information please contact the College of Nursing Student Services Office (https://nursing.utah.edu/student-services/scholarships)

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