| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Master of Applied Gerontology (MAG) is a professional degree designed to enhance theoretical and applied gerontological practice knowledge and skills. The program prepares graduates to positively impact gerontological health practice, program administration, and the well-being of the aging population through innovative policy and practice approaches. Graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in gerontology, including direct care, program planning, and research.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Master of Applied Gerontology (MAG) is a professional degree designed for health professionals working in gerontology and recent graduates from various undergraduate programs seeking a gerontological health career. The program aims to enhance theoretical and applied gerontological practice knowledge and skills, preparing graduates to positively impact gerontological health practice, program administration, and the well-being of the aging population through innovative policy and practice approaches.
Objectives:
- Advance theoretical and applied gerontological practice knowledge and skills.
- Prepare graduates to positively influence gerontological health practice, program administration, and the health and well-being of the aging population.
- Foster innovative policy and practice approaches in gerontology.
Outline:
Content:
The program covers a comprehensive range of topics in gerontology, including:
- Gerontological theory and research
- Health promotion and disease prevention in older adults
- Geriatric assessment and care management
- Long-term care and aging-in-place
- Social and economic issues in aging
- Policy and advocacy in gerontology
Structure:
The MAG program is a full-time, course-based program that can be completed in three terms (one year). The program consists of:
- Core courses (12 credits)
- Elective courses (6 credits)
- Practicum (6 credits)
- Thesis (6 credits)
Course Schedule:
The program follows a structured course schedule, with courses offered in the fall, winter, and spring terms. The specific course schedule may vary from year to year.
Individual Modules with Descriptions:
Core Courses:
- GERO 5P01: Introduction to Gerontology
- Provides an overview of the field of gerontology, including its history, theories, and research methods.
- GERO 5P02: Biological Aspects of Aging
- Examines the biological changes that occur with aging and their implications for health and well-being.
- GERO 5P03: Psychological Aspects of Aging
- Explores the psychological changes that occur with aging, including cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social relationships.
- GERO 5P04: Social Aspects of Aging
- Examines the social factors that influence aging, including social support, discrimination, and ageism.
Elective Courses:
Students can choose from a range of elective courses to tailor their program to their interests and career goals. Some popular elective courses include:
- GERO 5P05: Geriatric Assessment and Care Management
- Provides an overview of geriatric assessment and care management, including assessment tools, care planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- GERO 5P06: Long-Term Care and Aging-in-Place
- Examines the different types of long-term care settings and services, as well as strategies for supporting aging-in-place.
- GERO 5P07: Social and Economic Issues in Aging
- Explores the social and economic challenges faced by older adults, including poverty, housing, and transportation.
- GERO 5P08: Policy and Advocacy in Gerontology
- Examines the role of policy and advocacy in improving the lives of older adults, including the development and implementation of policies and programs.
Practicum:
The practicum is a supervised field placement that provides students with hands-on experience in gerontological practice. Students can complete their practicum in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, or community health centers.
Thesis:
The thesis is a research project that allows students to demonstrate their understanding of gerontological theory and research and their ability to conduct independent research. Students work closely with a faculty supervisor to develop and complete their thesis.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams (midterms and finals)
- Assignments (essays, presentations, case studies)
- Practicum evaluations
- Thesis defense
Assessment Criteria:
Students are assessed on their:
- Knowledge and understanding of gerontological theory and research
- Ability to apply gerontological principles to practice
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Research skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The MAG program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Field trips
- Guest speakers
Faculty:
The MAG program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in gerontology. Faculty members have diverse backgrounds in fields such as nursing, social work, psychology, and public health.
Unique Approaches:
The MAG program offers several unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- Experiential learning: Students gain hands-on experience through the practicum and other experiential learning opportunities.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: The program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration by bringing together students and faculty from a variety of backgrounds.
- Community engagement: The program emphasizes community engagement and partnerships with local organizations serving older adults.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the MAG program are prepared for a wide range of careers in gerontology, including:
- Direct care for older persons and their families
- Program planning and evaluation
- Program management
- Municipal and regional government programs
- Provincial and federal government departments
- Social service agencies
- Community health centers
- Hospital-based programs
- Gerontological health research
- Providing gerontological expertise for private sector business and industry
- Health professional educator
Opportunities and Outcomes:
The MAG program provides graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed in a variety of gerontological careers. Graduates are well-prepared to make a positive impact on the lives of older adults and their families.
