Program Overview
The Master of Science in Aging Studies program at Minnesota State University, Mankato equips graduates with knowledge and skills for careers in aging or doctoral training. The program offers a common core, research methods, restricted electives in social-psychological, bio-medical, and policy/applied theory, an internship, and a capstone course. Graduates are prepared for roles in long-term care, social work, research, advocacy, and policy analysis in the field of aging.
Program Outline
Outline:
The Master of Science in Aging Studies (MS) program at Minnesota State University, Mankato provides graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in the field of aging or for doctoral training in aging studies or gerontology.
Program Requirements
Common Core
- GERO 600 Gerontology Theory and Practice (3 credits)
Research/Methods Course(s)
- A 600-level research course from any department (3 credits)
Restricted Electives
Social - Psychological
(Choose 3 Credit(s))
- ANTH 536 Anthropology of Aging (3 credits)
- PSYC 566 Psychology of Aging (4 credits)
- SOC 504 Sociology of Aging (3 credits)
- SOC 505 Sociology of Death (3 credits)
Bio Medical
(Choose 3 Credit(s))
- ANTH 521 Health, Culture, & Disease (3 credits)
- BIOL 517 Biology of Aging and Chronic Diseases (3 credits)
- HLTH 555 Health and Aging (3 credits)
Policy/Applied Theory
(Choose 3 Credit(s))
- GERO 550 Innovations in Aging Policy (3 credits)
- GERO 585 Topics in Gerontology (1-3 credits)
- GERO 603 Transformational Leadership in Aging (3 credits)
- SOWK 519 Social Work and Aging (3 credits)
Internship
(Choose 6 Credit(s))
- GERO 697 Internship (1-6 credits)
Unrestricted Electives
(Choose 8 - 14 Credit(s))
- FCS 574 Community Resources and Family Support (3 credits)
- GERO 580 Long-Term Care Administration (3 credits)
- GERO 601 Current Health Issues in Aging (3 credits)
- GERO 677 Individual Study (1-4 credits)
- HLTH 541 Death Education (3 credits)
- RPLS 582 Leisure and Older Adults (3 credits)
- SOC 517 Program Administration (3 credits)
- SOC 566 Program Planning and Evaluation (3 credits)
Capstone Course
(Choose thesis or APP) (Choose 1 - 6 Credit(s))
Careers:
Graduates of the Aging Studies MS program are prepared for a variety of careers in the field of aging, including:
- Program director or manager in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or other long-term care setting
- Social worker or counselor working with older adults and their families
- Researcher or educator in the field of aging
- Advocate for the rights of older adults
- Policy analyst or administrator in the field of aging
