Gerontology

People are leading longer, healthier lives. By 2034, adults ages 65 and older will outnumber the population under the age of 18 for the first time in American history (see the U.S. Census Bureau projection). With this demographic shift comes an increase in demand for skilled professionals who are committed to creating age-friendly services and advocating for active aging in this growing population.  
 
This degree provides a broad range of skills essential for leadership in the field of aging while offering practical learning opportunities, so you are well-equipped to meet the needs of this changing demographic. Our online curriculum prepares you to be a practitioner in integrative aging studies and an advocate for older adults whether you work in a long-term care facility, design spaces to help adults age in place, or own your own business and seek specialized knowledge and skills to engage with this older population.
 
This program is offered through a collaboration between five reputable universities. Designed for working professionals and those with busy schedules, the gerontology & aging studies program is offered entirely online, providing flexibility and convenience, as well as affordability through a common price per credit hour through all universities.
It is an ideal program if you enjoy working with and for older adults and are passionate about improving the quality of life for people as they age.    idea logo

For more information, visit Online Gerontology Master's Degree & Graduate Certificate - IDEA - An Online Higher Education Alliance.

6 hours required:

HDFS 50803: Foundations in Integrative Aging Studies

HDFS 54103: Adult Development

3 hours required:

HDFS 58303: Physical Health, Wellness, and Active Aging

HDFS 58603: Socioemotional and Cognitive Well-being Throughout Adulthood

3 hours required:

HDFS 54503: Aging in the Family

HDFS 54903: Environments and Aging

3 hours required:

HDFS 58503: Policy and Aging

HDFS 59003: Implementation of Community Programs for Adults

HDFS 59103: Applied Research Methods and Evaluation of Aging Programs

Other courses are available to fill these requirements. An advisor will recommend the best courses to meet your professional goals and degree requirements.

Graduate-level Statistics (3 hours required): 

ESRM 53903: Statistics in Education & Health Professions

Research Methods (3 hours required):

HESC 54603/AGED 54603 Research Methodology in Social Sciences

 

Gerontology Faculty 

 

Program Contact:

Tim Killian, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, HDFS
tkillian@uark.edu
479-575-6815

Amanda Terrell, Ph.D.
Graduate Coordinator
amandat@uark.edu
479-575-7538

Program at a Glance

100% Online

2-3 year program completion, depending on student pace

30 Hours Total
12 Hours Gerontology Core Classes
3 Hours Statistics
3 Hours Research Methods
12 Hours Electives

GRE optional

Students can enroll in fall or spring

A cumulative GPA of 2.85 or higher for graduation

Work with HDFS faculty at acredited universities:
University of Arkansas
Iowa State University
North Dakota State University
Oklahome State University
Texas Tech University.

Affiliate of IDEA Consortium

Global Campus Website

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