Overview
The Master of Science program in Gerontology provides you with a rich interdisciplinary knowledge base that prepares, supports, and enhances your ability to fulfill leadership roles in the public and private sectors when gerontology knowledge and expertise is essential to improve the quality of life for older adults. Courses are offered at the Westminster campus, online or in a hybrid format that allows you to take courses both ways.
If you aren’t sure that you want to commit to a full M.S. program at this time, you may elect to start with the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. All courses in the certificate program for which you earn the grade of “B” or better can be transferred into the M.S. program.
Key Features of the Gerontology program include:
• Prepares, supports, and enhances your ability to work with a diverse population of older adults.
• Provides opportunities for you to develop an area of expertise which will prepare you for professional positions focused on improving the quality of life for older adults.
• Provides an interdisciplinary approach to studying gerontology so you are better prepared in their approach to geriatric care.
• Prepares you to assume leadership roles in the public and private sector.
In addition, you will develop skills to:
• Better understand the complex interrelations among aging, health and social structure.
• Assess, interpret and apply gerontological research findings.
• Effectively communicate gerontological concepts in oral and written form.
• Apply interdisciplinary gerontological knowledge to work with older adults in your chosen area of concentration.
Why McDaniel
• Offers a five-year B.A./M.S. program.
• Offers convenient schedules and delivery options to fit your busy schedule.
• Balances full-time faculty with adjunct instructors who draw course content from best practices in the field.
• Small class size and individual attention that the professors provide students.
• Highly competitive tuition.
Admissions Requirements
Initial Admission
• Completed application for graduate study
• Submit the non-refundable application fee
• Official transcripts verifying completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. 2.5 minimum GPA required.
• Personal Goal Statement
• Three letters of recommendation
Full Acceptance
• Meet all requirements for initial admission
• Complete nine credit hours at McDaniel College with a grade of “B” or better
Degree Requirements
• The Master of Science degree in Gerontology requires completion of 36 semester hours (15 credit hours in core courses, a 3-credit independent learning component, 12 credit hours in electives, and a 6-credit hour Thesis or extended Capstone Project).
• Minimum 3.0 GPA, limit of one course at or below a grade of "C.”
Courses
| GRN 501 | Interdisciplinary Approaches to Gerontology
This course provides an introduction to the bio-psycho-social changes of aging. The course will implement a life course framework examining changing age structures, the aging of the individual and society. Included in discussion will be theories and research exploring aging from an individual and societal perspective. Stereotyping, age discrimination, social policies, and career opportunities will also be addressed. | 3 Credits |
| GRN 506 | Biology of Aging
This course examines the physiological, genetic, nutritional, and other biological aspects of the aging human body. Course will include the impact of disease, stress, neurological and endocrinological change, as well as research being done at the molecular, cellular, metabolic, and population levels to increase and promote the heath of the aging population. | 3 Credits |
| GRN 517 | Psychology of Aging
Prerequisites GRN 501
This course provides a specific focus on aspects of aging of interest to psychologists, including health psychology, learning and memory, intellectual behaviors, personality, psychopathology and clinical intervention. This course draws information from the traditional specialties of the psychology of aging mentioned above, as well as from health and social gerontology. In addition, research methodology specific to aging and aging theories will be reviewed and integrated into the course to gain a better understanding of older adults. | 3 Credits |
| GRN 527 | Aging in a Diverse Society
Prerequisites GRN 501
This course examines aging from both macro and micro perspectives. The implications of social and cultural change on aging individuals will be explored in addition to the effects of the aging population on the greater society. Students will gain an understanding of the applied and theoretical issues in aging from a sociological perspective through an examination of roles, relationships and related social institutions. Patterns of diversity in the aging population will be considered, including race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, and gender. Ethical issues associated with an aging society will also be examined, including clinical care of older adults. | 3 Credits |
| EDU 550 | Introduction to Research Methodology
This course is directed toward an understanding of how research is conducted. Includes the study of quantitative and qualitative strategies and their appropriate use. Reviews appropriate statistical tools and their use in data collection and interpretation. | 3 Credits |
| GRN 560 | Applications in Gerontology
Applications in Gerontology allows the student to choose from one of the following: internship, review of gerontological literature on a topic of interest, a practical project, research or teaching practicum. The student and his or her academic adviser will agree on the structure and criteria of the selection. The student will be required to work independently with supervision and advisement as necessary. | 3 Credits |
CloseSelect four (4) courses |
| EPE 538 | Exercise & Aging
This course will focus on the physiological adaptations associated with exercise and training in older adults. These adaptations will be compared to those in a younger exercising population as well as to sedentary older adults. The impact of exercise on chronic diseases will also be discussed. | 3 Credits |
| GRN 502 | Understanding and Combating Ageism
This course examine the origins and causes of ageism in our country. The effect of ageist attitudes in the workplace, customer care and care giving will be addressed. Potential ways of reducing its prevalence and consequences will be explored. | 3 Credits |
| GRN 505 | Public Policy and Aging
This course examines trends and the changing roles of local, state, and federal agencies in the planning, managing, and evaluation of programs in comprehensive, coordinated systems of service for older persons. | 3 Credits |
| GRN 507 | Psychosocial Aspects of Aging
This course examines the connection between the sociological forces and psychological challenges involved in the process of aging. A developmental perspective addressing infancy through old age is presented, with an emphasis on the changes, which occur in later adulthood. Issues such as ageism, retirement, elder abuse, and death and dying are considered. | 3 Credits |
| GRN 508 | Nutrition and Aging
This course examines how nutritional requirements and metabolism are influence by the aging process. Dietary changes to offset the effects of aging and disease to improve the quality of life will be explored. Community and Institutional food programs will be discussed. | 3 Credits |
| GRN 509 | Sexuality and Aging
This course examines the physical, psychological, spiritual, and social aspects of sexuality in aging person. Attention will focus on the effects of physical illness, mental illness and pharmaceuticals as well as the social domains of living arrangements and both financial and social support systems as determinants of the older person’s sexual desire. | 3 Credits |
| GRN 510 | Geriatric Pharmacology
Students will learn about common medial and psychiatric conditions related to aging (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, elevated cholesterol, depression, anxiety, memory impairments, etc.) and corresponding pharmacological treatment options. Included will be a discussion of the FDA approval process for new drugs and review of existing medications. Drug interactions and other risks in the older population will be evaluated. Costs of medications will also be addressed as will programs aimed at reducing theses costs. | 3 Credits |
| GRN 551 | Special Studies in Gerontology
A special studies course specific to the discipline of geronotology developed in collaboration with the student and instructor, receiving the approval of academic adviser and Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies. The student and instructor agree to meet a minimum of five times for fifty minutes during the term of the course. An application for Special Studies Course with appropriate signatures must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office fully describing the project and final products to be evaluated. | 3.0 Credits |
| GRN 566 | Special Topics in Gerontology
This course will focus on various topics pertaining to the field of gerontology. A different topic is chosen for any given semester and will be fully described in additional information on the section listing in Archway. | 3 Credits |
CloseThe student will select to complete a six (6) credit culminating experience incdluing either a master’s thesis or capstone project. |
| GRN 570 | Proposal Writing in Gerontology
The culminating experience in the Master’s of Science in Gerontology program can be either a thesis or capstone project. The thesis option (GRN 590) is recommended for those students planning a writing- or research-focused career or those planning to continue their education in a doctoral program. The capstone project (GRN 580) is recommended for those planning a service-oriented career.
Candidates enrolled in this course will examine the components of each option and make a selection for their culminating experience. Under direction of the instructor, the candidate will develop an APA formatted proposal for either the thesis or the capstone, which will include a brief literature review and a discussion of the purposes and methodology that will be implemented.
| 3.0 Credits |
Select either GRN 580 or GRN 590 |
| GRN 580 | Master’s Capstone Gerontology
The Master’s Capstone in Gerontology is a culminating project that demonstrates the candidate’s ability to apply what he or she has learned in a practical setting. The precise nature and composition of the project is open to negotiation with the project adviser (within the limits of required academic and professional standards) to maximize the professional relevance and learning of each candidate. | 3.0 Credits |
| GRN 590 | Master’s Thesis Gerontology
The presentation of a research proposal and subsequent thesis acceptable to a committee of graduate faculty selected by the graduate program coordinator, faculty sponsor and student. | 3.0 Credits |
Close
Faculty
Alva S. Baker, M.D., Director
The Center for the Study of Aging,
abaker@mcdaniel.edu
410-386-4609
Diane Martin, Ph.D., Academic Director
The Center for the Study of Aging
dbmartin@mcdaniel.edu
410-386-4618
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Completers of the graduate certificate in Gerontology can obtain managerial and administrative roles in the following industries and organizations:
• Community, human services and religious organizations
• Healthcare and long-term care institutions
• Local, state and federal agencies
• Retirement communities
• Academic and educational institutions
• Aging research institutions
• Business and industry
Important Dates
Application Deadlines:
Fall Semester – August 1
Spring Semester – December 15
Summer Sessions – May 1
FAQs
1. Is this program offered 100% online?
Yes, we do have a version of the program that can be taken totally online.
2. Can I mix online and face-to-face classes?
Yes, please be sure to let your advisor know that you are planning to take courses both ways.
3. I started the program online (or) face-to-face. Can I switch to the other version of the program?
Yes, please be sure to consult with your advisor before doing so.
