Gerontology studies the factors that affect aging, specifically among older people. An online master’s degree in gerontology gives students the necessary skills to succeed in a career working with the elderly.
This degree will qualify you for several high-paying and fast-growing industries. For example, the number of jobs for occupational therapists is expected to grow at an exceptionally high rate (23%) over the next decade.
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The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
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- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Gerontology degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 22 Accredited Online Master's in Gerontology Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Georgetown University
Intelligent Score: 99.49In-state: $57,384
Out-of-state: $57,384
In-state: $53,136
Out-of-state: $53,136
SAT: 1380-1550
ACT: 31-35
$2,550
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
40
George Washington University
Intelligent Score: 98.91In-state: $55,961
Out-of-state: $55,961
In-state: $31,770
Out-of-state: $31,770
SAT: 1270-1450
ACT: 30-33
$1,530
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
48
Stony Brook School of Nursing
Intelligent Score: 98.35In-state: $7,070
Out-of-state: $24,740
In-state: $11,310
Out-of-state: $11,310
SAT: 1230-1440
ACT: 26-32
Resident: $471
Non-Resident: $565
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
45
University of Connecticut
Intelligent Score: 96.75In-state: $14,406
Out-of-state: $37,074
In-state: $16,908
Out-of-state: $16,908
SAT: 1170-1390
ACT: 27-32
$1,200
Online, On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
45
University of Southern California
Intelligent Score: 96.01In-state: $59,260
Out-of-state: $59,260
In-state: $47,880
Out-of-state: $47,880
SAT: 1340-1530
ACT: 30-34
$2,354
Online, On-Campus
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
44
University of Louisiana Monroe
Intelligent Score: 95.86In-state: $5,407
Out-of-state: $19,135
In-state: $5,511
Out-of-state: $5,511
SAT: 1000-1210
ACT: 20-26
$500
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
Michigan State University
Intelligent Score: 95.22In-state: $15,555
Out-of-state: $40,384
In-state: $18,858
Out-of-state: $18,858
SAT: 1100-1300
ACT: 23-29
$890
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
54
University of Nebraska Omaha
Intelligent Score: 95.17In-state: $7,770
Out-of-state: $24,900
In-state: $6,138
Out-of-state: $6,138
SAT: 1110-1320
ACT: 22-28
Resident: $388
Non-Resident: $820
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
36
Iowa State University
Intelligent Score: 91.59In-state: $8,042
Out-of-state: $23,230
In-state: $9,758
Out-of-state: $9,758
SAT: 1010-1310
ACT: 21-28
$610
Online
Higher Learning Commission
30
University of Utah
Intelligent Score: 88.90In-state: $7,412
Out-of-state: $26,017
In-state: $6,666
Out-of-state: $6,666
SAT: 1130-1350
ACT: 22-29
$735
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
33-34
Kansas State University
Intelligent Score: 88.03In-state: $9,375
Out-of-state: $25,251
In-state: $10,212
Out-of-state: $10,212
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$611
Online
Higher Learning Commission
30
University of South Carolina
Intelligent Score: 87.05In-state: $12,288
Out-of-state: $33,528
In-state: $13,737
Out-of-state: $13,737
SAT: 1140-1340
ACT: 25-31
Resident: $572
Non-Resident: $1,240
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
46
University of Indianapolis
Intelligent Score: 83.67In-state: $30,888
Out-of-state: $30,888
In-state: $38,452
Out-of-state: $38,452
SAT: 960-1170
ACT: 18-25
$598
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
36
Drexel University
Intelligent Score: 83.54In-state: $53,868
Out-of-state: $53,868
In-state: $36,234
Out-of-state: $36,234
SAT: 1180-1380
ACT: 25-31
$1,134
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
38
University of Florida
Intelligent Score: 83.35In-state: $4,477
Out-of-state: $25,694
In-state: $10,770
Out-of-state: $10,770
SAT: 1290-1460
ACT: 29-33
$550
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
Nova Southeastern University
Intelligent Score: 82.91In-state: $32,370
Out-of-state: $32,370
In-state: $20,618
Out-of-state: $20,618
SAT: 1030-1240
ACT: 20-27
$766
Online, On-Campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
51
Seton Hall University
Intelligent Score: 82.04In-state: $42,920
Out-of-state: $42,920
In-state: $24,372
Out-of-state: $24,372
SAT: 1150-1310
ACT: 25-30
$1,500
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
48
Wichita State University
Intelligent Score: 79.83In-state: $6,843
Out-of-state: $16,208
In-state: $5,544
Out-of-state: $5,544
SAT: 1020-1250
ACT: 20-27
$326
Online
Higher Learning Commission
36
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Gerontology Program
Choose your area of study
This degree may be available as a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS). Furthermore, many programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as medical research or healthcare administration. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.
Research schools and programs
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
If you’re interested in healthcare administration, look for options that have programmatic accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) as well.
Also, determine whether programs offer services such as tutoring, counseling, and career coaching to online students. To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements vary by school and program. For example, you may need to submit scores from the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
Additional requirements may include the following:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Minimum GPA, usually 3.0
- Experience working with the elderly
- Application fees
Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you will pay for your degree
Completing an online master’s program has direct and indirect costs. Buying textbooks is a direct cost, while paying for childcare is an indirect cost. Consider both costs when weighing your options for paying for the degree. Work with the school’s financial aid advisor to choose the best payment option.
If you want to avoid acquiring debt, ask about payment plans, scholarships, and grants available through the school. If you must borrow money to pay for school, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits as well.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Gerontology Program?
Most master’s degree programs in gerontology require between 30 and 36 credit hours, typically taking about two years for full-time students. If the school offers an accelerated program, you may be able to complete it in one year. You may need more than two years to complete this program if you have many work and family responsibilities, which is also allowed in online programs.
These programs often require supervised practicums or other fieldwork experiences where you practice what you have learned in your online courses. Common settings for these in-person requirements include:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Research facilities
- Retirement homes
- Non-profit organizations
- Government agencies
- Mental health agencies
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in gerontology degree program
- Geriatric Pharmacology. Students learn about the most common mental and physical health problems among older adults and how medications help or harm them. This course focuses on medication benefits, risks, schedules, and interactions, as well as what to do in a medical emergency.
- Psychology of Aging. This course covers the psychological changes that affect the quality of life of people as they age, such as memory loss, mental illness, and grieving the loss of friends and family members. Students will learn how to recognize signs of psychological impairments and how to help an aging client get the treatment they need.
- Policies Affecting the Aging Population. Students learn about laws and regulations such as Medicare, Social Security, and the Elder Justice Act.
- Perspectives in Gerontology. This course typically offers an overview of the many things affecting aging today, such as research, politics, careers, and social issues. Other areas addressed may include theories on aging, new technologies, ethics, and the various environments in which older people can thrive.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Gerontology?
Career outlook
The career outlook for individuals with a degree in gerontology is promising, driven by the significant demographic shift toward an aging population. The World Health Organization estimates that the global population aged 60 and over will nearly double from 12% in 2015 to 22% in 2050. As a result, there is a growing need for professionals who can work with and support older adults. Here are some key career options in gerontology:
- Health education specialist — Some health education specialists work in clinical settings to help patients understand their conditions and treatments, while others develop materials and campaigns to promote public health.
- Median annual salary: $62,860
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
- New job openings projected: 6,600 annually
- Health services manager — Manage a healthcare facility or department and supervise medical staff.
- Median annual salary: $110,680
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 28%
- New job openings projected: 54,700 annually
- Social or community service manager — Oversee operations and secure funding for programs that support public well-being.
- Median annual salary: $77,030
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 9%
- New job openings projected: 16,000 annually
Online Master’s Degree in Gerontology Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master's in gerontology degree program?
Online master’s degree programs in gerontology do an excellent job of making the application process as simple as possible. However, each program may require different steps. To get started with an application, contact an admissions counselor at your selected school to ensure you understand their guidelines.
Documents you may need to submit include:
How much does an online master's in gerontology degree cost?
The average annual tuition for graduate school is $12,596 at public institutions and $28,017 at private institutions. Private schools tend to be more expensive than public schools, though public schools usually charge out-of-state students a much higher tuition rate than in-state students.
How long does it take to earn an online master's in gerontology degree?
Master’s in gerontology programs typically take between one and three years to complete. Factors that can change the length of your program include how many courses you take each semester and the number of credit hours required for completion.
Is an online master's in gerontology worth it?
An online degree in gerontology is a valuable investment that not only opens doors to diverse career opportunities but also allows individuals to make a positive impact on the well-being of older adults in an aging society. The skills and knowledge gained through this program are essential for addressing the unique challenges and opportunities associated with an aging population.
Online programs offer the flexibility to balance educational tasks with professional and personal commitments, allowing students to take classes wherever and whenever it is convenient for them. Online gerontology programs also offer extensive networking opportunities with peers, faculty, and industry professionals across the country and even globally.
Read More about Online Master’s in Gerontology Degree Programs
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