MS Degree in Gerontology:
Research Track
UMass Boston's Gerontology Department offers an MS Degree in Gerontology as well as a Graduate Certificate. Students may follow either of 2 tracks:
- The Gerontology Research Track (discussed here)
- The Management of Aging Services Track
The MS Degree in Gerontology is designed to be a terminal degree. However, on occasion students in the MS Program may be admitted into the PhD Program. Additionally, it is also possible that students who are admitted into the Graduate Certificate Program may subsequently be admitted into the MS Program.
Full and part-time students are accepted into the Program. For full-time students, the MS Program will take three to four semesters to complete.
Mission of the MS in Gerontology Program
The MS Degree in Gerontology Program will help to produce a new generation of gerontologists prepared to assist the city of Boston, the state of Massachusetts, and the nation to address a number of issues surrounding a diverse aging population. The MS Program will serve the needs of students who are committed to the aging field and who want a Masters degree.
MS Degree in Gerontology - Faculty
The core faculty of the Gerontology Graduate Programs is located in the Department of Gerontology at the University of Massachusetts Boston. The faculty is focused solely on providing instruction and research within this department.
More information on the Gerontology Department faculty.
MS Degree in Gerontology - Research Track Curriculum
The curriculum of the Research Track in the MS Degree in Gerontology Program is designed to give graduates command of a broad body of specialized knowledge in aging and social policy, as well as the capacity to develop methodologically sound procedures to expand that base of knowledge and understanding.
The Gerontology Research Track Program employs social science theories, research techniques, and content to provide students with the tools to accomplish basic research in a range of substantive areas. Students are also introduced to the major policy issues affecting older persons in the United States. This provides students with the ability to engage with these issues in the public and private spheres.
MS Gerontology Research Track Degree Requirements
Students in the Research Track of the MS Program will be required to complete 30 credit hours, consisting of:
- 4 required foundation courses (12 credits)
- 2 required courses in research methods and statistics (6 credits)
- 3 electives (9 credits)
- Capstone project (3 credits)
The capstone course allows students to employ their experiences and training in the production of a research project and report.
More Information:
Applying for the MS in Gerontology Research Track Program
To apply for admission in the Gerontology Research track of the MS Degree Program, students should submit a portfolio of material for review by the Gerontology Admissions Committee. The portfolio will include:
- official scores from the general (verbal and quantitative) Graduate Record Exam (GREs);
- official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended by the applicant;
- an essay explaining the student's goals and experiences; and
- all standard UMB application requirements (completed application forms, fees). This information is available on UMass Boston's Graduate Admissions web site.
Priority is given to those who submit applications and all supporting credentials by June 1. However, applications received after June 1st will be given full consideration.
More Information:
MS Degree in Gerontology Research Track Admissions
MS Degree Program Tuition and Fees
Current tuition and fees are available on UMass Boston's main web site.
Contact Us About the MS Degree in Gerontology
For further information about the MS Degree in Gerontology - Research Track, please feel free to contact us by e-mail at gerontology@umb.edu or by telephone at 617.287.7302.