Arizona State University Online MS in Aging

The Arizona State University Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers a 100 percent online master of science (MS) in aging with four specializations: aging services and case management, long-term care administration, innovation and entrepreneurship, and palliative and end-of-life care.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2015, those aged 65 and older made up 14.9 percent of the U.S. population. By 2060 that number is expected to jump to nearly 25 percent. Knowing how to care for, interact with, and meet the needs of the elderly population is critical. The focus of this program is to improve the well-being of older adults.

The MS in aging curriculum is patterned after the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education’s Competencies for Graduate Education. In addition, the program has been approved by the National Association for Professional Gerontologists, through which graduates may apply for the professional gerontologist credential. Interested professionals may hail from the business, healthcare, social services, psychology, education, public health, or other fields where interaction with older adults is likely, and this knowledge and understanding would be beneficial.

Key skills gleaned through the MS in aging program include:

  • Effective communication with older adults
  • Influencing and changing healthcare policy especially as it impacts older adults
  • Understanding the needs of older adults in areas such as healthcare, housing, psychological well-being, socialization, and generational differences
  • Applying research to support aging populations
  • Educating others about how to best promote the well-being of older adults
  • Advocating for aging populations

Arizona State University is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and offers a variety of online and on-campus programs. Candidates should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0. No GRE or work experience is required to apply.

What to Expect from the Online MS in Aging

Admissions Requirements: Applicants must meet all requirements of both the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation and the Graduate College. A bachelor’s degree in a related field with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for the final 60 credits of the bachelor’s degree is required. Applicants may also hold a master’s degree in a related field with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Either degree must be from a regionally accredited institution.

Application materials include the application and fee, a resume, a letter of intent (or a written statement), official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Non-native English speakers must provide proof of English language proficiency. No GMAT/GRE or work experience is required.

Study Plan: Classes are offered in 7.5-week or 15-week formats, depending on the course. Students may graduate in as little as one year by studying full-time or two years on a part-time basis. Start dates land in the fall, spring, and summer terms. Graduate students must successfully complete an applied culminating project, solving a real-world problem in relation to the well-being of older adults.

Coursework: The MS in aging requires completion of 36 credit hours, with 15 core credits, six specialization credits, nine elective credits, a choice between two three-credit courses, and a three-credit culminating experience as an applied project. As mentioned above, students may choose one of four specializations: aging services and case management, long-term care administration, innovation and entrepreneurship, or palliative and end-of-life care.

Core courses may include perspectives on aging and the life course, diversity in aging, interdisciplinary and community collaboration in aging, research and program evaluation issues in aging, and caregiving issues for families and professionals. Specialization courses may include innovation and entrepreneurship, long-term care administration, aging services and case management, and palliative and end-of-life care.

Electives may include care coordination, administrative systems management, advanced principles and concepts innovation, innovation and the individual, administrative systems management, mental health assessment and intervention, care coordination, and research, theory, and principles for palliative care in older adults. Students must also complete interventions to support aging in place or innovations in program development and policy. The program culminates with an applied project experience.

Online Experience: The MS in aging is a mostly asynchronous program, but may have some synchronous activities. Students are encouraged to seek out hands-on experiences interacting with older adults and the entities that serve them. These may include interviews, job shadowing, or working to solve an issue facing the aging population.

Coursework may include case studies, recorded lectures, assignments, projects, readings, and assessments. ASU delivers courses through the Blackboard online learning management system. Students need the proper technical equipment such as an updated computer and operating system, a headset, a microphone, and a webcam. Online students also have access to a variety of services including faculty office hours, online tutoring, an online library and bookstore, career counseling, and technical support.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the MS in aging program as it is 100 percent online. Students are welcome to visit campus and participate in graduation on campus.

Paying for ASU’s Online MS in Aging

ASU Online MS in Aging tuition numbers are listed below. Interested students should contact the admissions department of the ASU Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation for cost clarifications and updates.

ASU Online may offer financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships, as well as federal work/study and loans. The ASU scholarship search tool can benefit those searching for ways to fund their education. Also, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine financial aid and unsubsidized loan eligibility. Additional funding can be secured through outside sources such as community entities. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees seeking a master’s degree. Candidates can find out more about financial aid through ASU’s Financial Aid Office.

Arizona State University Aging (MS)

  • Prepare to work with older adults in a variety of settings
  • Candidates may include those in health fields, housing, social services, education, and business
  • Specializations include aging services and case management, long-term care administration, innovation and entrepreneurship, or palliative and end-of-life care
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates 3 - Fall A, Spring A, Summer A
Credits Needed to Graduate 30
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation None
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelors degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No, unless the applicant does not meet the minimum GPA requirement
Work Experience Required? No
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 30
Average Cost Per Credit $664.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $19,920.00

Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.

Sara Navratil
Sara Navratil
Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online MHA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.