(available through distance education only - http://www.he.k-state.edu/aging/programs/distance/masters.php)

The Masters of Science in Gerontology  is offered through the Great Plains Distance Education Alliance (GP-IDEA). GP-IDEA is a consortium of universities that have come together to offer post-baccalaureate programs through distance education to students whose family or career keeps them from completing an on-campus graduate degree or certificate. Professionals offering direct services often are involved in health promotion programs; directing intergenerational activities; managing senior centers or retirement communities; counseling older people and their families; and helping people plan for retirement. Professionals involved in education and research may evaluate community-based services; teach others about the aging process; develop policies and programs to serve the needs of older adults; work with business and industry on issues related to an aging work force; and consumer education.
 

The program requires 36 credit hours of coursework, 24 of them in the following core areas:

• Perspectives in Gerontology
• Adult Development and Aging
• Aging in the Family Context
• Environments and Aging
• Research Methods and Program Evaluation in Aging
• Physical Health, Wellness, and Nutrition
• Public Policy, Economics, and Aging
• Capstone course, including ethics

The remaining 12 credit hours will be filled through GP-IDEA or on-campus electives at the home institution or through the other participating universities. No thesis option will be offered for this distance-based program. The GRE is not required. See information below for electives offered by KSU.

Universities collaborating on the gerontology program are Colorado State University, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Montana State University, North Dakota State University, Oklahoma State University, and Texas Tech University. Students select a “home” institution through which they will apply to the program and enroll. Students will then take courses taught by their home institution as well as the other cooperating universities. The program has been designed to provide students with the core competencies identified by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education.