Management of Aging Services, M.A.

Program Overview

Graduates are prepared for careers in various settings, including public aging services organizations, private companies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and consulting firms. The program aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage aging services organizations, understand the societal implications of aging, and make a difference in the lives of older adults.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

This program provides a comprehensive understanding of the aging services industry, covering management, policy, and the social, economic, and psychological aspects of aging.

Objectives:

• Develop a holistic understanding of aging services management, integrating knowledge from various disciplines.
• Apply core management principles to various aging services organizations, including private, public, and non-profit sectors.
• Gain knowledge about human aging and its impact on individuals.
• Enhance leadership skills and manage teams effectively.
• Understand the societal impact of aging on various sectors like public policy, economy, and social institutions.
• Evaluate organizational outcomes using research, policy, and business criteria.
• Apply critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills within organizations.
• Analyze the existing array of public aging services programs, their policy shaping, and emerging private sector initiatives.

Outline:

Program of Study

The program requires 36 credits, comprised of:

Core courses (30 credits):

• AGNG 600 - Social & Economic Context of Aging
• AGNG 604 - Policy Foundations of Aging Services
• AGNG 610 - Leadership, Management & Organizations I
• AGNG 611 - Leadership, Management & Organizations II
• AGNG 612 - Finance & Accounting
• AGNG 624 - Strategy, Marketing & Service Delivery
• AGNG 625 - Research & Evaluation
• AGNG 632 - Diversity in Management of Aging Services
• AGNG 638 - Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Design I
• AGNG 639 - Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Design II
• AGNG 621 - Policy Foundations in Dementia Care Services
• AGNG 622 - Implementation of Innovations in Dementia Care Services
• AGNG 630 - Fundamentals of Senior Housing and Care
• AGNG 633 - Senior Housing Management
• AGNG 634 - Seniors’ Housing and Care: Sales and Marketing
• AGNG 636 - Seniors’ Housing and Care: Property Development
• AGNG 640 - Design, Think, Technology, Environmental Design
• AGNG 643 - Law, Ethics and Longevity
• AGNG 645 - Mental Health & Wellness
• AGNG 698 - Special Topics in Aging Studies
• AGNG 699 - Independent Study

Assessment

The program uses various assessment methods, including:

• Exams: Evaluating students' understanding of course material.
• Papers and assignments: Assessing critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
• Presentations: Evaluating communication and presentation skills.
• Group projects: Assessing collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Capstone project: Demonstrating the ability to apply knowledge and skills to a real-world problem.

Careers

Graduates are prepared for careers in various settings, including:

• Public aging services organizations
• Private companies providing services to older adults
• Non-profit organizations
• Government agencies
• Consulting firms
Career examples include:
• Executive Director of an Area Agency on Aging: Leading and managing the organization, overseeing service delivery and policy implementation.
• Director of Senior Housing: Overseeing the development, construction, and management of senior housing communities.
• Director of Home and Community-Based Services: Managing programs that provide support services to older adults in their homes and communities.
• Consultant on Aging Issues: Providing expertise to businesses, organizations, and governments on issues related to aging.

Other

Learning Objectives:

The program aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to:

• Exercise a holistic set of skills and knowledge integrating management, policy, and aging.
• Apply core management fundamentals across various aging services organizations.
• Understand normal human aging and its social, psychological, and physical aspects.
• Provide effective leadership and manage teams.
• Understand societal implications of aging and its impact on various sectors.
• Evaluate organizational outcomes using research and business criteria.
• Effectively apply critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Analyze existing public aging service programs, their future roles, and the emergence of private sector initiatives.