Program Overview

Overview of the Gerontology Program

The online master's degree and certificate in gerontology are available in a flexible and affordable format. This program explores the impact of societal expectations on the elderly and demographic trends, including global cross-cultural issues in aging. Students develop a broad understanding of factors that affect the quality of life for the geriatric population.

Career Opportunities in Gerontology

The demand for gerontology experts is expected to increase as the population continues to age. The gerontology program prepares students for careers in organizations such as:

• Social work
  • Nursing
  • Counseling
  • Recreation
  • Public policy
  • Long-term care
  • Medicine
  • Architecture
  • Interior design
  • Adult education
  • Rehabilitation therapy
  • Human and family services Some gerontologists work directly with older persons in a wide variety of programs and services in the community, while others work on behalf of older persons in areas such as advocacy and teaching about aging.

Master's in Gerontology Program Curriculum

The program consists of 36 total credit hours, including:

• 24 hours of core courses:
  • Perspectives in Gerontology
  • Adult Development and Aging
  • Physical Health and Nutrition in Aging
  • Program Evaluation and Research Methods
  • Professional Seminar in Gerontology
  • Policy and Aging
  • Environment and Aging
  • Aging in the Family
• 12 hours of electives

Certificate in Gerontology Curriculum

The certificate program consists of 15 total credit hours, including:

• Two core courses:
  • Perspectives in Gerontology
  • Adult Development and Aging
• Three elective courses, which may include:
  • Physical Health and Nutrition in Aging
  • Program Evaluation and Research Methods
  • Professional Seminar in Gerontology
  • Biological Aspects of Aging
  • Gerontechnology
  • Gender and Aging
  • Cognitive Health
  • Physical Activity and Aging
  • Spirituality and Aging
  • Seminar in Long-term Care
  • Creativity and Aging
  • Mental Health and Aging
  • Sociology and Aging
  • Sexuality and Aging

Benefits of Studying Online

The gerontology master's degree and certificate programs are designed to provide students with research-based skills and knowledge that can be used in today's advancing gerontology careers. Online courses are taught by faculty from several universities, and students pay one common price per credit hour regardless of which university is their degree-granting institution.

Tuition and Fees

Students admitted to the program at Texas Tech University enroll at TTU for all courses, whether they are taught at TTU or by a participating university. The common price for graduate courses is $600 per credit hour, and $435 per credit hour for undergraduate courses. There is no in-state or out-of-state tuition, and this price covers all course costs except textbook or course packet purchases.

Financial Aid

To qualify for financial aid, graduate students must be enrolled as full-time students in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. FAFSA forms must be filled out for all government loan programs.

Course Registration

Students enroll for all courses through their home institution, which means they will have only one enrollment process to complete and one check to write. All coursework completed will immediately be recorded on their Texas Tech University transcript.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for the program are similar among the institutions. Since different platforms are used for course delivery, compatibility with the web browser is most important. Courses do require the use of a computer, access to the Internet, and e-mail.

Faculty and Support

Through the IDEA partnership, Texas Tech gerontology students have access to faculty at the other participating universities. Expert faculty in the gerontology graduate programs are available to help, and students will have an academic advisor at their home university, with technical support from a campus coordinator. The faculty instructors in the gerontology program work collaboratively across the seven partner universities, providing students with access to a wide range of knowledge and experiences.