Best Online Master’s in Gerontology Programs

Gerontology is the study of aging and its effects. This multidisciplinary field combines elements of physiology, psychology, health science, sociology, and public policy. A master’s in gerontology program can help career-minded learners gain the knowledge and tools to enhance the quality of life for older adults.

An online master’s in gerontology program can offer students an efficient, convenient way to earn advanced credentials in this important scientific field. Demographic trends suggest impending increases in demand for gerontologists. Between 2020 and 2040, the number of U.S. adults over age 65 is expected to rise from 54 million-80 million.

According to Payscale, professionals with a master’s in gerontology earn an average base salary of $76,000 per year, as of October 2021. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups gerontology researchers in its “medical scientists” category. The BLS projects 17% employment growth for this labor market segment between 2020 and 2030.

This guide explains what to expect from gerontology programs offered at top online schools.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

A master’s in gerontology usually consists of about 36-44 credits. Schools typically structure their full-time programs to lead to graduation in about two academic years. Part-time learners may need 3-4 calendar years to complete the program.

Master’s programs in gerontology lead to various degree designations. Understanding the distinctions between these designations can help prospective students choose their educational paths. Common designations include the master of science (MS), master of public health (MPH), and master of arts (MA).

MS programs focus on scientific and data-driven approaches to the theory and practice of gerontology. Specialized MPH programs in gerontology apply these science-informed perspectives to public policy development. MA programs focus more on the field’s qualitative elements, especially as they apply to interpersonal interactions.

Some schools offer specialized programs that target highly focused gerontological practice areas. These may appeal to students with particular academic interests or career goals. Examples of these specializations include:

Many programs also require applied practice experiences, field studies, or internships. Degree-seekers must complete these components in person. Keep this in mind as you prepare for graduate school if you decide to pursue an online master’s in gerontology.

This required course delivers a focused study of the physiological changes that take place as the human body ages. It covers both normal and dysfunctional physiological changes across all major bodily systems.

This course examines the psychology of aging through social, perceptual, interpersonal, cognitive, and personality-based perspectives. Many programs require this course, usually during the first or second semester.

In this course, students learn about the ways in which healthcare systems engage older adults. Potential topics include continuity of care, government policy, and economic considerations. Schools typically include this as an optional course in MS or MPH programs.

MPH and MA programs in gerontology typically offer this as an upper-semester elective. Learners explore points of contact between health policy and social access, healthcare delivery, and quality of life in older adults.

As people age, their behaviors and perspectives on healthcare often change. This course examines the typical course of changing perspectives and how they impact people entering and proceeding through old age.

The U.S. Census Bureau projects that adults over age 65 will outnumber children in the United States by the mid-2030s. Experts believe this demographic trend will trigger a surge in demand for caregivers and gerontology professionals. Others note that the elder care system needs major policy reform, creating further opportunity for gerontologists.

A master’s in gerontology may open doors to careers in medical research, therapy and rehabilitation, and social work. Some graduates become sociologists or psychologists specializing in elder care. Others enter government, where they become policy analysts and policy advisors.

Earning potential depends on your career path. The BLS cited the following median salaries for gerontology-related jobs as of May 2020:

See where you can go with a master’s in gerontology. Learn more about gerontology careers.

Gerontology researchers conduct studies into the physical and psychological effects of aging. Their work provides a foundation for policy reforms and medical breakthroughs with high-impact potential.

The BLS includes gerontology researchers within its broader “medical scientists” category. It projects very strong employment growth of 17% for these professionals between 2020 and 2030.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $91,510

Social workers play a crucial frontline role in improving the lives of older adults. They advocate on behalf of vulnerable populations and help resolve interpersonal conflicts and disputes.

Older adults may interact with a specialized class of social workers known as clinical social workers. These professionals have advanced training and work in institutional settings. They also require state-level licensure.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $51,760

Geropsychologists are licensed specialists who help older adults and their loved ones prepare for, meet, and overcome age-related biopsychosocial challenges. They assist with issues related to mental disorders, dementia, behavioral health, cognitive and emotional changes, and grief, among others.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $82,180

Occupational therapists help older patients recover or preserve their mobility, daily living skills, and ability to perform everyday activities. All U.S. states require occupational therapists to hold special licenses.

Some gerontology programs offer concentrations in occupational therapy. In other cases, occupational therapy programs feature gerontology specializations. Investigate both options if this career path interests you.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $86,280

A master’s in gerontology may open doors to careers in long-term care facility management and administration. Candidates may ascend to upper management roles after acquiring multiple years of experience in lower-level administrative positions. Adding an MBA in healthcare administration could boost your prospects.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2020): $104,280

A master’s in gerontology can provide a sound educational base from which to launch a career in the field. However, you may prefer or require additional education depending on your specific professional aspirations.

For instance, those planning to become psychologists or medical researchers may benefit from pursuing doctoral gerontology studies. Examples of relevant doctoral programs include healthcare management, occupational therapy, family counseling, and MBA can help elevate your advancement prospects.

The rapidly aging U.S. population appears poised to add tens of millions of older adults to the nation’s demographics in the coming years. This signals the likelihood of strong, sustained opportunities for professionals in fields like gerontology. Investing in a gerontology degree could pay dividends for many years.

The BLS also tracks typical earnings by degree level. Workers with a master’s degree can typically earn more than someone with only a bachelor’s. This can represent hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra income over the course of a 20-year career.

A master’s in gerontology may open doors to multiple career paths related to caring for older adults. Graduates work in medical, psychological, and sociological research. They can also launch careers in institutional administration and a variety of frontline, patient-facing roles.

Additional training and licensure can help lead to even more career opportunities. Examples include physical and occupational therapy, counseling and psychology, clinical social work, and more. Professionals with advanced gerontology degrees can also help improve older adults’ lives by working in policymaking.

Careers in elder care are sometimes characterized as “recession-proof.” This means they enjoy strong, constant demand regardless of prevailing economic conditions. Older adults are a permanent fixture in society. Those uniquely qualified to meet their care needs can have access to a stable and potentially lucrative employment market.

Gerontology majors also seem likely to benefit from rising demand in the years and decades ahead. Analysts project the U.S. population of people over age 65 will soar to an estimated 80 million by 2040.

Payscale data indicates that professionals with a master of science degree in gerontology earn an average base salary of $76,000, as of October 2021. Those working in gerontology-related careers may earn less or more than this average.

Many factors play a role in determining earnings. Key examples include experience level, responsibility level, and local labor market conditions.

Also, consider job location. Major metro cities consistently rank among the highest-paying destinations in the United States.

According to the BLS, medical and health services managers rank among the highest-paying professions open to those with a gerontology master’s. These jobs paid a median salary of $104,280 per year, as of May 2020. However, remember that it can take years of experience in supporting roles to reach this earning level.

Other median salaries for career paths in gerontology include medical research ($91,510 per year), occupational therapy ($86,280 per year), and psychologist jobs ($82,180 per year).