Purpose
Gerontology is the study of the processes of aging from maturity to death and the problems associated with aging and the aged in society. The program at Florida Gulf Coast University is designed to:

1. Provide preparation for employment in the aging network;

2. Provide continuing education for job enrichment and career development;

3. Provide training for specific health care providers in the specialization in gerontology.

Education
Students may earn a Master of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Gerontology. All of the courses necessary to complete this program are available by web based distance learning. Other Gerontology Programs at FGCU include a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Gerontology, and a Certificate Program in Gerontology.  See the links to those programs for more information.

Careers in Gerontology
Populations are aging worldwide. This means that people live longer, and the number of older persons is increasing. In the U.S., of those born in 1900 nearly half died before they were 50 years old. People born today can expect to live beyond their 75th year. In 1900 about one in 25 Americans was over 65; today one in eight is over 65. The age group growing fastest in our society and in many other countries is the "very old": people aged 85 and over. This growth will continue well into the 21st century, when one in five Americans will be over 65, and there will be 15 to 18 million persons over the age of 85.

These growth trends will result in a demand for professionals with knowledge and expertise in aging. Expanded career opportunities in gerontology are forecast in many disciplines and professions, each area requiring a work force with education and training in gerontology. Some people will work directly with elders in

• developing programs such as health promotion, senior theater groups, intergenerational activities for elders in senior centers, community agencies, or retirement communities;
• providing direct care to frail, ill, or impaired older persons in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or through adult day care or home care programs;
• counseling older people and their families about issues of caregiving, employment, death and dying, or mental health; and
• advising older clients about estate planning and investments, financing long-term care or housing options.

Other professionals are less directly involved with older persons, but work on their behalf, educate others, or investigate issues in the field of aging. Examples of their activities include

• conducting research on the aging processes and diseases associated with aging such as Alzheimer's disease or osteoporosis;
• analyzing issues related to elders such as retirement opportunities, income maintenance, the health care system, and housing alternatives;
• planning, administering, and evaluating community-based services and service delivery systems for older persons;
• teaching classes and courses to community members, college and university students, health care professionals, and older adults;
• advocating with or on behalf of elders before legislative bodies or in institutional settings;
• designing products to meet the special interests and needs of older persons; and
• advising business, industry, and labor regarding older workers and consumers.

Visit Careers in Aging for more information.

Student Outcomes
Graduates will be prepared to: 

• care for the elderly and/or work in institutions that administer or deliver services to the elderly.
• compare and contrast concepts and theories used to study aging, recognizing their influence on policies and procedures in practice.
• employ appropriate assessment procedures and intervention strategies to enhance quality of living, and to maintain functional capacity and adaptation at the optimal level throughout the life cycle.
• understand the principles of effective practice and apply them to the evaluation of gerontology programs and/or practice.
• understand the variety of contexts within which aging can be examined.
• summarize, evaluate and utilize popular, professional and scientific literature in gerontology to maintain currency in knowledge and skills, to provide valid rationale for practice and policies, and to enhance accurate interpretation of the various aging processes for the public and other professionals.
• conduct and evaluate research to improve gerontology practice.

This is a web based distance learning program.

Tuition and Fees - In State and Out of State
The Master of Science in Health Science program at FGCU is a part of The Academic Common Market / Electronic Campus Program. Residents of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states (Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia) may participate in the SREB Academic Common Market/Electronic Campus program. Students residing in these states may be able to pursue studies the Health Science program and pay in-state tuition. For more information visit The Academic Common Market / Electronic Campus Program.

Degree Requirements · Course Descriptions · Admissions