Aging Studies

Graduate Programs

Description

The program, in cooperation with the Center on Aging, coordinates the delivery of the curriculum in human aging and facilitates activities of education, research and service which create, disseminate and apply knowledge about aging. The primary purpose of the graduate curriculum in aging is to provide a knowledge base in aging studies which, when combined with professional knowledge and skills, prepares the student for practice in the aging network. The program offers both general and administrative tracks of study at the graduate level. In addition to the Master of Science in Aging Studies, Minnesota State also offers a Graduate Certificate of Study in Aging Studies and specialized coursework leading to original licensure as a nursing home administrator in Minnesota. The University is a member of the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education.

Majors

Program Locations Total Credits
Aging Studies MS MS - Master of Science
  • Mankato
34

Certificates

Program Locations Total Credits
Aging Studies GC
  • Mankato
15
Long Term Care Administration GC
  • Mankato
23

Policies & Faculty

Policies

Application Requirements

All applicants must submit the following documents to the College of Graduate Studies and Research in addition to all required university applications and documents.

  1. Three unique letters of reference. Duplicate references (the same reference with a different referrer’s name) will lead to an automatic rejection of the application. References must be from academic or professional sources – no personal references will be accepted. Academic references may include course instructors, faculty mentors of research projects, academic internship supervisors, or faculty advisors. Professional references may include employment, non-academic internship, or volunteer experience supervisors.
  2. An academic writing sample (2000-3000 words, in English).
  3. A Personal Statement (500-1000 words, in English) on why the applicant wishes to pursue a graduate degree in Aging Studies at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and what career path they have in mind for its use.

Other Admission Requirements

For consideration during an upcoming term, all applications must be completely processed by July 15 for Fall term, November 15 for Spring term, and March 15 for Summer term.  Students should allow at least four weeks for application review and are advised to monitor their application process closely via the online application system to insure that they have submitted all required documents.  Admission requires a baccalaureate degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The GRE is not required.

Graduate Program Options in Aging Studies

The admission policies presented above are required for all of the Aging Studies graduate program offerings.  These include the MS Aging Studies, whether completed online or on-campus, the MS Aging Studies: Long-Term Care Leadership Emphasis, the Aging Studies Online Graduate Certificate, and the Graduate Certificate in Long-Term Care Administration and Leadership.  Students are strongly urged to thoroughly consider the requirements of each of these degree or certificate offerings prior to application to insure that they select the program that best fits their current and projected personal and professional needs.  Students my contact the program director for additional information.

Financial Assistance

Graduate assistantships and special funding opportunities in Aging Studies may be periodically available. In addition, a Rose M. Hull Scholarship recipient and a David and Darlene Janovy Summer Research on Aging Award recipient are selected through competitive applications each March. Contact the program director for current information relating to graduate or research assistantships and other funding opportunities.

MS Aging Studies Credit Requirements

One-half of the total credits for the MS Aging Studies and MS Aging Studies: Long Term Care Leadership Emphasis must be 600 level credits (excluding the thesis or alternate plan paper credits) whether the student selects the thesis or alternate plan paper option.  Alternate plan papers are highly structured and require the same process for proposal and final defenses as the thesis.  Internships or practicums are required for both degree options as is a 600 level research course.

Contact Information

College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Dept of Sociology & Corrections
113 Armstrong Hall

http://sbs.mnsu.edu/soccorr/

Faculty

Chair
  • Luis Posas
Aging Studies Director
  • Donald Ebel
Grduate Coordinator
  • Dennis Waskul

500 Level

Credits: 3

Engaging with the practice of policy development, understanding critical policies impacting the experience of aging, and learning how to become a policy entrepreneur will be the focus for this course. The course will also explore innovations in aging policy globally.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Issues and trends, programs and services, funding mechanisms and regulations. Meets state educational requirements for specific content areas.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

Topics vary as announced in class schedule. May be retaken for credit if topic is different.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

Workshop topics vary as announced in class schedule. May be retaken for credit.

Prerequisites: none

600 Level

Credits: 3

This course will provide students with an integrated knowledge of theory and practice in gerontology and examine the challenges involved in studying and providing services to the elderly, as well as ethical and advocacy-related issues in an aging society.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Topic varies with offering. May be taken more than once.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

This course will focus upon the critical examination of leadership in the context of organizations serving older populations. The course will include exploration of decisions, processes and ideas exhibited by transformational leaders in aging in the US and globally.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-4

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Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-2

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Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-6

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Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-6

For students following the program of study for nursing home administration.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

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Prerequisites: none