UMass Boston

Gerontology Research / Policy MS

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Become a research analyst in the field of aging studies.

UMass Boston's Gerontology Research/Policy MS program prepares students to address issues surrounding a diverse aging population. The curriculum addresses social, behavioral, and policy science theories; research techniques; and content to provide students with the tools to accomplish basic and applied research.

The Gerontology Research/Policy MS program is an on-campus program that offers daytime courses and the flexibility to study on a part- or full-time basis. Students will successfully complete 36 credits to earn their degree.

Careers & Skills

Our graduates pursue fulfilling careers working with the fastest growing segment of the population, adults aged 65 and older. The number of gerontology-related job postings has increased 75% since 2005, according to analysis from Indeed.com.

Our graduates are employed as research associates, policy analysts, and organizational leaders in academic and non-academic settings and/or pursue doctoral degrees in gerontology, aging policy, or other aging-related fields.

Learning Outcomes

  • Acquire knowledge about the social and behavioral science disciplines that inform gerontology and aging policy
  • Develop the methodological tools needed to pursue basic and applied research in gerontology and aging policy
  • Gain practical experience conducting research and analysis in gerontology and aging policy
  • Learn the written, oral, and listening skills needed to communicate effectively with key stakeholders about gerontology and aging policy

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How to Apply

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

  • A minimum, cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or international equivalent) in all undergraduate work
  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of recognized standing or an international equivalent at the time of enrollment
  • Official transcripts for all institutions where you have earned more than 6 credits
    • Applicants who completed the majority of their undergraduate coursework outside of the United States are typically required to submit official TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English proficiency test scores
  • GRE scores are NOT required
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Statement of Purpose

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: February 1 (priority deadline) or June 15 (final deadline) for fall

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Curriculum

Foundation Courses (12 Credits)

  • GERON GR 621 - Social Aspects Aging 3 Credit(s)
  • GERON GR 623 - Issues in Aging Policy 3 Credit(s)
  • PPOL-G 621 - Microeconomics for Policy Analysis 3 Credit(s)
  • GERON GR 628 - Psychology of Aging 3 Credit(s)

Research Courses (6 Credits)

  • GERON GR 601 - Research Methods and Experimental Design 3 Credit(s)
  • GERON GR 603L - Statistical Methods in the analysis of Social Problems I 3 Credit(s)

Electives (15 Credits)

Complete five additional courses from the Gerontology program, other UMass Boston graduate programs, or at other cooperating universities. All courses must be approved by the graduate program director.

Capstone Course (3 Credits)

  • GERON GR 691 - Capstone Project Seminar 3 Credit(s)

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Graduation Criteria

Complete 36 credits from twelve courses including four foundation courses, two research courses, five electives, and one capstone course.

Capstone: Completion of a project as part of GERON GR 691.

Statute of limitations: Five years.

Contact

Graduate Program Director Kathrin Boerner
kathrin.boerner [at] umb.edu
(617) 287-7348

Program Manager Martin Hansen-Verma
martin.hansen [at] umb.edu
(617) 287-7338

Gerontology Programs
gerontology [at] umb.edu

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