Gerontology

Gerontology M.A.

The Master of Arts in Gerontology prepares students for professional responsibility and leadership in the aging network. Students complete required courses that provide a multidisciplinary foundation in gerontology, and select program electives that will prepare them for working with or on behalf of older adults in direct service, management and administration, further scholarship, or similar professional endeavors.

Graduates find employment in health or mental health related positions, long term care residential or community settings, senior centers, recreation programs, agencies and organizations providing care management and/or administrating policy, community college teaching, industrial and business settings, or private consultation.

Admission. The student must send application materials directly to the Graduate School:

1. Two letters of recommendation using the UNC Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School form.
2. Provide a current resume.
3. A statement of interest covering the following topics (maximum 10 pages double-spaced):
   1. Why have you chosen gerontology? What factors and events motivated your interest in gerontology? Discuss your attitude and philosophy toward aging in general and your personal aging in particular. Also discuss your attitude or philosophy toward research, community change and advocacy.
   2. What past exposure have you had to gerontology? Include any coursework or work experience (paid or volunteer) you have had related to aging. If you have had none, provide a justification of your current interest in the field of aging.
   3. What are your career and educational goals? In what role and in what setting would you ultimately like to be employed? If you do not have a specific goal in mind, what are the areas of interest and what would you like to achieve during your graduate studies.
   4. How would you describe your strengths and weaknesses? This should cover such areas as academic ability, capacity to work with others, leadership and ability to cope with stress.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Gerontology M.A.

Gerontology Graduate Certificate Program