Best Online Master's in Gerontology for 2019
An online gerontology master's degree prepares you to enter a career in aging services. You will offer critical support to older adults by helping them with housing, health services, and community programs. Earning your online master's degree in gerontology opens a myriad of professional options to you. For example, you might pursue a career in social work, which, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is an occupation expected to grow 15% by 2026. This rate is more than double the anticipated average growth of all occupations by that year (7%). Much of this growth is due to an increase in the aging population in the years to come.
What are the Best Online Master's in Gerontology Programs?
Top 10 Online Masters in Gerontology
Admissions Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
44%
Online Enrollment
39%
Retention Rate
80%
Default Rate
4%
Nova Southeastern University 's commitment to flexibility and career preparation make it one of the best online master's in gerontology programs in the country. The program is offered entirely online in a completely asynchronous format. In addition to core coursework in areas like the psychology and biology of aging, students can choose from four concentrations: public health, gerontology and the family, emergency preparedness, and professional geriatric care management. Graduates from the program are equipped to take on roles as home health care workers, hospital staff, and retirement center administrators. The program also includes a capstone project that focuses on gerontology research with an emphasis on qualitative methods.
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How to Choose an Online Master's in Gerontology Program
There are several things to consider when deciding which online gerontology master's degree is the right choice for you. For example, some schools offer a fully online master's in gerontology with no on-campus classes, while others blend online and on-campus studies. Consider where you live and other obligations you have, like work and family, when determining which format makes most sense for you. In addition, review the curriculum to make certain it aligns with your interests. You should also consider any available field work opportunities, where they are available, and if they advance your career goals. Moreover, think about your budget for school. If you choose a school that exceeds your budget, then explore what kinds of scholarships and financial aid may be available to subsidize expenses.
Careers for Graduates of Master's in Gerontology Programs
Your online gerontology master's degree enables you to work in several different environments, including government agencies, community centers, human services organizations, and nursing homes. Your ongoing interaction with individuals who rely on your expertise and ability to improve their lives make working in the field especially meaningful. Below is a list of some careers available to those who complete their master's degree in gerontology online.
A social worker helps people solve challenges they face, including by connecting them to the appropriate services that offer support. A gerontological social worker works with aging populations to assist them and their families with medical care and lifestyle needs.
Median Salary: $44,807
Job Outlook and Salary for Graduates of Gerontology Master's Degrees
Advancements in healthcare mean people are leading more active, longer lives; as a result, there is increased demand for experts who understand how to support older adults. This is good news for those who earn their online gerontology master's degree. The BLS projects that job opportunities for social workers will grow 15% by 2026. The best online master's in gerontology programs prepare you to work in any number of related fields, including nursing, sociology, physical therapy, and facility management.
| Employment, 2014 | Projected Employment, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 4,109,200 | 5,483,915 |
Salary Growth by Experience for Graduates of Gerontology Master's Programs
The salary you earn depends on your specific career and where in the country you work. While entry-level professionals with an online master's in gerontology earn a rewarding salary, your compensation will grow the longer you are on the job. Below is a table of average salaries for those with an online master's degree in gerontology.
To determine the best online master's in gerontology programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online master's in gerontology programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.