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Online Bachelor's Degree: Gerontology & Aging Services

Gerontology & Aging Services
Bachelor of Science
DEGREE AT A GLANCE
  • 120 credits
  • Transfer up to 90 credits
  • All courses available online
  • Required internship (can be virtual)
TUITION RATES
  • $324 per credit (in-state)
  • $499 per credit (out-of-state)
  • $250 per credit (military)
  • Other fees may apply
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Next Session Starts
January 8

Increase your understanding of the many factors that impact how we age with an online bachelor's degree in gerontology and aging services from University of Maryland Global Campus. Engage with a wide network of peers and experienced faculty members as you prepare to improve the future of aging services and policy. With convenient online courses, multiple start dates, access to lifetime career services, and a generous transfer credit policy, UMGC provides the flexibility and support you need. Start your journey today. 

Become a Specialist in Aging & Elder Care

This 120-credit program highlights a range of topics from the fundamental principles of aging to program management and the effects of gender and culture on the aging process. Throughout the curriculum, you’ll explore the biology of aging, the impact of national policies on older adults, the social construction of aging, issues surrounding long-term care administration, the effects of aging on the economy, and more. Ultimately, this online degree is designed for those aiming to enhance quality of life and promote well-being among aging populations.

Here are a few benefits of this online program:  

  • Developed with input from employers, industry experts, and scholars, the curriculum is designed to prepare you for roles in healthcare, senior living, advocacy, policy development, and more.
  • The program’s hands-on workplace learning experience provides students with an opportunity to develop real-world skills and make an impact right away.
  • Additional networking opportunities and resources are available through student organizations such as Pi Gamma Mu and Sigma Phi Omega.

See Courses & Program Info

View a complete list of program courses, requirements, and more.

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2024–2025 academic year. For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

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Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each bachelor’s degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all bachelor’s degrees.

See Degree Requirements

Develop Specialized Knowledge in Gerontology & Aging Services Management 

Understanding the nuances of aging, the services that support aging populations, and the forces that shape our approach to elder care is fundamental for fostering positive change in our society. This online program is designed to provide you with the comprehensive knowledge and practical skills you need to effectively support and advocate for the elderly. The program aims to build core competencies in areas such as care management, ethics in aging services, policy and program development, communication with older adults, and leadership in aging services settings. Program directors consistently evaluate and refine the curriculum with a focus on achieving the following: 

Apply Knowledge
Access, interpret, and apply research findings related to biological, psychological, and social processes in the context of aging.
Understand Impact
Analyze the impact of factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and social class on the aging process.
Improve Policy
Analyze the development of policies related to aging and their impact on services and organizations for older adults, both locally and nationally.
Gain Experience
Apply knowledge to work with older adults in a chosen area of practice.
Maintain Ethical Standards
Practice within the legal and ethical standards of the aging services field.

Advance Your Career

This program is specifically designed to prepare you to succeed in diverse professional environments such as healthcare facilities, senior living communities, government agencies, nonprofits dedicated to aging services, consultancies specializing in aging, policy organizations, and more. Graduates might explore careers as geriatric care managers, senior services coordinators, program directors, social workers, policy analysts, community outreach leaders, or aging advocacy specialists.

21%
Job Growth
Employment of home health and personal care aides is projected to grow 21 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | “Occupational Outlook Handbook” | Last Reviewed: September 9, 2024
29%
Population Increase
The number of people in the United States aged 65 and older increased almost 30 percent, from 44 million in 2000 to 57 million in 2021, highlighting the need for healthcare services and management.
Source: Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) | 2023–2024 Enviromental Scan and Trends Report | 2024
2.5M
Additional Caregivers
The United States will require 2.5 million more caregivers by 2030 in the long-term services and supports (LTSS) sector, another indicator of the growing need for skilled healthcare managers and case management services.
Source: Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) | 2023–2024 Enviromental Scan and Trends Report | 2024

Apply What You Learn in Your Courses

Throughout the curriculum, your instructors will assign coursework that may help you prioritize real-world skills and hands-on experiences. In past courses, students have been able to complete the following projects:

  • Conduct policy analysis on an issue related to aging.
  • Perform a cultural competence assessment on a community agency that serves older adults and their families. 
  • Develop a health promotion campaign to address health issues that impact older adults.
  • Participate in an internship to gain hands-on experience in the field.

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