Masters of Science in Interdisciplinary Gerontology
GENERAL INFORMATION
It is well documented that the population over the age of sixty-five within the United States (and worldwide) is dramatically increasing. Currently, nearly 55 million Americans are aged 65 and older, representing almost 17% of the population, or one in six Americans. During the next 20 years, as Baby Boomers age, the number of American elders will double, from 55 million to 80 million. It is estimated that in 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 years of age or older. Additionally, the number of individuals over the age of 85 continues to increase and is projected to reach close to 21 million by the year 2030. By 2050, it is projected that the U.S. may have as many people over the age of 85 as the current populations of New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago combined. These dramatic trends demand societal attention to the challenges and opportunities of an aging population. As a result of these demographic changes, there will be a tremendous need for professionals (trained gerontologists) who have been prepared to work with the older adult population.
The Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Gerontology (MSIG) program at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is specifically designed for professionals in various disciplines who are seeking to acquire advanced knowledge and specialized skills to work with older adults and their families. The MSIG melds discourse from gerontology, kinesiology, health promotion, human development, and social policy/administration to advance research on issues relevant to notions of successful aging. This high-caliber, interdisciplinary graduate program prepares graduates for leadership roles in agencies and organizations that provide services for older adults.
The degree curriculum requires a minimum of 33 semester hours beyond the undergraduate degree. The degree requirements are such that students could finish the degree in one calendar year of full-time study, or over a two-year period for part-time students. Each student will receive on-going comprehensive advising and courses will be offered to fit students’ schedules.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Charlie Stelle (Graduate Coordinator of the MSIG program) at 419-372-8304 or cstelle@bgsu.edu.
- Completion of application; three letters of recommendation attesting to the prospective student’s academic and professional promise; and a personal statement outlining past academic/professional experience, future career goals, and interest in interdisciplinary gerontology.
- Required to hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Acceptable fields of previous study include gerontology, kinesiology, family studies, human development, health care administration, sociology, psychology, social work, communication disorders, public health, allied health, recreation or tourism, or closely related field.
- Regular admission will be granted to those who have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). Conditional admission will be granted to those with a GPA between 2.70 and 3.00. After the completion of 9 semester credits of GERO courses with average grade >3.00, the status of conditionally accepted student will change to “regular” status. Students with GPA of <2.70 may be considered for “special” status admission. They are required to complete 9 semester credits of specified GERO courses with all grades >3.00 before they are considered for acceptance into the program with “regular” status pending GERO Program Advisory Admission Committee approval.
- The GRE is not required for graduates from a U.S. college/university if they have a GPA >3.00. The GRE may be required by the Admission Committee for any graduate from a U.S. college/university if they have GPA <3.00 and >2.70. A GRE is required for all applicants who graduated from colleges/universities other than those in the U.S. Additionally, applicants who graduated from colleges/universities other than those in the U.S. and whose primary language is not English must complete TOEFL and receive a minimum of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer based) on the test. A satisfactory score on the GRE follows the national standards for social sciences (548 math and 484 verbal).
MSIG CURRICULUM (33 Credit hours minimum)
Gerontology Core Curriculum (18 credit hours)
Gerontology (6)
GERO 6010: Current Perspectives in Gerontology (3)
GERO 6020: Health and Aging (3)
Human Development & Family Studies (3)
HDFS 5290: Families in Later Life(3)
Kinesiology and Health Promotion (3)
HMSL 6070: Aging: Physiology & Exercise (3)
Social Policy and Administration (6)
GERO 6100: Aging Policy and Programs (3)
GERO 6250: Administration of Aging Programs (3)
Research Courses (9 credit hours)
Research Methods (3)
HMSL 6530 Research Methods in HMSL (3) or
FCS 6260 Research Methods in FCS (3) or
GERO 6530 Research Methods in GERO (3)
Statistics (3)
One statistical course at the graduate level (3)
(e.g., PSYC 6670 Statistical Theory I; SOC 6100 Statistical Techniques and Applications in Sociology)
Thesis or Directed Research (3)
GERO 6900: Directed Research in GERO (3) or
HMSL 6990: Thesis Research in HMSL (3) or
HMSL 6900: Directed Research in HMSL (3) or
GERO 6860: Independent Study/Practicum in GERO (3)* or
Elective Course (3) and Comprehensive Exam
*Note – the type of culminating experience that a student chooses (e.g., thesis, practicum, directed research, or comprehensive exam) will determine the number of semesters needed to complete that specific project or experience
Electives (6 credit hours):
Elective courses are listed alphabetically, but students would select electives based on their anticipated career goals and in consultation with their academic advisor. NOTE: Courses identified with an *(UT) are available on-line through the University of Toledo (UT).
CDIS 6050 Communication Disorders and Aging (3)
(UT) GERO 541* Issues in Contemporary Gerontological Practice (3)
(UT) GERO 542* Grief and Bereavement Issues in Older Adulthood (3)
(UT) GERO 543* Funding and Resource Generation for Adult Programming (3)
(UT) GERO 544* Independent Study (3)
GERO 6040 Environment and Aging (3)
GERO 6050 Cross Cultural Aging
GERO 6840 Readings in Gerontology (3)
HDFS 6020 Family Studies (3)
HDFS 6070 Human Development
HDFS 6080 Theory in Human Development and Family Studies (3)
HMSL 6180 Exercise Physiology (3)
HMSL 6200 Therapeutic Recreation Systems (3)”
HMSL 6210 Administrative Management in Leisure and Recreation Services (3)
HMSL 6220 Foundations of Recreation and Leisure Experiences (3)
HMSL 6240 Program Design and Strategies of Recreation and Leisure Services (3)
HMSL 6280 Leisure Lifestyle Planning for Older Adults (3)
HMSL 6390 Exercise Psychology: Research and Practice (3)
SOC 6540 Family Theory and Research
SOC 6560 Family Demography
SOC 6580 Sociology of Aging (3)
PUBH 6040 Public Health Administration (3)
PSYC 7360 Psychology of Adult Development and Aging (3)
The following are timetables illustrating completion of the program based on part-time or full-time enrollment:
Full-Time Enrollment Year One:
First Semester (Fall):
GERO 6010: Current Perspectives in Gerontology (3)
HDFS 5290: Families in Later Life (3)
HMSL 6XXX: Aging: Physiology & Exercise (3)
Research Methods (3)
Second Semester (Spring):
GERO 6020: Health and Aging (3)
GERO 6100: Aging Policy and Programs (3)
Statistics (3)
elective (3)
Third Semester (Summer):
GERO 6250: Administration of Aging Programs (3)
Thesis, Directed Research, or Directed Practicum (minimum 3) or Elective Course (3) and Comprehensive Exam
elective (3)
Part-Time Enrollment Year One:
First Semester (Fall):
GERO 6010: Current Perspectives in Gerontology (3)
Research Methods (3)
Second Semester (Spring):
GERO 6020: Health and Aging (3)
Statistics (3)
Third Semester (Summer):
elective (3)
elective (3)
Part-Time Enrollment Year Two:
First Semester (Fall):
HMSL 6XXX: Aging: Physiology & Exercise (3)
HDFS 5290: Families in Later Life (3)
Second Semester (Spring):
GERO 6100: Aging Policy and Programs (3)
Third Semester (Summer):
GERO 6250: Administration of Aging Programs (3)
Thesis, Directed Research, or Directed Practicum (minimum 3) or Elective Course (3) and Comprehensive Exam
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the graduate degree, students in Interdisciplinary Gerontology are expected to be able to:
- Program graduates will be able to integrate concepts and theories to address gerontological research topics.
- Program graduates will be able to demonstrate a solid background in biological, psychological, and social theory and research of adult development.
- Program graduates will be able to apply knowledge learned in the classroom to organizations, agencies, policy, or advocacy regarding aging related issues.
- Program graduates will be able to critically assess the quality of Gerontology research and identify appropriate research questions and issues to improve Gerontology.
Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
Professional Licensure (If applicable)
Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.
Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Interdisciplinary Gerontology program requires professional licensure.
Gainful Employment (If applicable)
Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
The Interdisciplinary Gerontology program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.
Updated: 12/09/2022 11:58AM