Gerontology

The Master of Science in gerontology is a 30-credit, fully online, non-thesis master's program that can be completed in as little as one year full time, with part-time completion also available. Students complete primarily asynchronous coursework and an applied capstone project, meaning you learn when it’s best for your schedule.

View the curriculum roadmap

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

View the program handbook  

What students study

The curriculum integrates scholarship and practice related to aging across health care, community programs, policy, public service and related aging-focused sectors. Students build interdisciplinary expertise that can be tailored through electives and capstone work.

Gerontology curriculum includes:

• Foundations of gerontology, including the historical development and multidisciplinary nature of the field
• Research methods, evidence appraisal, data analysis and applied research proposal development
• Biological, mental, cognitive, psychosocial and ethical aspects of aging
• Health promotion, preventive care, quality of life and well-being across adulthood
• Aging policy, systems, care management and program design/evaluation
• Elective areas such as rural health and aging, pharmacological management, community engagement, aging in the arts and geriatric care management
• An applied capstone sequence that turns gerontology knowledge into a practical project, evaluation, internship-aligned deliverable or community initiative

Capstone and applied learning

The capstone sequence is the culminating applied component of the degree. Capstone I focuses on identifying a gerontology-relevant issue, reviewing the literature and designing a feasible, evidence-informed project. Capstone II focuses on implementation, evaluation and communication of results.

Depending on student goals and site opportunities, the capstone may take the form of an applied project, program-development effort, community-based initiative, internship-aligned deliverable, quality-improvement or evaluation project, policy analysis or other approved gerontology-focused work.

Capstone projects may include:

• Needs assessment of dementia-related services in a rural region
• Program evaluation of a fall-prevention initiative for community-dwelling older adults
• Digital health literacy curriculum for older adults using telehealth or patient portals
• Assessment of age-friendliness in a rural or mid-sized community
• Workforce preparedness assessment for aging services in a health or community agency 
   

Research and applied opportunities

Our program offers meaningful, real-world learning experiences that connect your academic interests with community impact. Through faculty guidance, partnerships and connections to regional health initiatives, you'll engage with aging, rural health and interdisciplinary opportunities tailored to your goals.

Gerontology program opportunities include:  

• Faculty-guided capstone projects tied to student interests and, where feasible, community or systems-level aging initiatives
• Potential engagement with age-focused initiatives and community partnerships relevant to and rural health contexts
• Connections with SHAMP and related health-professions programming
• Opportunities to connect with Idaho Office of Underserved and Rural Medical Research, depending on student goals and project fit

Learning outcomes

• Identify and explain developmental perspectives associated with aging
• Compare and contrast biological and psychosocial aspects of aging and apply this knowledge in health and human service settings
• Develop meaningful concepts, definitions and measures for the well-being of older adults
• Critically analyze ethical and professional standards in gerontology
• Demonstrate effective communication skills in work related to older adults and community resources
• Develop a gerontological perspective through knowledge integration and reflective learning
• Collaborate with others to promote integrated approaches to aging
• Promote quality of life, disease prevention, health and engagement among older adults

Review online gerontology degree requirements

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2026-27 gerontology program costs 

The online Gerontology program does not have a separate full-time tuition rate. All students pay the same $600 per-credit tuition, whether they attend full-time or part-time, and tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. The program requires 30 credits and the $600 per-credit rate applies during fall, spring and summer terms. An additional $35 per-credit web-based course fee applies, but SHAMP covers this fee for students each semester.

This rate includes all program tuition and fees for courses within the gerontology program.

Courses taken outside of the gerontology curriculum are billed separately at the university’s standard online or in-person tuition rates, depending on the course format.

View the estimated Gerontology cost of attendance

Financial support

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.  
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.  

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.  

View financial aid resources

Graduate funding opportunities

Unsure how to find financial aid resources or external scholarships to fund your gerontology degree? We’re here to help — read about how to pay for healthcare programs.

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities. 

Gerontology program contact/Director: 
Kallol Kumar Bhattacharyya, Ph.D.
kallolb@uidaho.edu 

SHAMP Admissions contact:
vandalmedicine@uidaho.edu

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions:  
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu  
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.

All graduate school applicants must satisfy university and degree-specific graduate admissions requirements to be considered for graduate admission to University of Idaho. Application requirements may vary depending on whether you are applying as a domestic or international student. Program-specific requirements can be found on each degree page.

Program availability

• Concentration: Non-thesis
• Semester intake: Fall, Spring or Summer
  • Eligible for Expedited admission for U of I undergraduates
  • Not eligible for international students who require F-1 visa status
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
  • Get started — explore the application process to earn your master’s in gerontology online
• Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

Applicants for the M.S. in gerontology must meet the following admission requirements:

• Education level: Bachelor's degree from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent directly by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• Number of references: Not required
• Resume
• Statement of Purpose: Applicants are asked to respond to a series of prompts outlining their reasons for pursuing a master's degree in gerontology, including background, professional experience and/or career goals.
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
  • Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58.  
• Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)

Admissions process summary

• Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.
• Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.
• Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review. 

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application. 

Yes! The program is designed with working professionals in mind. Courses are fully online and primarily asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework while balancing work, family and other commitments. Students should still expect structured deadlines and occasional virtual meetings, presentations or advising sessions.

The program can be completed in as little as one year with full-time enrollment. Part-time enrollment is also available for students who want to move through the program more gradually. 

The capstone is the culminating applied experience in the program. Students identify a gerontology-related issue, review relevant evidence, design a feasible project and communicate outcomes or recommendations. Projects may focus on program evaluation, community needs assessment, aging services, policy analysis, quality improvement, caregiver support, rural aging, dementia services or other aging-related topics. Our goal is to make the capstone project pragmatic and applicable to the work you do. The program faculty will work closely with you to design a project that aligns with your goals and individual needs. 

The M.S. in gerontology requires 30 graduate credits. The program includes required core courses, elective coursework and an applied capstone sequence.

No. This is a non-thesis master’s degree. Instead of completing a thesis, students complete an applied capstone project that connects gerontology coursework with a real-world issue, program, organization or professional goal.

The program is designed for both recent graduates and working professionals. It may be a good fit for students who want to enter aging-focused fields, as well as professionals in health care, social services, nonprofits, community programs, government, administration or long-term care who want to advance, specialize or move into leadership roles. 

Graduates may apply gerontology expertise in health and long-term care, community and human services, senior living administration, government and nonprofit programs, research, education, advocacy, aging policy and systems planning.