Are you ready to make a difference?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans age 65 and older is projected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060, equating to 23 percent of the total population.*
As a result, the United States is experiencing a significant shortage of qualified professionals who are equipped to manage, supervise, and provide high-quality services for aging Americans. With a master’s degree in Aging Studies, you will be prepared to address this national workforce opportunity.
Already a working professional? A Master’s in Aging Studies will advance or transition your career and prepare you to serve the aging population. The flexible online Master’s program is ideal for licensed social workers, nurses, physicians, dental hygienists, and those in the field of communication sciences, exercise science, psychology, business, and education.
Aging Studies Concentrations
The Senior Living Management concentration prepares students to serve in administrative, managerial, and director positions within senior living and long-term care (LTC) communities.
- This concentration is ideal for individuals seeking to become a licensed nursing home administrator, operator of assisted living, business office manager, HR manager, and other levels of management in LTC settings. It is also excellent for current professionals working in entry-level positions of LTC (e.g. licensed nursing professionals) who want to move into management roles.
- Administrator-in-Training Program (AIT): Students pursuing this concentration are also eligible to complete the AIT program, providing the practical experience required to become a licensed nursing home administrator.
The Senior Community Services concentration prepares students to engage older adults in the community through senior centers, senior programming, and/or social services.
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This concentration is ideal for mid-career professionals looking to advance or transition their work with older adults (e.g. licensed social workers). A Master's in Aging Studies can open the door to higher-paying positions by moving individuals beyond entry-level positions. Acquire age-related knowledge/skill sets to achieve new career goals and more challenging job opportunities, within the same field or from one occupation to another.
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This concentration is designed for individuals seeking opportunities such as: Service Coordinators, Aging Care Managers, Senior Living Sales & Marketing, Alzheimer’s, Hospice, Private Duty Home Care, Senior Center Directors, Activities Directors, Social Service Designees, and Academia.
The Public Health concentration prepares students to work in Public Health sectors such as local government agencies and community programming. Specific focus in public health and aging, epidemiology, environmental health, and the social/behavioral aspects of public health are included.
- Graduate Certificate in Public Health (GCPH): Students in this concentration also earn the GCPH, a nationally recognized certification, alongside their Master’s degree.
Details for the specific courses required for each concentration can be found in the
Graduate Catalog.
Learn More about the MA in Aging Studies in the Graduate Catalog
Information About the Program
Why choose Aging Studies at Wichita State?
- Completion on your time. The 36 credit hour curriculum can be completed in two years, your choice of part- or full-time pace.
- Diverse curriculum. Provides a foundation for careers in aging and complements a wide range of professional settings.
- Caring professors. Learn from compassionate, student-focused faculty and industry experts.
- Personalized program. Work closely with your graduate advisor to create a flexible, personalized learning experience.
- Affordable education. Students in online degrees at Wichita State pay affordable, in-state tuition regardless of residency.
- Culminating experience options. Provides applied learning opportunities to network, hone skills through additional electives, and receive mentorship from community leaders and industry partners.
The Aging Studies program at Wichita State University is ranked in the Top 5 Masters in Gerontology Programs.
The dual/accelerated bachelor’s to master’s in Aging Studies is ideal for any undergraduate student seeking advanced career opportunities in the aging professions. Shorten your graduate studies by one semester. Save time and money -- apply 9 hours of dual credit to your undergraduate and graduate degree.
Learn More about the Accelerated Master of Arts in Aging Studies
Wichita State students enrolled in a fully online degree program pay in-state tuition regardless of residency.
- Visit the Tuition and Fees website for details on University tuition/fees.
- Visit the College Tuition website for details on course/students fees for students in the College of Health Professions, Public Health Sciences.
Graduates from the Aging Studies program at Wichita State University are making a positive impact in the aging professions through opportunities such as:
- Activities Director in Senior Living
- Business Office Manager in Senior Living
- District Operations and Membership Recruitment
- Executive Director of Independent, Assisted, and Memory Care
- Faculty for Higher Education
- Health Promotion and Physical Fitness
- Licensed Nursing Home Administrator
- Marketing in Senior Living
- Product Sales
- Senior Center Director
- Senior Services Program Manager
- Volunteer Coordinator
Explore how Aging Studies Alumni are contributing to the field every day!
Application and Admission Requirements
Priority application deadlines:
- Fall: July 15
- Spring: December 1
- Summer: April 15
- Admission to the Graduate School at Wichita State University
- A bachelor degree of any discipline will be considered. A GRE test score is not required.
- A minimum of a 2.75 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) or a 2.75 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
Information surrounding additional supporting documents required for admission can be found in the graduate catalog.
All WSU Graduate School applications must be completed online. Once you have created an account and have selected your choice of study, you will be prompted to provide all required application materials.
Apply Now
Find out more information about steps on how to apply to WSU Graduate School.
"The MA in Aging Studies program was comprehensive enough to provide the skills and knowledge needed for many areas in the aging field. Working with older adults has always been a passion of mine and the program was the perfect training and experience for that to evolve into a professional career."
-Madison Shriner, MA
* Source: Population Reference Bureau. (2019, July 15). Fact sheet: Aging in the United States. https://www.prb.org/aging-unitedstates-fact-sheet/