health professional visiting a senior married couple in their home

Connect Your Career to Aging Studies

If you're a compassionate, working professional eager to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, we invite you to explore how our program can elevate your career and prepare you to serve the aging population. The gateway of opportunity at Wichita State University's Master’s of Arts in Aging Studies program starts here.

Meet Your Graduate Advisor Apply Now

 

Ready to Make a Difference? Embark on a journey that not only enriches your professional life but also fulfills your desire to positively impact society. 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.* The need for professionals equipped to address the challenges and opportunities presented by this demographic shift has never been greater.

* Source: Population Reference Bureau. (2019, July 15). Fact sheet: Aging in the United States. https://www.prb.org/aging-unitedstates-fact-sheet/

“The online format for the program was perfect for me as it made it possible to continue working full-time while still keeping up with classes.”

- Rebecca Setser, MA
Aging Studies Alumni

About Aging Studies

Are you a working professional? At Wichita State University, a master’s degree in Aging Studies offers a flexible online experience tailored to meet the needs of working professionals like you. Our program provides the knowledge and skills you need to excel in the field of aging. Achieve new career goals and more challenging job opportunities. Plus, the GRE is not required.

Completion on your terms

Our 36-credit hour curriculum can be completed in just two years, allowing you to choose the pace that suits your schedule, whether part-time or full-time.

Diverse curriculum

Our comprehensive curriculum lays the foundation for a wide range of careers in aging, complementing various professional settings and preparing you to tackle the challenges of an aging population.

Caring professors

Learn from compassionate, student-focused faculty and industry experts dedicated to your success and personal growth.

Personalized program

Work closely with your graduate advisor to tailor your learning experience, ensuring it aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Affordable education

Enjoy affordable, in-state tuition regardless of residency, making our program accessible and cost-effective for students from all backgrounds.

Culminating experience

Gain hands-on experience and networking opportunities through applied learning experiences, additional electives, and mentorship from community leaders and industry partners.

We're on the Radar

Our online Master of Arts in Aging Studies program is ranked in the Top 5 Masters in Gerontology Programs, further solidifying our commitment to excellence in the field of aging studies.

 

Concentrations

Living management professional meeting with married seniors in their home

Ideal for individuals seeking to become administrators, managers, or operators in long-term care communities. Nursing home administration licensure available through the AIT practicum (Administrator-in-Training). Advance beyond entry-level positions, transition to upper levels of administration with a concentration in Senior Living Management.

Community services worker with seniors doing arts and crafts at a table

Ideal for professionals looking to advance or transition their career to help improve the lives of older adults. Acquire age-related skill sets to achieve new career goals and more challenging job opportunities. Open new doors to higher-paying positions with a concentration in Senior Community Services.

Female public health professional working and studying

Ideal for professionals seeking to bring population-based health knowledge to their work in health and medicine. The curriculum explores disease distribution and population health analytics. Enhance your skill set with a concentration in Public Health.

Shape Your Future With Aging Studies

Meet Your Graduate Advisor   Application Checklist   Tuition & Fees   Scholarship Opportunities

Accelerate and Unlock Your Potential

We understand that you may have different paths to success, which is why we offer multiple pathways to accommodate your needs at your own pace.

Not ready to commit to a master's?

Expand your marketability by adding a graduate certificate in a complementary focus. Choose from specialized certificates, including Aging Studies for Health Professionals, Healthcare Leadership, Public Health, and Senior Living Management, to enhance your expertise and advance your career.

As a working professional, these graduate certificates can contribute toward your master's degree when you're ready.

If you're an undergraduate, graduate coursework in aging studies can replace your electives to accelerate your progress in our program.

Graduates holding their graduation caps to the sky

Graduate Certificate to Master's

Graduate Certificates

The graduate certificates listed below are 12-credit hour programs, all of which can contribute toward your master's degree.

Aging Studies for Health Professionals

Understanding the fundamental concepts of aging is essential for health professionals who engage with older people. The online curriculum compliments your career, enhances your degree, deepens your thinking, and taps into interdisciplinary connections within this unique population. Be prepared to care for and serve an aging population. Combine what you do with aging studies.

Aging Studies for Health Professionals

Healthcare Leadership

Understanding the complex health system is essential to effectively lead a health organization. The online curriculum expands upon business knowledge and expertise to advance your career potential in health administration.

Healthcare Leadership

Public Health

Understanding the organized measures required to prevent disease, promote health, and prolong life is beneficial to a variety of professionals. The online curriculum explores disease distribution, population health issues, and the social and behavioral aspects of health. Now more than ever, it is important to stay current on best practices in public health.

Public Health

Senior Living Management

Understanding the daily operations of the wide spectrum that is senior living, essential components of human resource management, and elements of hospitality are essential for leaders within long-term care communities. Be prepared to lead within the ever-expanding senior living industry.

Senior Living Management

Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's

Fast Track to a Master's

Shorten your graduate studies by one semester and save time and money by applying 9 hours of dual credit to your undergraduate and graduate degree.

Accelerated Aging Studies

Career opportunities

Become the working professional that tomorrow needs with careers such as:

Activities Director, Senior Living
Business Office Manager, Senior Living
District Operations and Membership Recruitment
Executive Director, Senior Living

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

"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
Aging Studies Alumni

View Aging Studies Alumni