AFFORDABLE ONLINE MASTER'S IN GERONTOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAMS

Are you looking for a truly top-notch degree? Only four schools in the country have earned a "National Program of Merit" distinction from The Association of Gerontology in Higher Education, and Eastern Illinois University is one of them. Its M.A. in Aging Studies has achieved this honor due to its multidisciplinary, flexible curriculum. Six different academic units across the university have banded together to provide classes in education ("Educational Response to Third Age Learning"), psychology ("Psychological Processes in the Aged"), sociology ("Societal Theories of Aging") and more. In addition, you'll get to choose whether to cap this high-quality yet cheap online gerontology master's program with an internship, thesis, or independent study project.
Average Tuition & Fees: $14,678/yr

When it comes to experiential learning, few schools can rival UNCG's hands-on approach. Although this program is available 100% online, the University of North Carolina-Greensboro nonetheless finds plenty of ways to emphasize applied practice. For example, immediately after enrolling in this master's in gerontology online, you'll take seminar, proseminar, and applied research/professional practice courses. After that, you'll take a statistics class and complete two internships and/or research experiences. Finally, you'll round out your studies with nine credits of electives and an integrative seminar/capstone course. In this capstone, you'll hone your professional skills in gerontological writing, presenting, and networking.
Average Tuition & Fees: $14,906/yr

ULM has one of the top online master's in gerontology degrees for students who are either interested in healthcare administration or want to go on to earn their Ph.D. Why? Because the University of Louisiana Monroe's gerontology program offers specializations that cater specifically to these two groups. The first is a specialization in Aging Studies. This track includes classes in social statistics, research, and public policy, making it perfect for individuals who aspire to be career-long researchers. Alternatively, you could choose a specialization in either Program Administration or Long-Term Care Administration. The former focuses on public policy, case management, and service delivery, while the latter emphasizes community-based care and includes a required internship.
Average Tuition & Fees: $15,034/yr

The University of Utah's interdisciplinary gerontology program caters to students with a strong interest in nursing. Although you don't need a nursing degree to apply, the school does operate an exchange program that allows nursing grad students at other colleges to enroll in its gerontology courses. Even students who enroll directly through "The U" will get a clear medical understanding of geriatric development. Coursework covers topics like advanced physiology, health and optimal aging, and research methods. It also includes a required practicum. Lastly, you'll finish off this top cheap online master's degree in gerontology with clinically-focused electives like "Geriatric Care Management" and/or "Caregiving and Aging Families."
Average Tuition & Fees: $16,297/yr

Another member of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance, Iowa State's program attracts applicants from diverse backgrounds. Whether you're a recent undergrad, starting a second career, or have years of experience in the field, you'll fit right in to Iowa's affordable master's in gerontology online program. Like other GPIDEA members, this program's core provides a full survey of the aging process, from economics and public policy to nutrition and development. After completing the eight required courses, you'll finish off this 36-credit curriculum with four electives. Alternatively, you can take three electives alongside a hands-on practicum experience.
Average Tuition & Fees: $16,934/yr

Drawing on recommendations from the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education, Kansas State has created a comprehensive, career-oriented graduate program. Core classes cover both the scientific and social aspects of elder care, from "Adult Development and Aging" to "Public Policy: Economic and Social Impacts on Older Adults." Another possible perk? The curriculum includes a hefty elective component. To earn these credits, you can complete an independent study/practicum or explore unique topics like "Gerontechnology" and "Spirituality and Aging." Note: this affordable online master's degree in gerontology is part of the Great Plains IDEA program.
Average Tuition & Fees: $17,083/yr

The University of Missouri-Columbia offers its online master's degree in gerontology through a joint effort with several other Midwest colleges. Through this initiative, known as the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (IDEA), participating schools pooled their coursework and faculty expertise to create one comprehensive gerontology program. You'll enroll and register through UMC (or another GPIDEA college) but have access to classes throughout the region. As a result, your classes may have varying start and end dates depending on which university is delivering them. But scheduling quirks are a small obstacle when you consider the quality of the curriculum, which includes a professional seminar and optional research project or internship.
Average Tuition & Fees: $17,337/yr

At the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, the study of gerontology goes hand in hand with management training. Through the school's M.A. in Management of Aging Services, you'll learn how to be a leader in the field of long-term care and to design effective care programs for seniors. Classes like "Strategy, Marketing, and Service Delivery in Aging" and "Policy Foundations of Aging Services" will help you understand gerontology in the context of the broader economic marketplace. Plus, you'll take coursework that directly builds your skills in leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Due to this unique dual focus, UMBC's program is one of the top master's in gerontology online for management-focused individuals.
Average Tuition & Fees: $17,388/yr

If you're looking for a program that's more conceptual than clinical, check out Nova Southeastern University. Here, your primary mission will be to consider how geriatric adults can find meaning, purpose, and well-being as they age. You'll explore this question, and others like it, in core classes like "Concepts and Controversies in Aging" and "Sociology of Aging for Future Leaders." This is also one of the top online master's degrees in gerontology if you're interested in concentrations. Students have four choices: Public Health, Emergency Preparedness, Gerontology and the Family, and Professional Geriatric Care Management.
Average Tuition & Fees: $20,419/yr

The University of Florida is so dedicated to the study of gerontology that it has created an entire Department of Aging and Geriatric Research. Within this department, students will find a comprehensive yet affordable online master's in gerontology degree. Classes offer a thorough survey of geriatric issues, including age-related disease, the neuroscience of aging, and the law and ethics of elder care. Even better, you can choose to customize your program with one of three specialty tracks. The Geriatric Care Management track focuses on caregiver practice, while the Geropsychology track explores elderly cognition and mental health. Lastly, the Medical Physiology track emphasizes "the clinical complexities of geriatric care."
Average Tuition & Fees: $21,019/yr