Curriculum Guide for the Design Your Own Master of Science in Aging Studies Program
Program Total Credit Hours: 36
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- For information regarding the duration of courses and which half of the semester an accelerated course is offered, please refer to the list of GERO Graduate Course Descriptions.
- Refer to UIndy’s online course search to determine when/if courses are offered. All course offerings are subject to change based on enrollment and other factors.
REQUIRED Aging Studies Certificate (12 Credit Hours)
- GERO 501- Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Aging (3 cr)
- GERO 505- Physical Dimensions of Aging (3 cr)
- GERO 510- Aging in Society and Community (3 cr)
- GERO 520- Psychology of Aging (3 cr)
Required courses (3-6 Credit Hours)
- GERO 596- Capstone Seminar (3 cr)
- GERO 590- Practicum* (3 cr)
Similar to the traditional MS pathway, students who have previous work or volunteer experience with older adult clients/patients may petition to waive the practicum and take electives depending on the choice of certificates below.
Choose Two of the Following Certificates:
- GERO 541 - Aging in Place/21st Cent Issues (3 cr)
- GERO 584 - Nutrition and Aging (1.5 cr)
- GERO 560 - Economics and Aging Populations (1.5 cr)
Choose two of the following courses:
- GERO 581 - Spirituality and Aging (1.5 cr)
- GERO 582 - Aging and Environment (1.5 cr)
- GERO 583 - Focus on Women and Aging (1.5 cr)
- HCA 555 - Federal Regulatory Standards in Healthcare (3 cr)
- GERO 525 - Elder Abuse: Issues and Advocacy (1.5 cr)
- GERO 556 - Legal and Ethical Aspects of Aging (1.5 cr)
- GERO 579 - Long-term Care: Issues and Options (1.5 cr)
Choose one of the following courses:
- GERO 530 - Alzheimer’s and Dementia (1.5 cr)
- GERO 535 - End-of-Life Issues (1.5 cr)
- HSCI 522 - Inclusive Leadership & Personal Development (3 cr)
- MPH 520 - Health Systems Management (3 cr)
Choose two of the following courses:
- HCA 515 - Healthcare Accounting and Finance (3 cr)
- HCA 550 - Managing Quality in Healthcare (3 cr)
- HCA 555 - Federal Regulatory Standards in Healthcare (3 cr)
- HSCI 510 - Foundations of Adult Learning (3 cr)
- HSCI 612 - Higher Education and the Professions (3 cr)
- HSCI 614 - Transformative Instructional Design: Classroom and Digital Learning Strategies (3 cr)
- HSCI 619 - Teaching Practicum (3 cr)*
* Replaces the GERO 590 Practicum
Curriculum is subject to change.
Revised 06-2026