The MS Program will help to produce a new generation of gerontologists prepared to assist the city of Boston, the
state of Massachusetts, and the nation to address a number of issues surrounding a diverse aging population. The MS
Program will serve the needs of students who are committed to the aging field and who want a Masters degree.
The core faculty of the Gerontology Graduate Programs is located in the Department of Gerontology at the University
of Massachusetts Boston. The faculty is focused solely on providing instruction and research within this department.
The curriculum of the MS Program is designed to give graduates command of a broad body of specialized knowledge in
aging and social policy, as well as the capacity to develop methodologically sound procedures to expand that base
of knowledge and understanding. The MS Program will employ social science theories, research techniques, and
content to provide students with the tools to accomplish basic research in a range of substantive areas. Students
will also be introduced to the major policy issues affecting older persons in the United States. This will provide
students with the ability to engage with these issues in the public and private spheres.
Students in the MS Program will be required to complete 30 credit hours including the capstone course that will
allow students to employ their experiences and training in the production of a research project and report.
The MS Program is designed to be a terminal degree. However, on occasion students in the MS Program may be admitted
into the Ph.D. Program. Additionally, it is also possible that students who are admitted into the Graduate
Certificate Program may subsequently be admitted into the MS Program.
To apply to the MS in Gerontology Program, students should submit a portfolio of material for review by the
Gerontology Admissions Committee. The portfolio will include official scores from the general (verbal and
quantitative) Graduate Record Exam (GREs), official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended by the
applicant, an essay explaining the student's goals and experiences, and all standard UMB application requirements
(completed application forms, fees). Priority is given to those who submit applications and all supporting
credentials by June 1. However, applications received after June 1st will be given full consideration. Full and
part-time students will be accepted into the Program. For full-time students, the MS Program will take three to
four semesters to complete.
For additional information, contact Professor Jeffrey Burr at 617.287.7318, by e-mail
jeffrey.burr@umb.edu
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