Gerontology, Master of Science (M.S.) with a concentration in geriatric care management

Industry and labor experts have known for decades that there is an urgent, growing need for more Geriatric Care Managers. Within this rapidly growing field, these professionals play a crucial role for families and individuals during important life moments that impact health, care, and wellbeing. GCMs perform deeply meaningful work that requires a specific expertise. A rewarding career with flexible options for employment, GCMs make an indelible mark on the families and individuals they help.

The Master of Science in Gerontology with a concentration in geriatric care management offers fully online, face-to-face and hybrid delivery formats.

Student learning outcomes

1. Connect gerontological theory to practice: Students will demonstrate a holistic theoretical understanding of adult development and elderhood from a biological, psychological and social perspective and the ability to apply this knowledge to aging, using a strengths-based lifespan orientation.
2. Integrate diversity, equity and inclusion in gerontological practice: Students will demonstrate knowledge of how discrimination, oppression and marginalization based on age and intersectional identities impacts health and longevity. Students will be equipped with the knowledge to shape positive attitudes about aging and elderhood.
3. Develop critical-thinking and problem-solving: Students will demonstrate the ability to apply critical-thinking and problem-solving using gerontological research to evaluate best-practice approaches and the effectiveness of policies and services that support elders, their family members and the community.
4. Uphold professional and ethical standards: Students will demonstrate the ability to engage in an ongoing self-reflective process of their professional gerontological practice. Students will demonstrate the ability to uphold professional standards through individually and collaboratively applying ethical decision-making processes.
5. Identify and respond to community need: Students will demonstrate knowledge of older adult services and will be able to make contributions to community-identified needs through the successful delivery of services and effective communication with elders, their families, the community and the public. Community engagement will take the form of field work, research, grant writing, experiential learning opportunities, education and training.
6. Knowledge of geriatric care planning fundamental competencies: Students will demonstrate knowledge of care planning and care management practices for older adults and adults with disabilities.

VCU Graduate Bulletin, VCU Graduate School and general academic policies and regulations for all graduate students in all graduate programs

The VCU Graduate Bulletin website documents the official admission and academic rules and regulations that govern graduate education for all graduate programs at the university. These policies are established by the graduate faculty of the university through their elected representatives to the University Graduate Council.

It is the responsibility of all graduate students, both on- and off-campus, to be familiar with the VCU Graduate Bulletin as well as the Graduate School website and academic regulations in individual school and department publications and on program websites. However, in all cases, the official policies and procedures of the University Graduate Council, as published on the VCU Graduate Bulletin and Graduate School websites, take precedence over individual program policies and guidelines.

Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on academic regulations for graduate students.

Degree candidacy requirements

A graduate student admitted to a program or concentration requiring a final research project, work of art, thesis or dissertation, must qualify for continuing master’s or doctoral status according to the degree candidacy requirements of the student’s graduate program. Admission to degree candidacy, if applicable, is a formal statement by the graduate student’s faculty regarding the student’s academic achievements and the student’s readiness to proceed to the final research phase of the degree program.

Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following degree candidacy policy as published in the VCU Graduate Bulletin for complete information and instructions.

Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on degree candidacy requirements.

Graduation requirements

As graduate students approach the end of their academic programs and the final semester of matriculation, they must make formal application to graduate. No degrees will be conferred until the application to graduate has been finalized.

Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following graduation requirements as published in the Graduate Bulletin for a complete list of instructions and a graduation checklist.

Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on graduation requirements.

Apply online today.

Admission requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School, applicants must meet the following requirements.

The program is open to qualified students who have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university or the equivalent, and maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0. A successful work experience may strengthen the admission credentials of applicants with marginal records. All applicants will complete an interview with Department of Gerontology faculty.

Degree requirements

In addition to general VCU Graduate School graduation requirements, students must complete a 30-credit hour curriculum based on the core curriculum. Students should consult with their advisers for guidance with scheduling. 

Curriculum requirements

The minimum number of graduate credit hours required for this degree is 30.

Contact
Jennifer Pryor
Department of Gerontology
pryorjm@vcu.edu
(804) 828-1565

Program website: chp.vcu.edu/gerontology