Gerontology, MA

Vision Statement

Students pursuing the MA in gerontology are seeking a formalized and in-depth understanding of the aging process by either pursuing a thesis or non-thesis option.

Program Contact Information

Lindsay Wilkinson, PhD, Graduate Program Chair (GPC)
402.554.2272
lwilkinson@unomaha.edu

Program Website

Other Program Related Information

Alternative Delivery

Online courses are available for both the MA and the certificate programs.

Dual Degree in Gerontology and Law

Prospective students must apply to both UNO and UNL.  

Fast Track Program

The Department of Gerontology has developed a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame. With Fast Track, students may count up to nine (9) graduate hours toward the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate degree program.

Program Specifics:

• This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies desiring to pursue the MA in gerontology

• Students must have completed no fewer than 60 undergraduate hours

• Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

• Students must complete the Fast Track Approval form and obtain all signatures and submit to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course

• Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for the graduate courses

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduate coursework to remain in good academic standing

• Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all rights and privileges granted to undergraduate status including financial aid

• Near the end of the undergraduate program, formal application to the graduate program is required. The application fee will be waived, and the applicant will need to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code.
  • Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program
  • The admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree

Admissions

General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Program-Specific Requirements

Application Deadlines (Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025)

Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. All materials must be submitted prior to the beginning of the semester in which the student has elected to begin coursework.

Other Requirements

• English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to have a command of oral and written English. Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the United States, OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a predetermined country on the waiver list, must meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement in order to be considered for admission.

  • Internet-based TOEFL 80, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53, Duolingo: 110 
• Statement of Purpose: The personal statement should be a minimum of two pages.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two academic/professional letters of recommendation are required.

Degree Requirements

Thesis Option

Non-Thesis Option

Exit Requirements

• Thesis Option - GERO 8990 6 hours
• Non-Thesis Option - Comprehensive Examination