Frequently Asked Questions from Prospective MSG Students
Q: How do I apply for admission to the Gerontology Program?
Q: When are applications to the Graduate School for admission to the Gerontology Program due?
Q: How long does the application process take?
Q: Does the application to the Gerontology Program require a Personal Statement?
Q: Does the application to the Gerontology Program require a Writing Sample?
Q: How many students are enrolled in the Gerontology Program at UMSL?
Q: Are graduate assistantships available to enrolled graduate students?
Q: At what time of day are Gerontology classes offered?
Q: How much time is required to complete the Master of Science in Gerontology degree program?
Q: Can UMSL students take courses at other local Universities and have them count for their UMSL degree?
Q: Are advising meetings required for prospective students to the Gerontology Program?
Q: Is the Master of Science in Gerontology degree program practice-oriented?
Q: What career paths are available to graduates of the Master of Science degree program in Gerontology?
Q: How do I apply for admission to the Gerontology Program?
A: First, you must submit an online application to the Graduate School (visit http://www.umsl.edu/divisions/graduate/prospective/applying.html for further information). If you meet the general requirements of the Graduate School (e.g., a 3.0 or better GPA), your application will be sent to the Director of the Gerontology Program for evaluation and admittance decision. Recommendation letters are a very important part of the application process. For those applicants considering Gerontology study after many years of working, recommendation letters need not necessarily come from a former professor or teacher; letters from supervisors or close work or community associates are acceptable.
Q: When are applications to the Graduate School for admission to the Gerontology Program due?
A: The Graduate School recommends that applications for Fall admission be received by July 15th; the Gerontology Program will review and accept students year-round. It is not necessary to begin our program in the Fall semester. We offer classes during all three semesters (Fall, Winter-Spring, and Summer).
Q: How long does the application process take?
A: The application process takes 5-8 weeks on average. Applications after the due date can still be accepted, but may necessitate intervention by the Program Director.
Q: Does the application to the Gerontology Program require a Personal Statement?
A: Yes, a Personal Statement is required as part of the application procedure. This statement can be as short as 1/2 page. It should focus on the felt desire and motivation to study Gerontology on the graduate level. You might consider including answers to the following questions: "What is your experience in working with and serving older adults to this point in your career?" "How might the MSG or Graduate Certificate benefit you in the future?"
Q: Does the application to the Gerontology Program require a Writing Sample?
A: No, a Writing Sample is not required, but the Program Director reserves the right to ask for a writing sample as a condition of review and potential acceptance.
Q: How many students are enrolled in the Gerontology Program at UMSL?
A: The Gerontology Program at UMSL is small - there are 20-40 students enrolled at any one time.
Q: Are graduate assistantships available to enrolled graduate students?
A: While the University currently does not directly offer assistantships to graduate students in Gerontology, a number of our faculty have research grants. Typically, a few students each year receive paying assistant jobs. The Gerontology Program also offers one academic scholarship (the Calsyn scholarship) awarded to a talented student at the beginning of each Fall semester. The Calsyn scholarship offers tuition remission and was $750 in August 2009. Other scholarships and funding opportunities for students may be added in the future. Check with the Program Director.
Q: At what time of day are Gerontology classes offered?
A: All courses in the Gerontology Program are offered in the late afternoons or in the evening to allow students to work. Many students have full-time jobs and pursue their degree work on a part-time basis. Most classes are scheduled to start at 5:30 pm or later.
Q: How much time is required to complete the Master of Science in Gerontology degree program?
A: The MSG degree (30 credit hours) can be completed in as little as three consecutive terms, especially if some graduate credits can be transferred in. Most students complete the MSG in 4-6 semesters. The Graduate Certificate (18 credit hours) can be completed in as little as 2 consecutive terms. Most students complete the Certificate in 3 semesters.
Q: Can UMSL students take courses at other local Universities and have them count for their UMSL degree?
A: For courses not offered at UM-St. Louis, students may enroll in courses at Washington University or St. Louis University under an agreement among the three institutions. Students pay UM-St. Louis fees and enroll through the UM-St. Louis Registrar using Form C-3, Inter-University Graduate Exchange Program Enrollment Request. This form is available on the UMSL website.
Q: Are advising meetings required for prospective students to the Gerontology Program?
A: Prospective students are strongly urged to set up a face-to-face meeting with the Program Director ahead of or concurrent with the application process. The study of Gerontology at the graduate level can be a very rewarding and tangible experience in terms of both personal/professional development and career options. This line of study is not appropriate for every student, however. An individualized discussion and approach to training is critical and a core value in our graduate program. The Program Director of Gerontology will provide detailed advising to all students.
Q: Is the Master of Science in Gerontology degree program practice-oriented?
A: Our MSG is a practice-oriented degree. Students are subject to certain course requirements in the areas of policy, physical-medical, and psychosocial areas of the field. Students must complete two 150-hour practicum experiences, and a number of electives are available. Within the confines of our core curriculum, there is much flexibility for tailoring an individual experience. Students have been placed in practicum experiences ranging from the NIA-funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at the Washington University School of Medicine to the grassroots South Grand Senior Ministry. As much as possible, practicum placements are tailored to meet student learning needs and to address longer-term career objectives.
Q: What career paths are available to graduates of the Master of Science degree program in Gerontology?
A: The MSG degree is very flexible and employers in the aging field like to hire our MSG graduates. But the MSG does not provide as defined a career path as the MSW or MeD degrees might, however. Students must consider if they wish to work in a licensed profession providing clinical services. If so, the MSW might be a better option. The MSG degree is terrific for students coming in with a defined profession and wishing to expand into aging services. Our students have included nurses, social workers and physical therapists completing the degree or the Graduate Certificate for this precise purpose. Occasionally, mid-career individuals have entered the program in an effort to re-invent themselves professionally. Some were caregivers for ailing parents or others, and found the experience so rewarding that they decided to enter the field professionally. A 2008 graduate of our MSG program obtained a program coordination position with the St. Louis Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Many of the geriatric care managers working in the greater St. Louis area hold a Masters degree in Gerontology.
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