Online Master’s in Psychology: Geropsychology Emphasis
Online Master’s in Psychology: Geropsychology Emphasis
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Further your geropsychology education online at GCU, taking classes from virtually anywhere and connecting with fellow learners and instructors on a schedule that’s convenient for you. Our intuitive e-learning platform provides a convenient place to work through the curriculum and complete your coursework, and the interactive elements are designed to enrich the academic experience.
Every aging adult deserves to lead a full life. However, the aging can experience psychological issues that inhibit quality of life, such as depression and suicide.1 Geropsychology is a specialized field of psychology that focuses on understanding and addressing the mental health concerns that may affect older adults.2
You can blend passion with purpose by enrolling in the Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in GeroPsychology degree program at Grand Canyon University. This master’s program is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Combine your passion for helping others with purpose for the future. Apply today to take geropsychology courses online at GCU.
As a student, you will examine the relationship between body and mind, and identify the appropriate interventions that may inspire positive change. Examine foundational knowledge in the psychological and neurological aspects of aging as you work through a comprehensive curriculum that covers geriatric psychology topics, such as:
The modern curriculum provides a survey of issues relevant to aging populations to enhance your understanding of your future clients.
Some of the competencies you will be expected to acquire include:
1 WebMD. (2021, Nov. 1). What to Know About Mental Health in Older Adults. WebMD. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2024.
2 American Psychological Association. (2008). Geropsychology. APA. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2024.
3 U.S. Census Bureau. (2018, March 13). Older People Projected to Outnumber Children for First Time In U.S. History. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2024.
4 Careers in Psychology. (n.d.). Geropsychology Careers. Careers in Psychology. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2024.
5 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Psychologists as of May 2022, retrieved on Jan. 22, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Psychologists, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
6 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Psychologists, retrieved in January 2024.
GCU is a modern university with technological adaptations to meet the needs of its diverse student body. Learners may complete the master’s in psychology with an emphasis in geropsychology online. All courses are taught by qualified instructors who are knowledgeable in their field.
The comprehensive curriculum teaches core competencies in the field as you work toward a career dedicated to helping some of the most vulnerable members of society. A career in geriatric mental health can be meaningful and personally fulfilling for those with a service-minded personality. At GCU, our geropsychology courses are fully integrated with the Christian worldview, and our students are encouraged to emulate a Christ-like character.
The master’s in psychology with a geropsychology emphasis offers a timely and relevant curriculum focused on ethical frameworks for enhancing the health, wellness and quality of life of aging populations. You will be taught key skills in analytical reasoning and evidence-based strategies. The program explores physical, cognitive and spiritual care for individuals during the later stage of life.
This master's program concludes with a capstone course. This is designed to prepare you to continue your education or pursue professional objectives. As you explore career paths in the field, you will be expected to develop and present your own original research ideas in the field of geropsychology.
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, all baby boomers will be older than age 65 by the year 2030. One in every five residents will be of retirement age. The U.S. Census Bureau also notes that, during the 2030s, the population of older adults will outnumber the population of children for the first time in U.S. history.3
As the population grows older, geropsychology professionals and other elder care specialists will have more opportunities to help aging populations who need specialized care. Some graduates of this program may choose to pursue a research-based career. Private- and government-funded research initiatives explore issues common among older adults in order to contribute to the body of knowledge in the field.4
If you feel called upon to serve your elders, you may find work in the following settings after earning your master’s in psychology with a geropsychology emphasis:4
Hospitals and clinics
Nursing homes
Hospice agencies
Home healthcare agencies
Educational institutions
Nonprofit organizations
Government agencies
Discover additional MS in Psychology emphasis options that can help you find the right path for your academic and career aspirations.
Before enrolling in geropsychology courses, you may wish to do further research on the field and your potential career outcomes. These frequently asked questions and answers can provide a starting point as you reflect upon your options for supporting geriatric mental health.
Geropsychology is a distinct specialty area of psychology that focuses on the older adult population. Geropsychology professionals work with clients to understand and support their mental well-being as they age. Geropsychologists also work with families and caregivers as well as care facilities to ensure their clients’ needs are being met according to the recommended care plan.2
The annual salary of a geropsychologist can vary, depending on their employer, years of experience and credentials. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not track salary data for geropsychologists specifically. However, as of May 2022, the annual median salary for all types of psychologists combined was $85,330.5
Geropsychologists may find the career to be both challenging and rewarding, helping aging adults live healthy and productive lives as they transition into older age. If you’re interested in a career that can allow you to make a positive difference in the lives of people in need, then this may be an ideal field for you. There is also positive job growth within the broader field of psychology. According to the BLS, the job growth rate for all types of psychologists is projected to be 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than average.6
GCU is proud to be institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is united in GCU’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies. You can further your geropsychology training with the confidence that comes from knowing GCU prioritizes the quality of our education.
