Program Details

Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Geropsychology

Offered By: College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Next Start Date:
Program Now Enrolling
Total Program Credits & Course Length:
Total Program Credits: 36
Online: 8 weeks [More Info]
Transfer Credits:
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the program
Program Tuition Rate:
Online: $500 per credit. [More Info]

Overview

Learn Best Practices and Strategies for Elderly Care

Understand and improve the way we care for elderly populations through the advanced Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Geropsychology from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Provide knowledge and application of psychological theories toward best practices for individuals, families and health care providers caring for aging populations.

Inspire positive changes in elderly patient treatment and care through knowledge of theory, research, statistics and a rigorous exploration of our aging population's well-being, including a deeper exploration of the relationship between body and mind.

In addition to both cognitive and sociological impacts on aging persons, you examine issues of death, cultural influences associated with the end of life and ethical practices in caring for the elderly. Physical and mental illness are explored, including ways to assist aging adults with coping strategies to better manage physical, mental and cognitive changes.

Degree Outcomes

Improve the Present and Future of our Elderly

Immerse yourself in various strategic and ethical frameworks for improving the lives of senior citizens, including an exploration of current and future health care trends. An extensive, advanced curriculum provides you an opportunity to analyze theories and implement evidence-based strategies to improve the mental, emotional and social well-being of elderly populations. Concepts and strategies related to physical, cognitive and spiritual care at the end of a lifespan are also explored.

A capstone project at the end of this MS in Psychology with an Emphasis in Geropsychology degree program can help your transition into the workforce or pursuit of additional education. Explore original research pertaining to your field of interest associated with aging populations.

What You Will Learn

Create Positive Change in Senior Citizen Health Care

Course topics include:

  • Sociology of aging
  • Statistics
  • Biology of aging
  • Death and dying
  • Social and cultural psychology
  • Ethical issues in psychology

Career Outcomes

Care for and Research of Elderly Populations

The geropsychology degree master's program can prepare you for a variety of careers in health care facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, mental health facilities and government agencies. Additional private- or government-funded research opportunities also exist to delve into issues associated with older populations such as cancer, Alzheimer's and dementia.

Course List

The programs offered at Grand Canyon University may vary by content and course length. You are currently viewing the program version available in Arizona. For information about specific course content, credit length and VA approval in your state, please contact a counselor at 1-855-GCU-LOPE or click here to request more information.
Major:
36 credits
Total Degree Requirements:
36 credits

Program Core Courses

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the liberal arts. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.

Course Description

This course serves as the foundation for advanced graduate study in the field of psychology. Professional skill development, such as critical thinking, scholarly writing, and literature reviewing are covered, as well as contemporary ethical issues in the field of psychology, including issues in research, writing, psychotherapy, forensic psychology, and animal research.

Course Description

This course is a study of social, group, and multicultural factors affecting individual behavior. Attention is given to the development of attitudes, leadership roles, group thinking, sources of conflict, altruism, attraction, effects of competition and cooperation, analysis and evaluation of propaganda techniques, and the influence of mass communication on social awareness and control.

Course Description

This course is a critical examination of social policies and systems which affect aging and retirement. The impact of multiple social contexts such as family, employment, work, and religion are examined.

Course Description

This course introduces the concept of death in society. Students examine research, theories, and case studies on the sociocultural dimensions of death and dying with a focus on end of life issues and grief management.

Course Description

This course provides a study of theories of probability, descriptive and inferential analyses of data, and testing of statistical hypotheses. Practical experience is provided in the application of statistical methods.

Course Description

This course emphasizes both the theoretical and applied aspects of experimental design and research methodology at the graduate level, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed designs.

Course Description

This course examines the biological principles and research that explain the causes of aging. An investigation into the human experience of biological aging, longevity, and age-related disease is made in order promote and modulate successful aging.

Course Description

This course examines the psychological, emotional, and spiritual aspects of aging. There is a focus on promoting positive aging and increasing well-being. Prerequisite: PSY-630.

Course Description

This course prepares students to enter their prospective career and/or continue their education in psychology. Students will explore occupations and leaders in the various psychological fields, formulate and compile their experiences and achievements, and construct a roadmap for success. Original research ideas will be solidified and presented.

Program Locations

Online

Online

Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere. GCU offers the most experienced leadership in delivering online degree programs. Full-time faculty members and fully trained adjunct instructors, equipped with strong academic backgrounds and practical experience in their fields, support you every step of the way. Designed with the career-oriented professional in mind, our online classes provide an intimate environment that stimulates engaging and challenging discussions. Choose from programs across our distinct colleges, in high-demand employment areas. Classes begin frequently.
Evening

Evening

Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom. Night classes are designed for a specific number of students, providing a warm and nurturing environment that supports an engaging experience. In an evening cohort, you will progress through your degree program with the same career-minded classmates, providing an opportunity to network and forge relationships that go beyond the classroom. Classes begin frequently at various locations, including our main campus.

* Please note that this list may contain programs that are not presently offered as program availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability of the program.

* The Department of Education defines how an institution must calculate a program's On-Time Completion rate for federal disclosure purposes. The On-Time Completion rate is based on a program's published required number of months to complete all degree requirements as provided in the institution's catalog. Completion statistics are updated every January and are based on the cohort of students who started the program in the same year and then graduated within the published program length.

Online and Evening program disclosures

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.
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