Geropsychology Master’s Program
Enroll in GCU’s Geropsychology Master’s Program to Advance Your Skills and Knowledge
Every aging adult deserves to lead a full life. However, the elderly often experience psychological issues that inhibit quality of life. Geropsychology is a specialized field of psychology that focuses on understanding and addressing the mental health concerns that may affect older adults. 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. The geropsychology master's program is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Acquire foundational knowledge in the psychological and neurological aspects of aging. Learn to contribute to the field’s knowledge of the cognitive and psychosocial changes that affect elderly populations. Examine best practices in applied psychological theories and research to support families and healthcare providers who work with aging adults. The geropsychology master's degree, offered online by GCU, also explores coping strategies, physical health issues, end of life matters and ethical practices.
What to Expect in a Geropsychology Graduate Program
GCU is a modern university with technological adaptations to meet the needs of its diverse student body. Learners may complete the geropsychology degree online or via evening classes on campus. All courses are taught by fully qualified instructors who are experts in their field, and both online and on-campus courses enable you to engage in intellectually stimulating discussions with your peers.
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The geropsychology graduate program follows a timely and relevant curriculum focused on ethical frameworks for enhancing the health, wellness and quality of life of elderly populations. You will acquire key skills in analytical reasoning and evidence-based strategies. The program explores physical, cognitive and spiritual care for individuals at the end of life.
Learn Best Practices and Strategies for Elderly Care in the Geropsychology Master’s Program
As a geropsychology degree student, you will examine the relationship between body and mind, and identify the appropriate interventions that may inspire positive change. Some of the core courses in this geropsychology graduate program include:
- Sociology of Aging
- Death and Dying
- Physical Health and the Biology of Aging
- Psychological, Emotional and Spiritual Aspects of Aging
- Contemporary and Ethical Issues in Psychology
The modern curriculum provides a comprehensive survey of issues relevant to aging populations to enhance your understanding of your future clients. Delve into the social, group and multicultural factors that affect individual behavior. Critically examine the social policies and systems that affect aging and retirement. Learn strategies for promoting well-being later in life and study the sociocultural dimensions of death and dying.
The online geropsychology master’s program concludes with the Professional Capstone. This is designed to prepare you to continue your education or pursue professional objectives.
Learn to Care for Elderly Populations in a Master’s in Geropsychology Degree Program
The demand for qualified elderly providers is expected to grow significantly. 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.1
The demand for professionals with specialized expertise in the needs of older adults will rise as the population ages. If you feel called upon to serve your elders, you may find work in the following settings after earning your MS in geropsychology:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Nursing homes
- Long-term care facilities
- Mental health facilities
- Government agencies
Some graduates of the GCU geropsychology program may choose to pursue a research-based career. Private- and government-funded research initiatives explore issues common among older adults, including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Geropsychology Master’s Program FAQs
Geropsychology is a distinct specialty area of psychology that focuses on the older adult population. Geropsychology professionals work with clients to understand, treat and improve 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 prescribed care plan.
The online geriatric psychology graduate program at GCU takes about two to three years to complete with full-time study. The program can be completed online or through in-person evening classes for those who need to balance school with professional responsibilities. The geropsychology program requires 36 credits to completion, with most courses scheduled for eight weeks.
Yes, the geropsychology master’s program at GCU is offered fully online or as an evening program. As a geropsychology degree student, you will learn from expert faculty and network with peers, while enjoying a more flexible schedule to pursue your education and career goals.
Geropsychologists have both a challenging and rewarding career helping aging adults live healthy and productive lives as they transition into older age. Geropsychologists may also benefit from the positive job outlook. As the number of adults, age 65 and older, continues to grow over the next decade, the need for geropsychologists will increase.1
1 Retrieved from United States Census Bureau, Older People Projected to Outnumber Children for First Time in U.S. History, in July 2022
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. Prerequisite: PSY-520.
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. Prerequisite: PSY-550.
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.
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.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.