Interdisciplinary Gerontology, MSIG

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The Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Gerontology (MSIG) program at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is specifically designed for professionals in various disciplines who are seeking to acquire advanced knowledge and specialized skills to work with older adults and their families. The MSIG melds discourse from gerontology, kinesiology, health promotion, human development, and social policy/administration to advance research on issues relevant to notions of successful aging. This high-caliber, interdisciplinary graduate program will begin in Fall 2012 and will prepare graduates for leadership roles in agencies and organizations that provide services for older adults.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students in the Interdisciplinary Gerontology program are expected to be able to:

Integrate concepts and theories to address gerontological research topics.
Demonstrate a solid background in biological, psychological, and social theory and research of adult development.
Apply knowledge learned in the classroom to organizations, agencies, policy, or advocacy regarding aging related issues.
Critically assess the quality of Gerontology research and identify appropriate research questions and issues in improve Gerontology.

Admission Requirements

Documents required:

Submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (If GPA is greater 3.0 for Bachelors, the GRE will be waived. Contact your department to have this waived.)
Three Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Requirements

Required Courses (24 credits)

Gerontology Core Courses:
GERO 6010 - Current Perspectives in Gerontology
GERO 6020 - Health and Aging
HDFS 5290 - Families in Later Life
HMSL 6070 - Aging: Physiology and Exercise
GERO 6100 - Aging Policy and Programs
GERO 6250 - Administration of Aging Programs
Research Methods. Select 1 course from:
FCS 6260 - Research Methods in Family and Consumer Sciences
GERO 6530 - Research Methods in Gerontology
HMSL 6530 - Research Methods in HMSL
CRJU 6030 - Data Analysis and Interpretation in Criminal Justice
Statistics. Select 1 course from:
EDFI 6410 - Statistics in Education
PSYC 6670 - Statistical Theory I
SOC 6100 - Statistical Techniques and Applications in Sociology

Electives (6 credits)

Select 1 course. For Plan II Comprehensive Exam, selection 2 courses from:
CDIS 6050 - Communication Disorders and Aging

Culminating Experience (3 credits)

Plan I: Thesis option. Select from:

HMSL 6990 - Thesis Research in HMSL or GERO 6990 - Thesis Research

Plan II: Select 1 from:

HMSL 6900 - Directed Research in HMSL

GERO 6860 - Independent Study in Gerontology (Practicum)
Comprehensive exam. Select 3 hours from above electives.

Minimum Total Credits (33 credits)

Additional Requirements

Minimum of 3 credits of 6990 required for Plan I master’s students. Maximum of 6 credits may be applied toward degree requirements.
Minimum 3.0 graduate cumulative grade point average
Minimum of 18 credits must be at the 6000-level or higher
Minimum of 24 credits must be earned at BGSU
All requirements must be completed within six years from the end of the earliest course used to fulfill degree requirements.