Minnesota State University Mankato

University

http://www.minnstate.edu/college-search/public/institution/institutionProfile?rcId=0071&search=college

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Aging Studies Program
113 Armstrong Hall
Mankato, MN 56001
507-389-1561

Website: www.sbs.mnsu.edu/agingstudies

Donald Ebel, Director
donald.ebel@mnsu.edu

The Master of Science in Aging Studies is granted by Minnesota State University, Mankato on completion of 30-34 credits. One-half of the total credits for the degree must be 600-level credits. A minimum of 24 credits of Aging Studies is required. Within these 24 credits, a maximum of six credits of internship and three credits of thesis or two credits of alternate paper research may be included. Admission to the graduate program in Aging Studies requires a minimum of 16 credits of social and behavioral science at the undergraduate level, three letters of reference which assess the student’s potential for graduate study and professional practice with older adults, and a personal statement which describes the applicant’s previous training in Aging Studies, work and/or volunteer experience with older adults and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in Aging Studies. A personal interview with the program director is suggested although not required.

The Undergraduate Minor in Aging Studies requires a minimum of 21 credits. This minor provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to explore the biological, psychological and social perspectives on aging. This minor is an appropriate addition to any course of study as there is no academic discipline that is not impacted by, or does not impact, the aging process.

This minor provides undergraduate nursing students with the opportunity to explore the biological, psychological and social perspectives on aging while enhancing their specific knowledge of nursing in relation to older persons. Within the next two decades, elders over the age of 65 will comprise 25% of the population in the United States leading to a shortage of over one million nurses to serve the aging population, making this minor particularly beneficial in supporting this career choice for nursing students.

Course work in the field of aging with a specific focus upon leadership, policy and administration. The program is intended for persons who wish to develop or enhance their ability to effectively lead aging-related programs or community initiatives. The flexibility of the program and its completely online design make it ideal for professionals who are currently working but wish to expand their skill set while earning an academic certificate at the graduate level. All of the courses for the certificate are included in the MS Gerontology to allow students who wish to continue toward their master’s degree may do so without the loss of effort applied toward the certificate completion.

http://sbs.mnsu.edu/agingstudies/certificate.html

The Nursing Home Administration Licensure Preparation Program provides all of the coursework required by the State of Minnesota prior to sitting for the state and federal licensing exams. If all courses are taken, a minimum of 23 credits will be required. Some courses may be waived by the Minnesota Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administration and anyone interested in this field is strongly encouraged to explore the MNBEHA website thoroughly. These courses may be taken in conjunction with the graduate or undergraduate programs in Aging Studies or as a non-degree seeking student. The field of nursing home administration offers an exciting blend of challenge and satisfaction. Successful operation of a nursing home requires strong management ability integrated with a deeply felt commitment to humane care. The role of administrator is complex, heavily affected by law and regulation and demands a high level of interpersonal skill as well as technical administrative competence. Persons who qualify can expect increasing demand for their services as the nation’s older population continues to grow and require long-term health care.