Aging Studies (MS)
2024-2025
Master of Science
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34
Mankato
Human Services
Program Requirements
Common Core
Prerequisites: none
Research/Methods Course(s)
A 600-level research course from any department (3 credits) is required.Restricted Electives
Social - Psychological - Choose 3 Credit(s).
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Bio Medical - Choose 3 Credit(s).
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Policy/Applied Theory - Choose 3 Credit(s).
Prerequisites: none
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Internship - Choose 6 Credit(s).
Prerequisites: none
Unrestricted Electives
Choose 8 - 14 Credit(s). Note: SOC 517 is also listed as CORR 517
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Capstone Course
Choose thesis or APP - Choose 1 - 6 Credit(s).
Prerequisites: none
Prerequisites: none
Policies
- In addition to all materials required by the University, applicants to graduate programs within the Aging Studies Program must submit: a) three (3) letters of reference; b) resume or curriculum vitae; c) cover letter or statement of purpose; and d) a sample of written work
- Admission to the graduate programs in the Department generally requires a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the undergraduate degree, although applicants with a lower GPA may still be admitted depending on the strength of their other application materials.
- Admission to the Aging Studies, MA program generally requires 24 quarter credits or 18 semester credits of sociology at the undergraduate level, including courses in research methods and statistics. Applicants who did not complete these courses may still be admitted if they can demonstrate adequate preparation through other means (e.g., research experience, professional development).
- Applicants who meet Department admission standards are routinely admitted on a year-round basis and may begin coursework as soon as they are admitted. While it is ideal to start Department graduate program in the fall, a spring admission is possible as well.
- All graduate students must complete either a thesis or an alternate plan paper (APP) capstone project. A thesis (GERO/SOC 699) is a significant project that entails original empirical data collection and analysis, while an APP (GERO/SOC 694) is an equally significant project that entails a thorough review of existing literatures. Students opting for a thesis capstone can apply up to 3 credits of GERO/SOC 699 toward their MS degree. Students opting for an APP can apply up to 2 credits of SOC 694 to their MS degree.
- Graduate students must also assemble a group of 3 faculty members to serve as the examining committee for their thesis or APP capstone project. The committee is chaired by the graduate student’s advisor and includes two other faculty members, ideally including one from outside the Department of Sociology when possible.