MALS in Geropsychology

Areas of Study Overview

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The online Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) degree program in Geropsychology provides students an opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed to work with older adults and their families in a wide variety of healthcare settings and interdisciplinary contexts.

Geropsychology is a subfield within the discipline of psychology that applies psychological theory and research to understanding the aging process and helping older people maintain a high quality of life as they age. The University’s Geropsychology program is especially relevant today as the population lives longer and the number of older adults in the U.S. increases. According to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging, 52 million people over age 65 were living in the United States in 2020 and by 2030 that number is expected to increase to approximately 72.1 million.

Thomas Edison State University recognizes the need for skilled individuals who can provide services to the rapidly growing population of older adults. Students who complete this online graduate program will be prepared to specialize working with older adults, understand the complex psychological issues facing adults as they age as well as legal and ethical issues and interdisciplinary models of care.

Credit Distribution

I. Core Course Sequence (18 Credits)

LAP-500	Liberal Arts and Professional Life	3
SAM-501	Sense of Community I: Art and Morality	3
SAM-502	Sense of Community II: Faith and Reason	3
CCR-610	Change, Conflict, and Resolution	3
SIC-520	The Species, the Individual, and Community	3
THC-625	Technology and the Human Community: Challenges and Responses	3

II. Area of Study (12 Credits)

GER-510	Adult Development and Aging	3
GER-610	Geropsychological Assessment	3
GER-620	Geropsychological Intervention	3
GER-710	Geropsychological Consultation	3

III. Capstone (6 Credits)

MLS-700	Capstone I	3
MLS-710	Capstone II	3

Total Credit Hours: 36

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the area of study in Geropsychology, students will be able to:

• apply psychological theories of aging to the understanding of biopsychosocial changes involved in normal adult development and the sociocultural factors that impact the aging process;
• assess cognition, behavior, mood, functional capacities, decision making, and level of risk in older adults and analyze the relationship between these factors and biosocial factors;
• apply psychological theory and research to design effective psychological interventions and health promotion and prevention programs across a variety of settings for older adults; and
• apply psychological theory and ethical and legal standards in consultation with diverse health professionals.