M.A., Liberal Studies in Geropsychology

Concentration Overview

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The online Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Liberal Studies 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. Department 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 in working with older adults and 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-5000Liberal Arts and Professional Life

3

SAM-5010Sense of Community I: Art and Morality

3

SAM-5020Sense of Community II: Faith and Reason

3

CCR-6100Change, Conflict, and Resolution

3

SIC-5200The Species, the Individual, and Community

3

THC-6250Technology and the Human Community: Challenges and Responses

3

II. Concentration (12 Credits)

GER-5100Adult Development and Aging

3

GER-6100Geropsychological Assessment

3

GER-6200Geropsychological Interventions

3

GER-7100Geropsychological Consultation

3

III. Capstone (6 Credits)

MLS-7000Capstone I

3

MLS-7100Capstone II

3

Total Credit Hours: 36

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the concentration 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.