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EIU Master of Science in Aging Studies

M.S. in Aging Studies - Unique Program Qualities

  • Proven track-record of educating students at EIU and supporting their career paths in the aging field since 1981.
  • The M.S. in Aging Studies degree program is interdisciplinary and includes courses from nine different academic units.
  • Academic plans of study are tailored to meet the needs and interests of students in an online format or in a hybrid (online and face-to-face) format.
  • EIU's M.S. in Aging Studies was named one of gradschoolhub.com's top 10 most affordable master's degree programs.

Our Mission

The Department of Human Services prepares students to empower individuals across the lifespan, strengthen families, promote community prosperity, and advocate for intersectional social justice in our globally diverse society through high-impact experiential learning and innovative research and scholarship.

Why Choose EIU for Aging Studies

Professional Development

Graduate students in the program receive multiple opportunities to participate in professional development experiences. Common professional development experiences include attendance at statewide and national conferences, professional webinars, and EIU research fairs and symposiums.

Research Opportunities

Students doing research

Students are presented with several research opportunities across varying topics of interest. Students have the ability to elect a thesis option as part of their program of study, as well as conducting research projects as part of independent study courses.

Flexibility

All required courses are fully online. Students in Aging Studies are on track to complete their degrees in an average of 18 months (five semesters). The program flexibility allows students who are already employed to continue working while pursing their master's degree at the same time.

Supportive Environment

Students doing research

Students are valued in the online classroom by their professors and peers. The small class sizes allow the students to develop lasting relationships during their program of study. Our faculty and students value the close-knit community that has been developed through on and off campus activities.



Meet our Faculty

Don't Take Our Word for It

"The Aging Studies program at Eastern Illinois University has been a huge blessing to both my wife and me. This program has provided us a solid foundation to lead our company, and a much deeper understanding of the industry. The program and faculty members have been very accommodating and we have enjoyed all of our classes. "

Brent Zabka

"There's so much out there waiting for you. So many opportunities to do research to find employment. Just go and explore everything that Eastern has to offer, because you won't find it anywhere else. It's really one of the best choices I've made.”

Sam

"I am proud to be part of the Aging Studies Master's degree program. It offers an in-depth view of the many aspects of aging and has already enriched my work as the current Director of Piatt Count Services for Seniors. This program of study is teaching us to thoughtfully help seniors, disabled individuals, and ourselves as we prepare for "the rest of the story," as radio commentator Paul Harvey used to say."

Cara

"Whether it be through receiving prestigious summer research fellowships at several universities, internships, or performing honors research through the EIU Departmental Honors Program, I have developed professionally as a student of science and medicine.”

Shabari

"My experience in the Department of Human Services has been nothing but positive. The faculty and staff are incredibly supportive and have provided me with opportunities not just to further my knowledge base, but also my skill set. I have been encouraged to further my professional development skills by participating in student recruitment events, completing grant research, and joining student organizations, including the Human Services Ambassador Program.

I have also collaborated with various professors and showcased my research at a number of on-campus events and professional conferences. My experience with this department first began with my undergraduate degree in Family and Consumer Sciences back in 2003 and in the Fall of 2020, I re-enrolled at EIU for my first graduate program in Aging Studies. My experience was so positive that I chose to stay another year and get a second master’s degree in Human Services. I am confident that no matter what career path I choose to walk down, I will be successful with the knowledge, skills, and abilities I have gained in this department."

Jayme Redmon

Related Pages

Student Forms Career Options

Contact Information

Dr. Kathleen O'Rourke, Graduate Coordinator
MS in Aging Studies

Eastern Illinois University
1044 Klehm Hall
Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-6076
kaorourke@eiu.edu


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