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M.S. in Aging Studies - Unique Program Qualities
The Department of Human Services and Community Leadership 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kathleen O'Rourke, Ph.D., serves as the M.A. in Aging Studies Graduate Program Coordinator at Eastern Illinois University. Dr. O'Rourke has been a faculty member in the Department of Human Services and Community Leadership (formerly the School of Family and Consumer Sciences) since 2001 and is an EIU alumna (class of '94 and '95). Before returning to EIU, Dr. O'Rourke was a Geriatric Consultant in a Division of Senior and Community Services and Employee Assistance Program Geriatric Case Manager at a hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Linda Simpson, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Human Services and Community Leadership.
Kathleen Phillips, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Health Promotion, has been teaching health education professional preparation courses at EIU since 1978. During her career, Dr. Phillips has authored articles and made numerous presentations on professional program assessment and internship practices.
"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.”
ShabariEastern Illinois University
1044 Klehm Hall
Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-6076
Fax: 217-581-6090
kaorourke@eiu.edu
