EIU Media Relations

EIU offers online info sessions for M.S. in Human Services & Aging Studies February 6 & 7

[IAN PALACIOS CONTRIBUTED TO THIS ARTICLE]

(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University will offer free virtual (Zoom) informational sessions Tuesday and Wednesday, February 6 and 7 for anyone interested in EIU’s Master of Science degree program in Human Services & Aging Studies. The online sessions will take place from noon to 12:45 p.m. on February 6 and again from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. February 7. Links to the events are:

• February 6 at 12:45 p.m.: https://eiu.zoom.us/j/88014534853
• February 7 at 6:30 p.m.: https://eiu.zoom.us/j/85116573006

The online events are designed for anyone interested in the program, which includes current undergraduates from any major, graduate and post-graduate students, EIU employees, or anyone in the field who has been out of school for any length of time but are interested in coming back to earn additional credentials for future leadership roles in the industry. The sessions do not require preregistration.

EIU’s M.S. in Aging Studies is particularly relevant to the needs of today’s workers. The 2020 US Census Bureau asserts that the US population of individuals over 65 is the highest it has ever been. In 1920, US residents over 65 constituted roughly five percent of the US population—today they make up over 16 percent. An M.S. in Aging Studies degree helps address the growing need for elder-care workers by providing professional development for active workers looking for more experience or for people just entering the workforce to begin their care careers.

Students in EIU’s Aging Studies M.S. curriculum can choose between attending full or part time and can complete their degree fully online or with a combination of online and in-person classes. This flexibility allows students to complete the degree at their own pace on and off campus. The program has year-round admissions and can take as little as one calendar year to complete, though the average time to complete the degree is five semesters. Distinct advantages of EIU’s MS in Aging Studies include professional development and research, which offers students opportunities to attend academic events like conferences, webinars, research fairs, and independent inquiry.

The virtual information sessions will be hosted by Professor and Human Services & Aging Studies Graduate Coordinator Dr. Kathleen O’Rourke. Those interested in more information can email Dr. O’Rourke at kaorourke@eiu.edu or visit eiu.edu/agingstudies.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.