Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We offer a 30-credit master's degree program and a 15-credit graduate certificate program, which consists of a subset of courses from the master's degree program. The certificate program is for students who want a credential in gerontology and who do not need a master's degree. We do not offer a web-based undergraduate degree in gerontology.

A bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by the cognizant regional accrediting agency, undergraduate preparation in the proposed major field equivalent to that acquired by a graduate of Kansas State University, or evidence of an appropriate background for undertaking an advanced degree program, and a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 hours of coursework. This GPA is based only on courses graded on a multi-level scale, usually A, B, C, D, F. For more information on admission and general requirements please review Chapter 2 of the Graduate Handbook.

Students typically complete the master's program in four years if they are employed full time and taking only one course each semester. Students who take two classes each term (fall, spring and summer) can complete the program in 2 years. The certificate program may be completed in one year, depending on how many courses are taken each semester. Students may take classes on either a part-time or full-time basis.

Each course is offered at least once a year with sustaining enrollment.

Yes. Typical students in the program may be located in the US or in other countries. Students are not required to visit the campus at any time during the degree program, although they have the option to attend graduation ceremonies in person if they wish to do so.

The program at Kansas State University currently has rolling admissions and you may apply at any time of year. Please note that there are specific university deadlines for international student applications because they take longer to process. International applications will be reviewed after the deadline date. At that time the graduate committee will consider the request for admission to the Gerontology program and will forward the approved applications to the Graduate School. The Graduate School provides final approval and notifies applicants of their acceptance.

All instructors are Graduate Faculty members. Faculty members teach courses in their particular area of expertise.

Kansas State University has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1916.

A 1-3 credit hour practicum may be used as an elective in the program by pre-arrangement and with advisor approval, although it is not required for completion. Students should visit with their major professor about details related to a possible practicum.

Kansas State University accepts graduate credit from another university if the institution is accredited by the cognizant regional accrediting association to offer graduate degree programs. Permission from the graduate program director must always be obtained for transfer credits to apply. Under normal circumstances, graduate credit transferred from other universities may not exceed 10 credit hours, and only for courses graded B or better. Credits earned more than six years prior to the semester in which the program of study is approved may not be transferred. For more information review the Graduate Handbook.

When you are admitted to the program you will be assigned an on-campus advisor. You may interact with your advisor in person, by phone and/or via email.

If your question is about your application materials, please contact the advisor at the Center on Aging at gerontology@k-state.edu or 785-532-5945. Once you are accepted to the program your assigned advisor should be able to answer your questions or direct you to other resources for assistance.

In most cases, students must be enrolled in at least six credit hours to be eligible for financial aid. Contact the Student Financial Assistance office at ksusfa@k-state.edu or 785-532-6420. The Center on Aging and its staff cannot assist with questions or problems related to Financial Aid.

If a student is currently enrolled and has active benefits, then the coursework will usually be covered by VA benefits. For more information contact the Kansas State University Office of Veterans Affairs at veteran@k-state.edu or 785-532-7061. The Center on Aging and its staff are unable to assist with questions or problems related to VA benefits.

Your advisor or the program director may approve on-campus gerontology courses to be used toward the requirements of the program.

You will receive a Master of Science in Gerontology through Kansas State University. If you are enrolled in the certificate program, you will receive a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology.

Kansas State University does not require GRE scores for admission to the online gerontology program. For additional Graduate School information, please visit www.k-state.edu/grad/.

Once all application materials are submitted, the academic committee will review applications and make a recommendation on acceptance. Notification of acceptance will come from the graduate school.

You will need a computer, the ability to access and download materials from the Internet, and an updated web browser. High-speed internet access is strongly recommended.

• Minimum system requirements for Kansas State University
• Recommended computer configurations
• A discussion of the various types of course delivery which may be used in classes

Information can be found at the K-State Online page. Once you are accepted into the program and enrolled in classes, you will be given electronic access to a variety of resources at Kansas State University.

Questions about application materials and/or being admitted to the K-State Gerontology program should be directed to either the program director or the academic advisor at:

Kansas State University Center on Aging
253 Justin Hall
1324 Lovers Lane
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-5945
gerontology@k-state.edu