Master’s Degree in Innovative Aging Studies
Overview
Degree Plan
Application
Explore Your Online Path in Aging
Aging touches every part of our lives: Healthcare. Families. Communities. Policy.
When you understand how we age, you can make sense of how those pieces fit together — and where your skills fit in.
The University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Innovative Aging Studies gives you the flexibility to build focused knowledge in aging without putting your career or personal life on hold.
This fully online, non-thesis program is designed for students who want to explore aging as more than just the physical process of getting older. You’ll examine aging as a biological, psychological, social and human experience while building expertise that can shape the next step in your career.
Inside the Program: What to Expect
This 30-credit master’s degree takes a holistic approach to aging. Rather than focusing on aging as a number, you’ll look at aging as a lived experience.
Throughout the program, you’ll explore how aging affects the body, the mind and the systems that support older adults. You’ll also build real-world skills you can apply immediately in healthcare, research, education and advocacy.
Here’s what sets our master’s degree apart:
- Fully online and asynchronous, built for busy schedules
- Coursework that blends science, health and human-centered perspectives
- A focus on aging as both a biological process and a social reality
- Designed for students pursuing roles in healthcare, research, education, wellness or public policy
By the time you graduate, you’ll have a deeper understanding of aging that complements your current role or next career move.
Learn Online — On Your Schedule
All courses are delivered online and asynchronously. That means you decide when and where learning happens.
As an online student, you’ll use UF’s Canvas learning platform to:
- Access readings and multimedia course materials
- Complete assignments and assessments
- Participate in discussion boards with classmates
- Engage with faculty who are active in aging research and education
You’ll be part of a supportive online learning environment that values flexibility while maintaining academic depth — the best of both worlds.
How Long Does the Program Take?
You can complete your degree in as little as one year.
Courses are offered in fall, spring and summer, and you can start in any semester. Whether you want to move quickly or take a more flexible pace, the program is built to adapt to your goals.
Why Study Innovative Aging at UF?
Aging is reshaping healthcare and society in meaningful ways. This program helps students think critically about aging while gaining insight into how care, research and support systems continue to evolve.
Throughout the program, you’ll explore topics like:
- How the human body changes over time
- Biological and physiological aspects of aging
- Psychological, social and ethical considerations in aging
- Evidence-based approaches to supporting older adults
This foundation prepares you for roles in clinical settings, aging services, health policy or research — or for doctoral study in aging-related fields.
Degree Plan
To graduate from the innovate aging studies program, students must complete 30 credit hours: 24 required credit hours and 6 elective credit hours.
Required and elective courses are listed below.
Required Core Courses (24 credit hours)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits | Spring | Summer | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMS 6099 | Research Methods in Gerontology | 3 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
| GMS 6483 | Theories of Aging | 3 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
| GMS 6484 | Geriatric and Age-Related Diseases | 3 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
| GMS 6485 | Population-Based Research on Aging | 3 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
| GMS 6486 | Biology of Aging | 3 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
| GMS 6715 | Healthy Aging: Behavioral and Clinical Outcomes | 3 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
| GMS 6717 | Healthy Aging in the New Millennium | 3 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
| GMS 6771 | Clinical Neuroscience of Aging | 3 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Elective Courses (6 credit hours)
Select 6 credit hours from the course list below.
Application Information
Click below to begin your master’s degree application.


