You’ll provide the following materials to the Graduate School:
- Graduate School application
- Official transcripts
- GRE test scores
- Two letters of recommendation
M.S. with Specialization in Leadership in Aging Studies
Prepare for advanced roles in the growing field of aging studies.
Our master’s degree program in applied human development and family sciences (AHDFS) with a specialization in leadership in aging studies will give you the expertise to become a leader in organizations, services and research focused on aging. It will also prepare you to obtain your Illinois nursing home administrator license.
You can also complete the M.S. degree without a specialization or with a specialization in marriage and family therapy.
At a Glance
33 credit hours
In person
Full time
Start in the fall or spring semester
Career Outlook for M.S. in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences (AHDFS)
Average mid-career salary for alumni:
Top job titles for alumni:
Growth rate:
The career outlook for roles such as social service managers, child care center directors, preschool teachers and social workers is growing faster than average.
Sources: Steppingblocks, {{steppingBlocksSourceYear}}; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
How to Apply
You must have a bachelor’s degree to apply. You’ll apply through the Graduate School.
After admission, you have 30 days to notify us of your intention to register for classes during the term for which you were admitted. Please send a letter of intent to register to:
Kristine Radtke
AHDFS Program Coordinator
122J Wirtz Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
kradtke@niu.edu
815-753-8151
A fingerprint-based criminal background check and drug screening are required prior to supervised fieldwork. We may not be able to place students in supervised fieldwork if they have positive drug screen results or if they have a criminal record, in which case they may not be able to complete this specialization.
Costs and Funding
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students.
Assistantships
Many NIU graduate students have an assistantship, which provides financial support (typically a tuition waiver and stipend), as well as career preparation.
Curriculum and Requirements
Courses in statistics and analysis, administration and management, aging and families, as well as additional coursework through internships and teaching, will give you the skills and knowledge to excel in leadership roles in a variety of settings.
This specialization meets the competencies outlined by the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education.
Learning Outcomes
- Ability to apply and synthesize theories of human development, family relationships and human ecology to such topics as: normal child development and family process, gender issues, social class and cultural influences and normative and non-normative transitions
- Ability to apply scientific and ethical approaches to the study of and practice with children, adults and families
- Professional verbal communication skills and cognitive skills and use of technology
- Ability to promote social and public policies that benefit children and families
- Ability to integrate their knowledge and skills in order to work with individuals and families of diverse backgrounds
Faculty
Our faculty bring diverse experiences, backgrounds, scholarship and expertise from various areas in the field of aging studies. They’re committed to facilitating engaging learning experiences in and outside the classroom.
Contact Us
School of Clinical and Developmental Sciences
122 Wirtz Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-1543
scds@niu.edu