M.A. in Aging Studies

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees: US$75

Academic Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree: Student should hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. This degree should be relevant to the postgraduate program Student intend to pursue.

2. Academic Achievement: Student should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent, which translates to approximately 60% and above.

English Language Proficiency Requirements:

1. IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0 is often required.

2. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 79 is accepted.

3. DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 115 or higher is required.

4. PTE (Pearson Test of English): Some programs may accept a minimum score of 58 or higher.

Wichita State University (WSU) offers several scholarships to international students to help them pursue their academic goals. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, and contributions to the WSU community. 

1. International Student Merit Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students based on their academic achievements. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on factors such as GPA and standardized test scores.

2. International Excellence Scholarships: WSU offers competitive scholarships to international undergraduate students who have a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership and community involvement. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs.

3. Graduate Teaching Assistantships: Graduate students may have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants in their respective departments. These positions often come with a stipend and tuition waiver, helping graduate students finance their education.

4. Athletic Scholarships: WSU provides athletic scholarships to international student-athletes who excel in sports such as basketball, track and field, and tennis. These scholarships cover various expenses, including tuition, books, and accommodation.

5. Graduate Research Assistantships: Some graduate programs offer research assistantships that provide financial support to students in exchange for their research contributions. These positions may also include a tuition waiver.

6. Private Scholarships: WSU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, including those from governments, organizations, and foundations. The Office of International Education can assist students in finding relevant scholarships.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments within WSU offer scholarships to students majoring in specific fields. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, leadership, or other criteria related to the student's chosen field of study.

8. Cultural Diversity Scholarships: These scholarships are designed to promote diversity and inclusion on campus. They are available to students from underrepresented backgrounds who contribute to the cultural diversity of WSU.

9. Conditional Scholarships: Conditional scholarships may be offered to students who meet academic requirements but require additional English language support. These scholarships often include language training as part of the package.

It's essential for international students to check the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and scholarship amounts for each scholarship opportunity.

Wichita State University, situated in Wichita, Kansas, offers a highly regarded Master of Arts (M.A.) in Aging Studies program. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the unique needs of an aging population. Graduates of the M.A. in Aging Studies program have a wide range of career prospects.

1. Gerontologist: Graduates can pursue careers as gerontologists, specializing in the study of aging and its impact on individuals and communities. They may work in research, advocacy, or program development related to elderly populations.

2. Aging Services Manager: Many graduates choose to become aging services managers, overseeing programs and services for older adults in settings such as senior centers, retirement communities, or assisted living facilities.

3. Policy Analyst: Graduates interested in policy and advocacy can work as policy analysts for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or research institutions, shaping policies that affect the elderly.

4. Healthcare Administrator: Some graduates opt for careers as healthcare administrators in geriatric healthcare facilities, managing the operations and services provided to elderly patients.

5. Social Worker: Graduates may become licensed social workers specializing in gerontology, assisting older adults and their families with issues related to health, housing, and emotional well-being.

6. Long-Term Care Specialist: With the aging population, there is a growing demand for specialists in long-term care. Graduates can work in roles related to long-term care planning and administration.

7. Researcher: Those with a passion for research can pursue careers as researchers in aging studies, contributing to the understanding of aging-related issues through academic or institutional research projects.

8. Health Educator: Graduates can work as health educators, promoting healthy aging practices and providing educational programs to older adults on topics such as nutrition, exercise, and chronic disease management.

9. Senior Housing Developer: As the need for senior housing options increases, graduates can enter the field of senior housing development, planning and creating housing solutions for elderly populations.

10. Adult Day Care Coordinator: Graduates may choose to coordinate adult day care programs, providing essential services and activities to elderly individuals who require daytime assistance.

11. Elder Law Attorney: Those with an interest in legal matters can become elder law attorneys, specializing in legal issues affecting older adults, including estate planning, healthcare, and guardianship.

12. Financial Planner for Seniors: Graduates with financial expertise can work as financial planners specializing in retirement planning and financial management for older adults.

13. Educator: Some graduates choose to become educators, teaching courses in aging studies at colleges, universities, or community centers.

14. Hospice Care Specialist: Graduates may work in hospice care, providing comfort and support to individuals in the final stages of life and their families.

15. Consultant: Graduates can offer consulting services to organizations and businesses seeking to better serve the aging population, advising on senior-friendly practices and products.