Geropsychology Area of Study

Advance your career and help make a difference in the lives of older adults and their families with a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) in Geropsychology from Thomas Edison State University (TESU). Equip yourself with the specialized knowledge to pursue a meaningful career working with aging adults in various settings including private homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care centers.

Our online degree program prepares you to work with older adults, recognize the complex psychological issues they face as they age, and understand legal and ethical issues and interdisciplinary models of care.

People 65 years old and older are the fastest-growing segment of the population in the United States. By 2030, older adults will account for 20 percent of the nation’s population--compared with 13 percent today, according to a 2001 report by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). As the population in the U.S. ages and people are living longer, there will be a greater need for skilled geropsychologist professionals who understand the aging process and have the ability to support older adults.

Geropsychology Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the area of study, students will be able to:

• Apply psychological theories of aging to the understanding of biopsychosocial changes involved in normal adult development and the sociocultural factors that impact the aging process.
• Assess cognition, behavior, mood, functional capacities, decision-making, and level of risk in older adults and analyze the relationship between these factors and biosocial factors.
• Apply psychological theory and research in order to design effective psychological interventions and health promotion and prevention programs across a variety of settings for older adults.
• Apply psychological theory and relevant ethical and legal standards in consultation and collaboration with diverse health professionals.