Verified September 2026

Aging and Gerontology MSW Programs

Which MSW Programs Train You to Become a Geriatric Social Worker?

To train as a geriatric social worker, you can choose from 35 MSW program options at 30 schools in 18 states that offer an aging or gerontology specialization. Costs run from a published $20,924 for California residents at Cal State Long Beach to an estimated $75,000 at Yeshiva University's online MSW. 34 of the 35 are CSWE-accredited, and 34 offer advanced standing for BSW graduates.

Researched and edited by · Updated

programs
35
schools
30
CSWE-accredited
34
offer advanced standing
34
median estimated tuition
$47,700
median credits
60
A social worker with a lanyard takes notes while an older woman talks on her living room sofa
Photo: Antoni Shkraba / Pexels

What a Geriatric Social Worker Does

A geriatric social worker helps older adults and their families handle the changes that come with age: a new diagnosis, a move out of the family home, a hospital discharge, or the end of life. The BLS places this work inside healthcare social work, and names geriatric social work, and hospice and palliative care, as two of its specialties.

In practice that means helping a client understand a diagnosis and adjust housing or care, planning the move from hospital back home, and connecting families to services such as home healthcare and support groups. The core social work duties apply too: assessing needs and support networks, advocating for resources, following up and keeping case records. BLS notes that most social workers work in an office but may spend time visiting clients, and some work evenings, weekends and holidays or are on call.

The MSW is where you train for it. Schools call the specialization by at least a dozen names, from “Gerontology” to “Aging, Longevity, and End-of-Life,” but the degree is always the MSW, with aging-focused courses and a field placement serving older adults.

Who an Aging Specialization Suits

This track suits you if you want to work with older adults in health care, hospice, home-based services or community aging programs. It fits career changers from nursing homes, home care or hospital work who already know the setting, and BSW graduates who want a focused second year: 34 of the 35 options offer advanced standing.

It suits you less if you want a broad clinical license path with no population focus. In that case, compare the clinical MSW programs. If your interest is hospitals and medical teams more than aging itself, the medical social work MSW programs overlap heavily with this list.

Aging MSW Programs by the Numbers

The 35 options sit at 30 schools across 18 states. 34 are fully CSWE-accredited; the University of Delaware is in candidacy. Formats are mixed: 22 run on campus, 15 online and 6 hybrid, and 27 offer a part-time plan.

The typical program is 60 credits, or 32 with advanced standing, with a median of 900 field hours. Per-credit rates run from $464 at Ball State University to $1,250 at Yeshiva, with $746 at the middle. Across the 23 programs with an estimate, the median estimated tuition (published per-credit rate times credits, before fees) is $47,700.

12 Most Affordable Aging MSW Programs

How this list is ranked: lowest estimated tuition first. Estimated tuition is the school's published per-credit rate times the credits it states, before fees, or the school's own published program total, for programs that publish those figures (one program per school). General graduate rates and cost-of-attendance figures are left out. Rates were read on each school's site in September 2026.

  1. California State University-Long Beach: Master of Social Work (Long Beach Campus: 2-Year, 3-Year and Advanced Standing Plans)Master of Social Work (Long Beach Campus: 2-Year, 3-Year and Advanced Standing Plans)

    $20,924published program total

    California State University-Long Beach (Long Beach, CA, public) offers this on campus MSW in 60 credits (2-year plan (four semesters); 3-year plan (eight terms including summers)). The school publishes a program total of $20,924. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing. A part-time plan is offered. No GRE required. Field education: two 500-hour practicum placements. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: Estimated total tuition and fees for California residents (as of 6/11/2026): Advanced Standing $14,962; 2-Year $20,924; 3-Year $33,720 (2026-27)

    California State University-Long Beach MSW credits, field hours and tuition · Total cost of California State University-Long Beach's MSW with loans · All 2 MSW options at California State University-Long Beach

  2. Ball State University: Master of Social Work (Muncie and Fishers Center)Master of Social Work (Muncie and Fishers Center)

    $26,448estimated tuition

    Ball State University (Muncie, IN, public) offers this hybrid MSW in 57 credits (traditional: 2 years full time or 3 years part time; advanced standing: 1 year full time or 2 years part time). At $464 per credit, estimated tuition is $26,448 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (36 credits, 1 year (3 semesters; 4 with summer start) full time or 2 years part time), about $16,704 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $464 per credit basic graduate tuition (Indiana resident); non-resident $1,269 per credit for main campus courses or $696 per credit for off-campus and online courses; fees extra (2026-27)

    Admission rules for Ball State University's MSW · Can federal loans cover Ball State University?

  3. Bowling Green State University-Main Campus: Master of Social Work (MSW)Master of Social Work (MSW)

    $32,115estimated tuition

    Bowling Green State University-Main Campus (Bowling Green, OH, public) offers this on campus and online MSW in 56 credits (2 years full time; 3-4 years part time). At $573 per credit, estimated tuition is $32,115 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (35 credit hours, 1 year (three semesters) full time beginning in summer; generally 2 years part time), about $20,072 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. No GRE required. Field education: 900-hour internship (500 hours for advanced standing). CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: Main Campus graduate, Fall 2026/Spring 2027/Summer 2027: $573.49 per credit hour Ohio resident and $906.34 non-resident (instructional plus general fee); $6,881.88 Ohio resident and $10,876.08 non-resident for 12-18 credits per semester (2026-27)

    How the Bowling Green State University-Main Campus MSW is structured · Monthly payment on a Bowling Green State University-Main Campus MSW

  4. Metropolitan State University of Denver: Master of Social Work (Fully Online or Mixed Traditional Delivery)Master of Social Work (Fully Online or Mixed Traditional Delivery)

    $36,327published program total

    Metropolitan State University of Denver (Denver, CO, public) offers this online and on campus MSW in 60 credits (2 years full time; 3 years blended; 4 years part time). The school publishes a program total of $36,327. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (36 credit hours, 1 year full time or 2 years part time). A part-time plan is offered. Field education: foundation internship 400 hours per year plus concentration internship 500 hours per year. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: Total tuition: Regular Program $36,327.44 resident / $49,167.44 non-resident; Advanced Standing $22,016.58 resident / $29,720.58 non-resident (2025-26)

    Metropolitan State University of Denver MSW format and advanced standing · Metropolitan State University of Denver MSW cost with fees and living costs

  5. Aurora University: Master of Social Work (on Campus; Traditional or Advanced Standing)Master of Social Work (on Campus; Traditional or Advanced Standing)

    $39,000estimated tuition

    Aurora University (Aurora, IL, private nonprofit) offers this on campus MSW in 60 credits (two-year and three-year options). At $650 per credit, estimated tuition is $39,000 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 semester hours, one-year and two-year options), about $19,500 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. Field education: generalist internship of at least 450 hours (500 in the addictions track) plus a specialist internship of at least 600 hours; advanced standing requires one internship of at least 600 hours. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $650 per credit hour (Master of Social Work, 2026-2027 graduate tuition; same rate at all locations and online) (2026-27)

    What the Aurora University MSW asks of applicants · Loan gap at Aurora University under 2026 limits · Compare Aurora University's other formats

  6. Northern Kentucky University: Hybrid Standard MSW ProgramHybrid Standard MSW Program

    $39,600estimated tuition

    Northern Kentucky University (Highland Heights, KY, public) offers this hybrid MSW in 60 credits (two years following the full-time advising schedule). At $660 per credit, estimated tuition is $39,600 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 credit hours, one year), about $19,800 in tuition at the same rate. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: Master of Social Work: $660 per credit hour KY resident; $678 Graduate Metro; $927 non-resident (2026-27)

    Northern Kentucky University MSW credits, field hours and tuition · Total cost of Northern Kentucky University's MSW with loans · Northern Kentucky University school profile and CSWE status

  7. Lewis University: Master of Social Work, M.S.W.Master of Social Work, M.S.W.

    $40,200estimated tuition

    Lewis University (Romeoville, IL, private nonprofit) offers this on campus MSW in 60 credits (2 years full time; 4 years planned part time). At $670 per credit, estimated tuition is $40,200 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 hours, 1 year full time; 2 years part time), about $20,100 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. Field education: 480-hour foundation placement and 600-hour advanced clinical placement (advanced standing: one 600-hour placement). CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $670 per credit hour (Social Work, M.S.W., Fall 2026 / Spring 2027) (2026-27)

    Admission rules for Lewis University's MSW · Can federal loans cover Lewis University?

  8. Herzing University: Online Master of Social Work (for Non-BSW Students)Online Master of Social Work (for Non-BSW Students)

    $40,500estimated tuition

    Herzing University (Madison, WI, private nonprofit) offers this online MSW in 60 credits (24 months full time; 48 months part time (average)). At $675 per credit, estimated tuition is $40,500 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (36 credits, as few as 12 months), about $24,300 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. Field education: 900 total field practicum hours (500 for Advanced Standing), completed in person. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $675 per credit

    How the Herzing University MSW is structured · Monthly payment on a Herzing University MSW

  9. Saint Mary's College: Master of Social Work (Online)Master of Social Work (Online)

    $44,700estimated tuition

    Saint Mary's College (Notre Dame, IN, private nonprofit) offers this online MSW in 60 credits. At $745 per credit, estimated tuition is $44,700 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing. A part-time plan is offered. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: Cohort entering Fall 2027: $745 per credit, locked for the duration of the program under cohort pricing (2027-28)

    Saint Mary's College MSW format and advanced standing · Saint Mary's College MSW cost with fees and living costs

  10. George Mason University: Social Work (MSW) OnlineSocial Work (MSW) Online

    $47,700estimated tuition

    George Mason University (Fairfax, VA, public) offers this online MSW in 60 credits (10 semesters part time (just over three years); accelerated track at 9 credits per semester). At $795 per credit, estimated tuition is $47,700 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (33 credit hours), about $26,235 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $795 per credit hour, plus a $35 per credit hour distance learning fee (2025-26)

    What the George Mason University MSW asks of applicants · Loan gap at George Mason University under 2026 limits · All 2 MSW options at George Mason University

  11. University of Minnesota: Master of Social Work (MSW), on CampusMaster of Social Work (MSW), on Campus

    $48,389estimated tuition

    University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN, public) offers this on campus MSW in 53 credits (2 years to complete (full program)). At $913 per credit, estimated tuition is $48,389 before fees. That is the resident rate; the school publishes a different rate for nonresidents. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (34 credits, 12 months), about $31,042 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. Field education: 1,020 hours of practicum instruction (600 hours for advanced standing). CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $913 per credit (resident and nonresident), Master of Social Work rate (2026-27)

    University of Minnesota MSW credits, field hours and tuition · Total cost of University of Minnesota's MSW with loans · Compare University of Minnesota's other formats

  12. Dominican University: Master of Social Work (Traditional and Advanced Standing)Master of Social Work (Traditional and Advanced Standing)

    $51,000estimated tuition

    Dominican University (River Forest, IL, private nonprofit) offers this on campus and online MSW in 60 credits (2 years full time; 3 years part time). At $850 per credit, estimated tuition is $51,000 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 credit hours, nine months full time; two years part time), about $25,500 in tuition at the same rate. A part-time plan is offered. No GRE required. Field education: 1,080 hours of supervised practice and fieldwork (advanced standing: 600 clock hours over two semesters). CSWE-accredited.

    School's tuition wording: $850 per credit hour (Master of Social Work, graduate tuition 2026-2027, effective Summer 2026 term) (2026-27)

    Admission rules for Dominican University's MSW · Can federal loans cover Dominican University?

All 35 Aging and Gerontology MSW Programs

Filter by format, schedule, advanced standing, specialization, the GRE and state; tick up to three programs to compare them side by side.

35 programs

Program facts come from each school's own pages, reviewed September 2026. Estimated tuition is the published per-credit rate times the stated credits, before fees, or the school's published program total; "resident rate" means the school charges nonresidents more. CSWE status comes from CSWE's directory of accredited programs.

How Aging MSW Programs Compare on Cost

The spread is wide, and public universities hold the four lowest figures. The table uses the resident rate where the school sets one. Cal State Long Beach and Metropolitan State University of Denver publish program totals rather than a per-credit rate.

Program Aging focus Format Cost Advanced standing estimate
Cal State Long Beach MSW Adulthood and Aging Campus $20,924 published total, 2-year plan $14,962 published
Ball State University MSW Advanced generalist with gerontology coursework Hybrid $26,448 $16,704
Bowling Green State University MSW Advanced Generalist: Gerontology Campus, online $32,115 $20,072
Metropolitan State University of Denver MSW Gerontological Social Work Online, campus $36,327 published total
Northern Kentucky University online MSW Gerontology Online $39,600 $19,800
Lewis University MSW Advanced clinical practice: older adult population Campus $40,200 $20,100
George Mason University online MSW Adults & Healthy Aging Online $47,700 $26,235
University of Minnesota MSW Health, disability, and aging Campus $48,389 $31,042
Ohio State University MSW Aging and health Campus, online $53,842 $36,749
Madonna University MSW Mental Health with the Aging Population Campus $61,200 $30,600
Yeshiva University online MSW Gerontology and Palliative Care Embedded Certification Online $75,000 $37,500

Two pricing rules matter if you live out of state. Minnesota charges $913 per credit to residents and nonresidents alike. Ohio State charges in-state rates to all online students. George Mason adds a $35 per credit distance learning fee on top of its $795 rate, and Cal State Long Beach’s figure already includes fees.

At the higher end, Boston University’s online MSW, with an Aging specialization, is estimated at $66,170, or $43,774 with advanced standing. Price out your own total with the MSW cost calculator, or compare broader options on the affordable online MSW programs page.

What You Study in an Aging or Gerontology Track

CSWE’s standards build every master’s program on generalist practice and nine social work competencies, then add specialized practice applied to particular client populations and problem areas. In an aging track, older adults are that population. The names schools use tell you where the emphasis sits:

  • Gerontology as its own specialization: “Gerontology Social Work” at Alabama State, “Gerontological Social Work” at Metro State Denver, “Gerontology” at Aurora, Louisville and Hawaii.
  • Aging across the lifespan: “Adulthood and Aging” at Cal State Long Beach and “Aging, Adulthood and Gerontology” at Dominican University.
  • Aging with health or disability: Ohio State’s “Aging and health” and Minnesota’s “Health, disability, and aging.”
  • Clinical practice with older adults: Lewis University’s “Advanced clinical practice: older adult population” and Madonna’s “Mental Health with the Aging Population.”
  • End of life: Iowa’s “Aging, Longevity, and End-of-Life” and Yeshiva’s optional “Gerontology and Palliative Care Embedded Certification.”
  • Funded or structured internships: the University at Albany’s “Specialization in Aging (Internships in Aging Project)” and Touro University’s “Aging Education Fellowship.”

Browse every concentration in the MSW specializations guide.

Field Placements With Older Adults

CSWE requires at least 900 hours of field education in a master’s program, and the placement is where an aging track becomes real work with older clients. Some programs go well past the minimum.

Program Field hours
Yeshiva University online MSW 1,200 hours of supervised practicum
Dominican University MSW 1,080 hours; 600 for advanced standing
University of Minnesota MSW 1,020 hours; 600 for advanced standing
Aurora University online MSW 450-hour generalist plus 600-hour specialist internship
University at Albany MSW Two 500-hour practicums
Alabama State University MSW 400-hour and 500-hour practicums (900 total)

Online programs still place you in person. Herzing University’s online MSW, which lists “Children, Families, and Aging Services,” states that its 900 practicum hours (500 for advanced standing) are completed in person.

Licensure After an Aging MSW

The degree is only half the path. CSWE notes that most states and territories require licensure candidates to be graduates of a CSWE-accredited program, which is the main reason to weigh Delaware’s candidacy status. BLS says clinical social workers typically need an MSW, and that all states require clinical social workers to be licensed.

Licensing exams come from ASWB, which offers Bachelors, Masters, Advanced Generalist and Clinical exams. Each has 122 questions and a 4-hour limit; the Masters exam costs US$230 and the Clinical exam US$260. Which exam and how many supervised hours depends on your state board. Start with the social work license guide and the LCSW requirements guide, then map your state’s steps with the license pathway tool.

Geriatric Social Worker Pay and Settings

BLS groups geriatric social workers with healthcare social workers. That occupation had 187,630 jobs and a median wage of $67,880 in May 2025. The middle half earned between $56,710 and $82,240, and the top 10% more than $100,360.

Location moves pay a lot. The median was $89,660 in California, $76,440 in Massachusetts, $73,970 in Minnesota, $73,070 in New York and $63,610 in Ohio. Across all social workers, BLS counts ambulatory healthcare services at 15% of jobs and hospitals at 10%. See social work careers for the other specialties.

How to Choose an Aging MSW Program

Check each program against these points:

  • Is aging a full specialization or an option? Delaware lists Gerontology/Older Adults as optional, and Saint Mary’s College lists an “optional emphasis in aging and addictions.” A full track such as Bowling Green’s Advanced Generalist: Gerontology shapes your whole second year.
  • Does the track connect to a placement? Albany ties its Aging specialization to the Internships in Aging Project, and Touro to an Aging Education Fellowship.
  • What are the advanced standing rules? Bowling Green asks for a 3.2 major GPA and a BSW earned within three years (or a BSW plus LSW licensure and three years of field experience). Ball State sets no limit on how long ago your BSW was earned.
  • Can you study part time? Madonna and the University of Utah run their MSW full time only; George Mason’s online MSW runs 10 semesters part time.
  • Where do you pay resident rates? Iowa applies its $667 resident rate to residents of Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin in its Sioux City and online MSW.

If you have a BSW, check your eligibility with the advanced standing checker, or filter by state and budget in the program matcher.

Trade-Offs Before You Apply

Online vs campus. Online study widens your choice to Yeshiva, George Mason and Northern Kentucky, but the placement still happens near you, so the program must be able to place you with an aging-services agency in your area.

Advanced standing vs traditional. Advanced standing cuts cost and time sharply: Ball State drops from $26,448 to $16,704. You give up the generalist year, so your one placement has to be in aging if you want that experience on your resume. Compare all advanced standing MSW programs.

Aging track vs health track. A health or medical track covers hospital discharge and care transitions with every age group. An aging track goes deeper on later life. Programs such as Ohio State (“Aging and health”) and Minnesota (“Health, disability, and aging”) combine the two.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Degree Does a Geriatric Social Worker Need?

An MSW with an aging or gerontology focus is the standard graduate route, and a clinical role also needs a state license. CSWE notes that most states require licensure candidates to have graduated from a CSWE-accredited program; 34 of the 35 aging options here are accredited.

Can You Study Gerontological Social Work Online?

Yes. 15 of the 35 options run online, including George Mason University's Adults & Healthy Aging track at an estimated $47,700 and Northern Kentucky University's online MSW with a Gerontology focus at $39,600 for Kentucky residents.

How Long Does an Aging-Focused MSW Take?

The median program is 60 credits, about two years full time. With a CSWE-accredited BSW, advanced standing cuts the median to 32 credits; Dominican University lists nine months full time.

What Do Geriatric Social Workers Earn?

BLS counts them among healthcare social workers, who earned a median of $67,880 in May 2025. The top 10% earned more than $100,360, and the California median was $89,660.

Is Hospice and Palliative Care Part of Gerontology?

BLS lists geriatric social work and hospice and palliative care as healthcare social work specialties. Yeshiva University pairs them in an optional Gerontology and Palliative Care Embedded Certification, and the University of Iowa's track is Aging, Longevity, and End-of-Life.

Do Aging MSW Programs Require the GRE?

Most don't say they do: 18 of the 35 options state that they don't require the GRE. Alabama State University considers GRE or MAT scores but sets no minimum score.

Related Program Lists

Sources

  1. Official program, tuition and admissions pages of each school listed, reviewed September 2026
  2. Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), directory of accredited programs, captured September 30, 2026
  3. U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2022-23 completions and institutional characteristics
  4. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Social Workers
  5. CSWE: accreditation
  6. CSWE: 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards
  7. ASWB: the social work licensing exams

Every program on this site was checked against the school's own website. Accreditation status comes only from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) directory, license rules from each state's social work board, and graduate counts from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS). Sponsored listings are labeled and never change which programs we list or how we rank them. How we verify programs