About the Master of Applied Gerontology Program (MAG)

The Master of Applied Gerontology (MAG) is a professional degree for health professionals and recent graduates seeking rewarding careers in aging and health. Students build interdisciplinary expertise to support older adults across health, social, and community systems while gaining hands-on experience with established community partners. The program prepares graduates to lead innovative programs, shape policy, and strengthen the health and well-being of older adults. Graduates enter the workforce equipped with advanced knowledge and practical skills to make a meaningful impact in a rapidly growing field.

The MAG is a full-time, 12-month (three-term) course-based program that comprises:

• 7 half-credit core gerontology courses exploring current issues, communication, physiology, mental health, interprofessional practice, community and health services, and research literacy
• 3 half-credit elective courses exploring topics such as mobility, death and dying, health behaviour change, psychology, and specialized physiology topics related to aging
• A full credit 300-hour practicum with leading aging, health and community organizations
• Non-credit seminars that bring together students, faculty, practitioners, community partners and guest speakers to support professional development while exploring career opportunities and issues in gerontology

Link to course calendar here

DURATION: The MAG program is open to both full-time and part-time studies.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review process begins after February 15^th; however, applications are accepted until the program is full

ENTRY: September entry only 

Program Requirements

• Four-year bachelor’s degree in a health-related field 
• Minimum 75% (B) GPA over the final two years of study
• Two references are required, including at least one academic referee. If an academic reference cannot be obtained, two professional references will be accepted

Funding: Our course-based / professional programs are typically self-funded; students are eligible to apply for internal awards and scholarships. Eligible graduate students can also apply for financial aid through programs such as the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), or other similar provincial//territorial/international student aid programs.

Applicants who are required to provide proof of English language proficiency must meet the standard graduate minimum requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0, or an approved equivalent), as outlined on the Graduate English Language Proficiency webpage. The MAG program does not accept EPT waivers.

FGSPA Awards and Scholarships

Every MAG student completes a 300-hour practicum over 14 weeks, gaining hands-on experience with leading aging, health and community organizations within the Niagara Region or closer to home. Practicum sites can include hospitals, long-term care homes, community support agencies, government organizations, rehabilitation centres, hospice and non-profit organizations. Students build career-ready skills in areas such as health promotion, program development, quality improvement, knowledge mobilization, administration, and services that enhance the lives of older adults.

HOW DO I FIND A PRACTICUM OPPORTUNITY?

Practicum placements are arranged by the program or self-sourced by students, subject to program approval.

Students in the MAG program pay an experiential education support fee to enhance the student experience, provide networking opportunities related to practicums and future career opportunities, and increase professional development opportunities.

WHAT IS AN APPLIED MASTER’S DEGREE?

An applied master’s degree is designed to help students prepare for a career in a specific field and puts the focus on real-world application. Applied graduate degrees typically require students to complete fieldwork (e.g., practicum, internship, projects, etc.) in their field of study before graduation. Such programs do not lead to entry into a doctoral program.

WHAT TYPE OF UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE IS REQUIRED TO APPLY?

Successful completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree in a health–related field such as kinesiology, nursing, recreation and leisure, health science, medical science, public health, physical education, psychology or equivalent.

CAN I MAIL OR FAX MY APPLICATION?

Application materials must be submitted online via the OUAC Portal.

NOTE: Mailed and/or faxed documents will not be accepted. 

CAN I COMPLETE THE PROGRAM PART-TIME?

Yes, the MAG program offers both full- and part-time pathways to accommodate a range of personal and professional commitments.

DO I NEED TO FIND A SUPERVISOR?

No, students do not need to find a supervisor as the program is a course-based graduate degree.

IS THE PROGRAM FUNDED?

Our course-based / professional programs are typically self-funded, meaning students are expected to cover the costs of tuition and fees for the duration of their studies; however, full-time MAG applicants are considered for a merit-based entrance scholarship and are eligible for a variety of other entrance and continuing scholarships. Eligible graduate students can also apply for financial aid through programs such as the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), or other similar provincial / territorial / international student aid programs. Students are eligible to apply for scholarships. *Please note that our course-based/professional programs are not eligible for Graduate Fellowships administered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.

• Direct care for older persons and their families
• Program planning and evaluation
• Program management
• Municipal and regional government programs
• Provincial and federal government departments
• Social service agencies
• Community health centres
• Hospital-based programs
• Gerontological health research
• Providing gerontological expertise for private sector business and industry
• Health professional educator

A MAG degree can also enhance the quality of your application when applying for additional health professional training in:

• Medicine
• Physician Assistant
• Nursing Accelerated Stream programs
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech-Language Pathology

The Reimagining Aging Speaker Series is an annual event offering public lectures to the Brock and larger Niagara community about exciting topics in the aging and gerontology field.

Reimagining Aging Speaker Series – Faculty of Applied Health Sciences (brocku.ca)

In collaboration with Niagara Regional Housing (NRH), the Intergenerational Community-Engaged Residency (ICER) Award provides a unique experiential learning and living opportunity to one incoming MAG student annually.

The successful applicant will apply theory to practice as they spend 12 months immersed in the lived experience of older adults at 14 Centre Street, a 132-unit subsidized seniors residence located in downtown St. Catharines. For more information about 14 Centre Street, visit Niagara Regional Housing and HNHB Healthline.

The awardee will support and contribute to the vibrancy of the residence by providing 30-40 hours per month of community engagement in the building, and in return, the awardee will receive a partially furnished one-bedroom apartment in an NRH seniors residence (students will pay <$100/month).

Application Process

All incoming MAG students are invited to apply for the ICER award upon acceptance into the program. Applications will be assessed on their community-engaged action plan, rationale for interest, and alignment with the aim of this award.

2025/2026 ICER Awardee and MAG Student

“The ICER Award has given me the chance to live in my learning. It moved what I study beyond lectures and into everyday life, where conversations and small moments with tenants became just as meaningful as any course material. Living alongside older adults challenged assumptions I did not even realize I held about aging and showed me how those assumptions influence the way we understand and respond to their experiences. Through ICER, I have developed a deeper understanding of aging that I will carry forward into my future career in healthcare, guiding how I listen, build meaningful relationships, and advocate for older adults in ways that recognize and respect their individuality and lived experience”.– Anaiah Asif

If you have questions about the ICER award, please contact [email protected].