The Master of Applied Gerontology (MAG) professional degree at Brock University prepares graduates to positively influence gerontological practice, program administration, and the health and well-being of the aging population through innovative policy and practice approaches in the field of gerontology.
Message from the Graduate Program Director
The Master of Applied Gerontology (MAG) at Brock University was developed in consultation with partners across the Niagara Region who work alongside older adults.
MAG students develop skills in advocacy for older adults and communities, working in interprofessional and interdisciplinary teams, proficiency in translating current research into practice and policy, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and evidence-based leadership.
Our program is the first of its kind to offer innovative lecture and seminar-based courses, professional development opportunities, and 300+ hours of experiential education in gerontological practice.
If you have questions about the program, please reach out. I look forward to speaking with you.
Colleen Whyte, PhD

MAG Graduate Profiles: Where are they now?
About The MAG Program
The MAG is a full-time, 12-month (three-term) course-based program that comprises:
- 6 half-credit core courses exploring current issues in gerontology, communication and aging, physical and physiological aspects of aging, mental health, interprofessional practice, and program planning and evaluation
- 4 half-credit elective courses exploring a variety of topics such as mobility, community services, death and dying, health behaviour change, psychology, and specialized physiology topics related to aging
- a full credit 300-hour practicum
- a non-credit seminar-based course that brings students together with faculty, practitioners, community partners and other guest speakers to discuss topics related to issues and trends in gerontology
- 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
- Four-year Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field
- Applicants must have a minimum of 75% (B) GPA over the final two years of study.
- Two references (at least one must be an academic referee)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15th (applications are accepted after February 15th until the program is full)
ENTRY: September entry only
Please note, applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis and applications will be accepted until the program is full. Please consider applying as early as possible.
- Allan Adkin, Kinesiology
- Jarold Cosby, Kinesiology (On-Leave)
- Kimberley Gammage, Kinesiology
- Pauli Gardner, Health Sciences
- Alisa Grigorovich, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Diane Mack, Kinesiology
- Lynn McCleary, Nursing (On-Leave)
- Miya Narushima, Health Sciences
- Deborah O’Leary, Health Sciences
- Jenn Salfi, Nursing
- Philip Sullivan, Kinesiology
- Colleen Whyte, Recreation and Leisure Studies
Each MAG student must successfully complete one (1) full credit practicum experience (GERO 5F00) to fulfill their MAG degree requirements.
The practicum experience is a minimum of 300 hours in length, completed during the Spring/Summer term ONLY. Practicums are a key component of the GERO 5F00 course so are therefore unpaid.
All practicum opportunities will be developed and approved by the MAG Program.
Practicum settings vary from year to year. However, they include a wide range of local health care organizations and community support agencies. MAG partners include local hospitals, rehabilitation and seniors’ fitness centers, long term care facilities, assisted living, hospice, palliative care support services, retirement homes, community support service agencies, Regional and Municipal governments, local businesses, and non-profit organizations.
The focus of MAG practicums varies in scope in terms of how students support the effective provision of program and services to older adults. The focus of opportunities will range from clinical and therapeutic support, health promotion, education and training, program development and implementation, program evaluation and quality improvement initiatives, and health administration training.
HOW DO I FIND A PRACTICUM OPPORTUNITY?
All MAG practicum opportunities are posted on an internal site for MAG students each Winter term. Students apply for positions, and participate in an interview process with community partners who then select a student of their choice. NOTE: All students will be supported in finding a successful match to a practicum partner.
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?
No, the MAG program is full-time only.
I HAVE BEEN OUT OF UNIVERSITY AND WORKING IN A RELATED FIELD FOR SEVERAL YEARS. FINDING A CURRENT ACADEMIC REFERENCE WILL BE DIFFICULT. CAN I STILL APPLY?
Yes, absolutely. We welcome applications from anyone with a health or health–related undergraduate degree in addition to professional and/or life experience working with older adults. In this type of situation, we recommend submitting two professional references as part of your application. In addition, please address this unique situation in your letter of intent.
DO I NEED TO FIND A SUPERVISOR?
The MAG is a course–based graduate program. Students DO NOT require a supervisor, as there is no research component to the program.
IS THE PROGRAM FUNDED?
The MAG program is not funded. Students are eligible to apply for scholarships and OSAP. The Master of Applied Gerontology program is not a funded program. However, students are eligible to apply for scholarships and awards.
For more information on Brock’s graduate studies funding, please visit: Funding information – Graduate Studies (brocku.ca)
For more information on Graduate Studies at Brock for International Students, please visit: https://brocku.ca/graduate-studies/future-students/international/
For more information on scholarships and awards for international students, please visit: Funding information – Graduate Studies (brocku.ca)
For more information on Brock’s Student Awards and Financial Aid Award database please visit: https://my.brocku.ca/BrockDB/safa_awardaccountsearch.aspx



Contact information
Tracey Schenck
Master of Applied Gerontology Program Coordinator
Office: STH 351
905 688 5550 x4560
mag@brocku.ca
Faculty Of Graduate Studies
graduatestudies@brocku.ca



