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

Link to course calendar here

The MAG is the first applied master’s degree in gerontology that offers innovative lecture and seminar-based courses, professional development opportunities, and 300+ hours of experiential education in gerontological practice. 

The degree is designed around key pillars of gerontological best practice knowledge and skills related to social, psychological, cultural, biological and cognitive aspects of aging that enable students to succeed in gerontology-related disciplines. 

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, time management and organization, written and oral communication skills, and evidence-based leadership. 

• 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

• Four-year Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field 
• Minimum 75% (B) GPA 
• Two letters of recommendation (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. 

FUNDING: This is not a funded program. Students are eligible to apply for scholarships and OSAP. 

• 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 

Take part in the one credit, 300 hours practicum course with a gerontological health program.

“Providing a placement for a Brock MAG student has been an outstanding and rewarding experience for our organization.  The student provided the much- needed hands on assistance to our programs!”

Sherry Cain Executive Director West Niagara Palliative Care Services, Rose Cottage Visiting Volunteers, Community Hospice http://www.rosecottagevolunteers.com/ 

“We had such a rich and fulfilling experience. The knowledge transfer worked both ways in that she was able to learn from our patient population and we were blessed with a fresh set of eye. Our facility benefited from this shared experience and would recommend students from this program in the future. We hope that Brock will look to us again in the future.”

Jennifer Hansen RN, BScN, MH, Chief Nursing Officer/Director of Nursing , Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre www.hoteldieushaver.org  

“It has been an absolutely pleasure having a MAG student as a part of our Home Support Exercise Program team for the last few months. It was evident quickly that she is passionate about working with the Older Adult population, and that she genuinely wants to be a part of promoting their independence and safety in the community as they age in place. Our clients that have worked with her have had a wonderful experience that they deeply valued! She applied her knowledge daily in the field, while working within her scope and adhering to our Organizations policies and practices. Her findings were very well put together and will be helpful for us in continuing to improve our Exercise Program and offerings for consumers. We’ve had a truly great experience with her, so much so that we’ve offered her employment with us.” 

Emily Liefl  Community Support Supervisor , Niagara Assisted Living Outreach (NALO) North & HNHB Home Support Exercise Program https://www.hnhbhealthline.ca/displayService.aspx?id=183788 

DO I NEED TO FIND A SUPERVISOR?

The MAG is a course–based graduate program. Students are not required to find 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 possible 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 

 CAN I COMPLETE THE PROGRAM PART-TIME?

The MAG program is only offered full-time. 

I DO NOT HAVE AN 75% AVERAGE IN MY LAST TWO YEARS OF STUDY, SHOULD I STILL APPLY?

The entrance averages each year are solely dependent on the applicant pool. You can apply with an average lower than 75%, but no less than 72%.   

WHAT ARE THE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 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 with a minimum 75% (B) GPA. 

WHAT IS THE COST OF TUITION FOR THE MAG PROGRAM?

For current tuition information please visit Student Accounts and Financial Aid – Graduate Tuition.  

HOW DO I APPLY?

The application process is entirely online through Brock University Next Step. Application materials must all be submitted online. Mailed and/or faxed documents will not be accepted.  

For program specific application information, visit : 

https://brocku.ca/programs/graduate/applied-gerontology-mag/  

 CAN I MAIL OR FAX MY APPLICATION?

Application materials must all be submitted online. Mailed and/or faxed documents will not be accepted. 

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO APPLY?

The deadline to apply is February 15th, however applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applications will be accepted until the program is full. Please consider applying as early as possible. 

HOW MANY PRACTICUMS ARE THERE? HOW LONG IS EACH PRACTICUM?

There is one (1) practicum course that is 300hrs hours in length and occurs in the Spring/Summer term of each academic year.  

WHERE CAN I COMPLETE MY PRACTICUMS?

Current practicum sites include organizations where health care and/or community support services are provided (public or private) to older adults. Settings may include long term care homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, retirement homes, assisted living and/or supportive housing settings, public health programs, home care agencies as well as a variety of community support service agencies.  

HOW DO I FIND A PRACTICUM POSITION?

Practicum positions are posted on an internal site for MAG students in the winter term. Students apply for positions and participate in an interview with community partners who then select successful applicants

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.

CAN YOU TELL ME A BIT MORE ABOUT THE PRACTICUM?

The 300–hour practicum course is offered in the Spring/Summer term of each academic year. Practicum sites include organizations where health care and/or community support services are provided (public or private) to older adults. Settings include public health programs, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, long term care homes, retirement homes, assisted living and/or supportive housing settings, home care agencies as well as a variety of community support service agencies.  

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