About The Master of Applied Gerontology Program

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.

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 research literacy or 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 in the Niagara Region
• 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

Program Requirements

• 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. 

IS THE PROGRAM FUNDED?

The MAG program is not funded; however, students are eligible to apply for scholarships, OSAP and other funding, including the Douglas Rapelje Memorial Bursary.

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 here:

Each MAG student must successfully complete one (1) full credit practicum experience (GERO 5F99) to fulfill their MAG degree requirements.

The practicum experience is a minimum of 300 hours in length, in agencies around the Niagara Region, completed during the Spring/Summer term ONLY.

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 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?

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.

• 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.

Meet our ICER Awardees

Ella Laygo, BAHSc (Hons.), OTA/PTA

MAG Student and 2022-2023 ICER Awardee

“The ICER Award has greatly impacted my learning experiences and personal development. I can truly relate what I learned from the classroom to the lived experiences I witnessed working with older adults in the building through my daily interactions with my co-residents. Hearing their stories and sharing a space with them have also influenced my personal development through being an advocate for them and being vulnerable with them. I believe that I will come out a better person and I am forever grateful for this life-changing opportunity given to MAG students.” Click here to read more of Ella’s story. If you have questions about the ICER award, please contact mag@brocku.ca.