2010-2011 University Catalog

Senior Housing Administration, MS

Banner code: HH-MS-SHA

The Master of Science in Senior Housing Administration is the nation’s first stand-alone degree for assisted living/senior housing professionals and is intended to train executives for careers in this rapidly growing field. Multidisciplinary course work enables students to evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information relative to the aging population, the evolution of assisted living and senior housing services within the U.S. health system, current regulatory and policy issues, and the application of executive-level hospitality, healthcare, and housing management practices to these services. An additional focus is on social, biological, and psychological aspects of healthy aging, and factors that promote quality of life and independence for seniors with special needs (i.e., memory issues and dementia). Electives within the degree allow individuals with either limited healthcare/senior housing or business management experience to focus on the area that will most enhance their overall skills. A capstone practicum is required, during which students complete designated course work and work experience within a host assisted living/senior housing community, association, or related organization.

Admission Procedures and Requirements

Professionals with a baccalaureate degree are eligible to apply. Individuals with three years of recent experience in health care, business administration, hospitality management, aging services, or related long-term care services are preferred. Applicants must submit the following: transcripts from all previous college-level studies, a letter of interest specifying study goals, a curriculum vita, and a completed Mason graduate admissions form. GRE or GMAT scores may be requested if the applicant does not have an existing graduate degree, or has an undergraduate GPA lower than a 3.00. Applicants are competitively selected. Admitted students begin study in January and August each year. Provisional admission can be made for students whose undergraduate GPA is lower than 3.00, but whose work since school indicates a high likelihood of success in graduate work. Students admitted provisionally with lower than a 3.00 GPA must achieve a 3.00 GPA in the first 12 credits of graduate work.

Program Format

The program schedule is geared toward working professionals. The usual schedule for students involves part-time study, comprising two classes (6 credits) per semester. Classes are held primarily in evenings, with some Saturday daytime classes. Selected courses also are available via the Internet.