2011-2012 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 realated 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 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.

Application Requirements

Professionals with a baccalaureate degree and three years of recent experience in health care, business administration, hospitality management, aging services, or related long-term care services are preferred. Applicants must meet the admissions standards and application requirements specified in the Admission chapter of the catalog and apply using the online Application for Graduate Admission. The application process is competitive, and applications are considered for the fall and spring semesters. For application deadlines and detailed application requirements, please refer to Graduate Application Database.

Transfer of Credit

Students may transfer a maximum of 12 credits into the MS in Senior Housing Administration program from graduate courses taken at other institutions or taken at Mason in nondegree status. Transfer credit is subject to university and college policies and must be approved by the program director and the dean. Students who enroll initially through nondegree studies should seek course advising through the department and should submit their application to the MS program in their first semester of study.

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.