MA Aging and Family Science at Mount Saint Vincent University

Programme overview

The thesis-based Master of Arts in Aging and Family Science develops understanding of family dynamics and development, or individual and population aging. Students specialize in either Aging or Family Science. It prepares graduates for further academic study or for applying research and critical thinking in the field.

Faculty: Graduate Studies | Department: Family Studies and Gerontology | Intake: September; first-round deadline February 15, 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

What you will study

Students choose a focus in Aging, which addresses the issues and challenges older persons face, or in Family Science, which considers individuals and families across the life course and the policies that affect them. Students can take part in research through the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging and use the Maritime Data Centre for Aging Research and Policy Analysis.

Career pathways

Careers in aging, community or family services, family life education, community development and social work, or doctoral study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Prerequisite undergraduate courses: statistics, research methods and social science coursework (2.5 units). Applicants hold a 4-year bachelor's degree in a social science area (for example psychology, sociology, family studies, gerontology, child and youth study, social work, education or health professions) with a CGPA of 3.0 or above. Supporting documents: statement of intent indicating a specialization in either Aging or Family Science, two letters of reference (one academic, one professional), a resume, a 10-15 page writing sample showing research potential. English proficiency scores are required from applicants whose first language is not English and who completed a degree in a country where English is not the first language.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate entrance terms: January and September (programme-specific).

September 2027 initial deadlines: Master of Applied Human Nutrition, MSc Applied Human Nutrition, MA Aging and Family Science, Master of Aging and Family Science and MSc Natural Science February 15, 2027; MA Child and Youth Study, Master of Child and Youth Study, MA/MEd Education, MA Communication and Master of Public Relations April 15, 2027; MA School Psychology December 1, 2026; MA Women and Gender Studies February 1, 2027 (scholarship consideration). January 2027 entrance: MA/MEd Education November 2, 2026.

Graduate application fee is $50 domestic and $90 international.

Apply through the official page: https://www.msvu.ca/future-students/admission-requirements/

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