Gerontology
Overview
Gerontology programs teach people about the aging process and the needs of older people.Gerontology programs teach people about the social science, psychology, and biology of aging. Students learn about policies that affect the aged.
Gerontology programs include topics in:
- Policies that affect aging
- The human aging process
- Nutrition
- Social research methods
Internships
Internships and community service projects related to aging issues are usually offered and sometimes required.
Schools
A few community colleges offer associate degrees in gerontology. An associate degree program usually takes two years to complete.
Many colleges and universities offer interdisciplinary bachelor's degrees in gerontology. Interdisciplinary programs combine courses from several college departments. For gerontology it may be social sciences, psychology, and biology.
Many universities offer graduate degree programs in gerontology. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree. Many schools offer a minor or concentration in gerontology at the graduate level.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Biomedical Sciences, General
- Community Services
- Family Studies and Human Development
- Food, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies
- Health Aide
- Human Services
- Long Term Care Administration and Management
- Occupational Therapy
- Occupational Therapy Assisting
- Physical Therapy
- Psychology, General
- Public Policy Studies
- Recreation Therapy
- Recreation, Fitness, and Leisure Studies
- Social Work
- Sociology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Community Health Workers
- Dietitians
- Medical Scientists
- Music Therapists
- Nurse Practitioners
- Psychologists
- Radiologists
- Registered Nurses
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Social Workers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Biology courses
- Advanced U.S. History courses
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Economics
- Psychology
- Sociology
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
- Significant course work in sociology, psychology and related areas of study
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Aging: Policies and Politics
- Cultural Diversity and Aging
- Death, Dying, and Grief
- Group Communication
- Interpersonal Communication
- Long-Term Care and Disability Programs
- Physiology of Aging
- Probability and Statistics
- Psychology of Aging
- Self and Society
- Social Research Methods
- Women and Aging
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs that lead to a master's or doctoral degree typically include:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
During an internship you can work for a community education center, social welfare agency, nursing home, or nonprofit group for a term. Usually you work directly with older persons while under the supervision of a professor.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Human Development--Gerontology
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Pharmacy--Geriatric Pharmacy
Statewide and Distance Learning
Washington State University - Global Campus
- Gerontology
Vancouver Area
Washington State University - Vancouver
- Gerontology