by our College Data Analytics TeamGerontology is about the study of human aging. You will learn about the biological, social, and behavioral changes that go along with aging.
While Geriatrics focuses on all of the medical issues that are associated with aging, Gerontology also incorporates social issues such as stigmas surrounding old age and the way the elderly are portrayed in historical literature, philosophy, and religion. You will learn how people can maintain good health in old age through exercise, eating well, and staying active mentally. The valuable information you learn will help you aid many individuals to healthier and happier lives.
Courses you can expect in to take will include: Biology of Aging, Aging and Health, Death and Dying, Biology of Adult Development, Society and Adult Development, Service Learning with the Elderly, Psychology of Aging, Sociology of Aging, and Power, Values, and Politics in Aging Society.
Gerontology was the 256th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 1,203 degrees in this year alone. This year's Best Gerontology Schools ranking compares 10 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of gerontology programs later in this article.
Students with an interest in Gerontology are people-persons. Many of your classes will require field work as a volunteer for an agency that works with older people. Patience and gentleness when working with others will lead you to success.
Students should learn to manage their time well as they juggle classes in biology, sociology, and psychology. Students will need to memorize important formulas and theories in order to apply them in different situations. You will be learning material from many different subjects so integrating the information is important.
This field requires a caring personality. You will come alongside others and help them deal with issues such as death of a loved one, illness and pain. Learn to collaborate with others in order to provide the best service possible. Different perspectives will help to open your mind to a vast amount of possible solutions.
gerontology degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Once you obtain your degree, additional gerontology certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are various different levels of gerontology degrees. Gerontology programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest gerontology degree you can get. Different gerontology degrees vary in how long they take.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to gerontology, with approximately 39.6% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to gerontology tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 34.6% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 26.0% |
| Master’s Degree | 22.4% |
| Doctoral Degree | 16.6% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 0.7% |
Most workers in gerontology have at least a master's degree. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in gerontology have received.
This of course varies depending on which gerontology career you choose.
Many graduates who major in Gerontology continue their studies. Getting an advanced degree allows you to become an advanced-practice nurse, an occupational therapist, mental health counselor, physical therapist, or a public interest lawyer. For those who wish to land a job after graduating college, they may find positions working in senior centers, assisted living or nursing homes. They are also well prepared to work for government programs and other agencies that serve retired people. Due to the aging population, jobs working with senior citizens are expected to grow.
Want a job when you graduate with your gerontology degree? Gerontology careers are expected to grow 11.7% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to gerontology.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientists | 136,100 | 13.4% |
| Social Scientists | 44,900 | 6.7% |
Recently graduated gerontology students earned an average of $45,373 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $33,497 to as high as $69,331. As you might expect, salaries for gerontology graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for gerontology graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers gerontology grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Medical Scientists | $96,420 |
| Social Scientists | $85,750 |
With over 272 different gerontology degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased gerontology school rankings to help you with this.
One of 51 majors within the Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies area of study, Gerontology has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Gerontology | 1,203 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Other Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | 31,307 |
| Biological & Physical Science | 30,032 |
| Interdisciplinary Studies | 9,114 |
| International Studies | 6,614 |
| Nutrition Science | 5,598 |
Image Credit: By Photo by Chalmers Butterfield under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
