Gerontology
Study the psychological, social, political, and biological aspects of aging
Do you have a passion for the members of our society approaching or at advanced age? As a Gerontology major at Alfred University, you'll gain an invaluable understanding of the aging process and the new challenges society faces as the proportion of the population aged sixty-five or above steadily increases. Gerontology students study the psychological and sociological aspects of aging, explore political and biological issues, and participate in real-world internships as well.
Major
Minor
Major Courses
- GERO 118 Introduction to Adult Development & Aging
- BIOL 119 Physiology of Aging
- PSYC 210 Communication & Counseling Skills
- SOCI 348 Sociology of Families
- PSYC 371 Psychology of Death and Dying
- GERO 429 Cognition and Aging
- GERO 485 Gerontology Internship
One course from each of the following groups:
- PSYC 221 Psychological Methods & Statistics I
- SOCI 230 Introduction to Data Analysis & Statistics
- SOCI 253 Social Welfare Institutions
- PSYC 322 Health Psychology
- POLS 355 Public Policy
- GERO 300 Special Topics in Gerontology
- GERO 450 Independent Study
- SOCI 470 Field Work
Total: Minimum of 34 credits
Minor Courses
- GERO 118 Introduction to Adult Development & Aging
- GERO 429 Cognition and Aging
- GERO 485 Gerontology Internship
One course from each of the following groups:
- BIOL 119 Physiology of Aging
- PSYC 322 Health Psychology
- PSYC 210 Communication & Counseling Skills
- PSYC 371 Psychology of Death and Dying
- GERO 300 Special Topics in Gerontology
- SOCI 253 Social Welfare Institutions
- SOCI 348 Sociology of Families
- POLS 355 Public Policy
- GERO 450 Independent Study
Total: Minimum of 20 credits
In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the major in Gerontology, as well as the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences general education requirements, you'll be required to complete the College's First Year Experience Program or Transfer Student Program.
Careers in gerontology include activities that are focused directly or indirectly on the study and/or care of older persons. This program prepares students for occupations that involve direct care or interaction with the aging population, or careers related to teaching, research, policy development, program development, advocacy, administration, law, and analysis of aging policy and aging issues.
Recent graduate employment examples include:
- Director of Business – Lupus Connections International
- Psychiatric Registered Nurse – Four Winds Hospital
- Legal Clerk/Intern – Mental Health Hygiene Legal Services
- Social Worker – Brothers of Mercy Rehabilitation Center
- Administrative Assistant – Boston Business Journal
Recent graduate school examples include:
- Alfred University (Mental Health Counseling)
- Sage Graduate School (Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Ball State University (Community Counseling)
- St. Joseph’s College (Gerontology)
- University of Massachusetts (Gerontology and Social Policy)
- Long Island University (Health Care Administration)
Similar Programs
Students interested in a career in Gerontology may choose to compliment the major with a minor or by double-majoring in these similar programs: