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
Courses needed for the major:
- GERO 118 Introduction to Adult Development and Aging
- BIOL 119 Physiology of Aging
- PSYC 210 Communication and Counseling Skills
- PSYC 371 The Psychology of Death and Dying
- GERO 429 Cognition and Aging
- GERO 485 Gerontology Internship
- SOCI 348 Sociology of Families
- 102 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Select one course from each of the following three groups:
- PSYC 220 Psychological Methods and Statistics
- SOCI 230 Intro to Data Analysis and Statistics
- SOCI 253 Social Welfare Institutions
- POLS 355 Public Policy
- PSYC 322 Health Psychology
- GERO 300 Special Topics in Gerontology
- GERO 450 Independent Study
- GERO 497 Senior Seminar in Gerontology
- SOCI 470 Field Work
Courses needed for the minor:
- GERO 118 Introduction to Adult Development and Aging
- GERO 429 Cognition and Aging
- GERO 485 Gerontology Internship
Select one course from each of the following four groups:
- BIOL 119 Physiology of Aging
- PSYC 322 Health Psychology
- PSYC 210 Communication and Counseling Skills
- PSYC 371 The Psychology of Death and Dying
- GERO 300 Special Topics in Gerontology
- GERO 497 Senior Seminar in Gerontology
- SOCI 253 Social Welfare Institutions
- SOCI 348 Sociology of Families
- POLS 355 Public Policy
- PSYC 450 Independent Study
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: