The field of gerontology is one of the fastest growing fields in this country today. The far-reaching applications of various levels of education in this field make it a source of employment for a large number of individuals. Most people, however, are unfamiliar with the term gerontology and, therefore, do not consider getting degrees in this field. This is changing and here’s why.

What Is Gerontology?

Gerontology is essentially the study of aging. It covers the physical, mental, and sociological aspects of the complex process known as aging. Gerontology concerns itself with the processes of aging, changes in individuals as they age, how society affects and is affected by all this, and how all this gathered information can be implemented to help care for the aging population. The demand for those with degrees in this field is growing because the population of the US is getting older. Better medical care is keeping people alive longer so they go on living and aging.

What Field Does A Gerontology Degree Help You Work In?

With a gerontology degree you can find work in almost any field that involves taking care of elderly individuals. The most obvious places of employment would of course be retirement communities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long term care facilities. You could also work in government agencies.

Specific positions that you could hold if you worked in this field would include positions such as social workers, social scientists, nursing aids, or healthcare managers. Clearly, there are a wide range of positions that you could obtain just from having a degree in gerontology but you could also add a gerontology degree to another degree to increase your skills in working with an aging population. Nurses and occupational therapists are two good examples of where this degree would be beneficial.

Why Pursue A Gerontology Degree?

You might pursue a gerontology degree for a number of reasons. Job security is one that leaps out of the bunch. The growing elderly population means that there is a growing demand for workers with degrees of this type.

Another is the diversity of careers that a Gerontology degree can offer you. You will not be locked into one narrow career path. Instead, you will be able to change if you so desire. Gerontology degrees help you to understand the existence and the needs of an aging population and a gerontology degree helps you to meet those needs.

Gerontology is the study of medical, mental, and social aspects associated with aging. Individuals with master's degrees in gerontology or related degrees such as public policy, public administration, health services, healthcare administration, social services, or public health are able to apply their gerontological knowledge to policies and programs within the government and/or local communities.

MHA in Gerontology	University of Phoenix: The MHA degree in gerontology from the University of Phoenix features a curriculum that discusses the physical, mental, and social aspects of gerontology as well as human services, economics, and legal issues pertaining to the elderly population. The program is designed for health care professionals with diverse backgrounds passionate about the study of gerontology.
MS in Gerontology MS in Social Services Master of Public Health MPH in Health Policy	Capella University: The Masters programs in gerontology and social & community services at Capella University are online degrees that explore the science of aging on individuals, families, and communities. The curriculum includes coursework in biological, epidemiological, and psychological aging, as well as cultural and social attitudes toward the elderly.
Master's in Gerontology	University of Massachusetts: The University of Massachusetts Master's in Gerontology program prepares students for immersion into the dynamic world of aging services. The curriculum includes long-term care, service-supported housing, community-based services, marketing to an aging population, and chronic health services.
BS in Gerontology Master of Health Admin	Kaplan University: Kaplan University offers a variety of healthcare degrees, including the Master of Healthcare Administration and BS in human services with a gerontological specialization. The Master of Health Care Administration - Gerontology program combines online coursework with in class experiences. A capstone requirement includes an externship at a healthcare facility. The BS program studies the public and private policies of the healthcare industry.
BS in Gerontology MS in Healthcare Admin	University of Maryland University College: The Master of Science in Health Care Administration program at the University of Maryland University College is designed for working professionals seeking advanced study in health care administration and gerontology. The program requires 36 credits of coursework, including a capstone seminar.
Master of Public Health	Walden University: Graduates of the Walden University Master of Public Health degree program fill the need for gerontology health professionals that must understand the development of healthy individuals, organizations, and communities. The program provides core study in the public health field, uses a real-world teaching methodology, has industry leading professors, and includes a practical fieldwork practicum.
Master of Public Admin	Ashford University: Tired of how government is run? Make your own change by attending Ashford University and pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree. This online degree gives students tools in urban planning, decision making, policy implementation, and managing personnel. Graduates find successes throughout the public space, including gerontology.
MPA in Public Policy	South University: The South University Master of Public Policy degree program is built to prepare the next leaders in local, state, and national government, as well as the non-profit sector. The multidisciplinary curriculum allows for students to explore elective and capstone courses on a wide range of governmental and non-profit topics, including gerontology. Specializations include Non-Profit Management, Public Policy, Criminal Justice, and Information Technology.
MBA in Health Services	Keiser University: The Keiser University MBA in Health Services Management program offers the following specializations: Accounting, Health Services Management, International Business, Leadership for Managers, and Marketing. Graduates of the program use their acquired skills of problem solving and applied research methods to become leaders in the healthcare business field, including the business of gerontology.
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