Specialization
Gerontology
The Gerontology specialization is designed for students who want to deepen their knowledge, skills, and professionalism related to aging and older adults. Through an interdisciplinary lens, students gain an education of the aging process, including common physical, psychological, and social changes, as well as the broader implications of living in an aging society. Within Human and Health Services, this specialization strengthens students’ ability to work effectively with older adults, families, and communities. Further, it enhances preparation for graduate study and careers across health, human services, and aging-related fields.
Our purpose in research, teaching, and service activities is to prepare the next generation of leaders in the field of aging. We are committed to developing and disseminating knowledge that leads to improved health and quality of life among individuals, families, and communities throughout the life course. All professions require gerontologists; everyone works with an aging population.
The Gerontology specialization is open to ALL students from ALL academic disciplines and professions. The growing older adult population offers a vast array of opportunities across all sectors.
Things to know about Gerontology
Gerontology/Aging studies has been named the 4th fastest growing academic field
Gerontologists are in high demand
We are one of only six accredited gerontology programs world-wide
Our faculty are renowned educators and researchers
While the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program is housed within the College of Nursing, no nursing or medical background is needed; the specialization is not nursing- or medicine -related
Specialization in practice
Graduates with a Gerontology specialization often work in roles such as:
Aging services or older adult program coordinators
Case management or care coordination support
Community or senior services specialist
Gero-technology/health technology development
Long-term care or assisted living leadership and administration
Entrepreneurial or other business lines
Health and human services support roles serving older adults
Nonprofit, corporate, and government aging services agencies
Nutrition and health
Advocacy or policy support related to aging and older adult care
Program or research support positions focused on aging populations
Taking your education further
Although students will be career ready upon graduating, the HHS degree with a Gerontology specialization is a clear pathway for graduate school in such areas as:
- Advocacy
- Architecture and Housing
- Communication
- Consultancy
- Education
- Engineering
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Gerontology
- Health Administration
- Health Professions
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Insurance
- Law (JD), elder law, trusts, wills
- Medicine (MD)
- Nutrition Public Health
- Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Art Therapy, Music Therapy
- Psychology
- Public Policy
- Research and Development
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Urban Planning