Gerontology Major

The CPCS major in Gerontology emphasizes three main areas reflecting the field’s career options: social policy, advocacy, and direct services. Gerontology competencies are designed to help students take active roles in addressing the needs of an aging society by focusing on issues of aging, health, demographics, economics, and social policy, as well as intervention skills for working with elders.

Gerontology is becoming more and more important to the vital interests of the United State. At present, approximately 12.5% of the U.S. population is considered elderly. By the year 2030, the elderly population in the U.S. is expected to be close to 22% of the total population.

This growth trend will result in the demand for professionals with knowledge and expertise in aging. Expanded career opportunities in gerontology and geriatrics are forecast in many disciplines and professions, including: community, human service and religious organizations, health care and long-term care institutions, federal, state and local government agencies, retirement communities, academic and educational settings, professional organizations and business and industry.

Gerontology Requirements

All Gerontology majors complete:
Working with Elders
Demographics & Economics of Aging
Concepts of Aging
Applied Research in Aging
Health and Physical Aspects of Aging
Intervention with Elders I

To complete the major, students may select:
The Advanced Gerontology Certificate
Understanding Gerontological Social Policy
History of a Social Policy in Aging
Working on a Gerontological Social Issue
Influencing Policy Making (from the CORE)

OR

One of the following concentrations:
Legal Advocacy
Management
Planning