Step into the world of the wisest and oldest among us by earning one of the best Bachelor's in Gerontology degrees.
According to a recent U.S. census, close to 15 percent of our total population is over the age of 65. That's 47.8 million people! That number will continue to rise for the next forty years as the baby boomer generation gets older. Who will take care of them in their old age? Who will provide the administration and support for such a task? That's where you come in.
A bachelor's degree in gerontology will get you well on your way to helping out one of the most vulnerable – but also most vibrant – populations among us: the aging.
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What kind of Bachelor's in Gerontology degree should you get?
Aging studies, another name for gerontology, takes a look at all the aspects of getting older. This covers everything from sociological changes to psychological shifts; everything from figuring out finances to grappling with death and dying.
Since you're looking for bachelor's degrees in gerontology, many of the schools on this list are just the tip of the iceberg to get you going in this field. All of them cover the foundational topics in aging studies, but they all differ in focus and detail.
For example, some programs include concentration tracks in Long-Term Care Administration. If that's an interest to you, check out University of South Florida, Bowling Green University, and Northern Iowa University.
Other programs emphasize internships as a way to smoothly transition you to the working world. If that sounds fun to you, then start with San Diego State University, Miami University Oxford, or Youngstown State University.
Maybe you're looking for a flexible degree that you can get on your own time while also being a working professional. If that's the case, online schools may be your best option. Check out our list of the Best Online Gerontology Degrees.
How much money do people make with a Bachelor's in Gerontology?
Ultimately, earning a degree in Gerontology can send you in a lot of directions. To get an accurate read on what your salary might look like post-graduation, we really need to narrow our scope to a few likely options.
Most students who graduate with a Bachelor's in Gerontology go on to become long-term care administrators, hospice nurses, health services managers, and health educators. Here's a look into what you can expect for your average annual income:
Health Educator: $44,390
Hospice Nurse: $68,450
Health Services Manager: $96,540
It's probably obvious from these figures that salaries can range widely in this field. That's because of the wide variety of application.
More good news for you, jobs that are related to health care are not going anywhere, especially as baby boomers continue to get older. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most jobs in health care are expected to increase in demand by 16 to 20 percent in the next ten years!
What can you do with Bachelor's in Gerontology degree?
The great thing about a job in this field is that you truly can jump in wherever you want! The thing about getting older is that it affects every part of your life – socially, physically, financially, spiritually. The list could go on!
Some of the most common entry-level positions for someone with a bachelor's degree in gerontology include social and human services assistants, health educators, adult enrichment coaches, and more.
For people who want to take this career further, a master's degree or doctorate in this field could land you in elder law, adult protective services, social work or counseling, and more.
A number programs offer specialized tracks that point you in a career direction. These include long-term care administration, pre-health, applied research, and others. When it comes down to it, you have options.The common denominator is that you'll be working with a population of older and aging adults in one way or another.
What are the requirements for a Bachelor's in Gerontology degree?
Surprisingly, aging studies is not a common field in higher education. In some cases, these programs are the only places in the state to find a Bachelor's in Gerontology. This means that you're truly selecting from the cream of the crop.
Since you'll be earning a bachelor's degree, you don't have to jump through too many hoops to apply. All of the programs last four years and require 120 credit hours to complete. Once you've been accepted into a program, the best thing you can do for yourself is to take advantage of any and all opportunities that come your way. Join a club. Volunteer at a nursing home. Call your grandparents and ask them about their experience of getting older.
A number of these programs include capstone projects, which involve a research project, an internship, field experience, or a study abroad program. Say "yes" to them all! You're about to gain access to some of the best educational opportunities out there.
What are the best Bachelor's in Gerontology?
Below you'll find the 15 Best Bachelor's in Gerontology Degrees. How did we put together our list? First and foremost, we took into account the academic quality of each program. Then we looked at affordability and the return on investment. Finally, we factored in student happiness using retention rates and graduation rates.
Our methodology draws from our own data experts at College Choice, the reliable resources at U.S. News & World Report, and the number-crunching gurus at Payscale.com. A meaningful career in gerontology is just around the corner. Now it's up to you to take the next step!
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