Best Gerontology Degrees

A ranking of the best bachelor's in gerontology degrees. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.

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Step into the world of the wisest and oldest among us by earning one of the best Bachelor’s in Gerontology degrees.

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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:

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!

Ranking

See our rankings methodology page.

  1. San Diego State University
    Location

    San Diego, CA

    Tuition

    $14344

    Overview

    The sunny San Diego State University lands the number one spot on our list. A public research university, it claims the highest enrollment among universities in the county with over 30,000 undergraduates in attendance. SDSU has a vibrant campus with options in athletics, Greek life, and more.

    Program Features

    San Diego State University offers a robust and integrated BA in Gerontology. Beyond coursework, field experience and a study abroad requirement set this program apart. Youll complete two internships in a local organization. To prepare you for this, youll take engaging coursework like:

    Diversity and AgingImages of Aging in Contemporary SocietySocial Policy and AgingAging Networks

    Notables

    Numbers show that this program pays off. A recent survey revealed that 75 percent of graduates from this program found work in a gerontology-related position right after college. Even more, this degree program feeds into the local economy. Over 80 percent of graduates find work in San Diego.

  2. Ithaca College
    Location

    Ithaca, NY

    Tuition

    $35049

    Overview

    Based near the Finger Lakes of New York, Ithaca College is a small liberal arts college that enrolls around 6,200 students per year. In U.S. News World Reports 2018 rankings, it listed Ithaca College as the 8th best Regional Universities of the North.

    Program Features

    Students will have the choice to enroll in the BS or BA in Gerontology at Ithaca College. Both are interdisciplinary degrees that draw from several other departments. This program makes sure students are prepared to pursue future graduate work in aging studies. Youll take a variety of focused classes such as:

    Biology of AgingAging and Social PolicyCritical Health IssuesSociology of Aging

    Notables

    The Gerontology Institute at Ithaca College incorporates two concentrations within the major: counseling or health promotion. Within the 120 required credit hours, 21 of those hours will be devoted to a concentration. This gives you a great opportunity to hone in on your specific passion within gerontology.

  3. University of Nebraska Omaha
    Location

    Omaha, NE

    Tuition

    $11223

    Overview

    A fast-growing public research institute, the University of Nebraska at Omaha operates out of two metropolitan-based campuses: Dodge Campus and Scott Campus. Although it is growing, UNO still maintains an impressive 17:1 student to faculty ratio. UNO has been ranked in the top 10 Best for Vets schools by Military Times for the last six years in a row.

    Program Features

    This BS in Gerontology pulls together a curriculum from three core aspects of aging: physical, social, and psychological. Out of the 120 required credit hours, youll take 36 hours of the core gerontology classes. From there, you are required to add a minor, a second major, or a concentration area. The core gerontology classes include:

    Adult Development AgingDeath DyingPrograms and Services for the ElderlyWorking with Minority Elderly

    Notables

    The University of Nebraska at Omaha offers two tracks of concentration for undergraduates in Gerontology: Administration or Pre-Health. This gives you options when it comes time to choose a career. For example, you could be a Long Term Care Administrator or a Hospice Nurse.

  4. Miami University - Oxford
    Location

    Oxford, OH

    Tuition

    $20186

    Overview

    Located in the tiny town of Oxford, Ohio, Miami University-Oxford has a history that reaches back over 200 years to its founding in 1809. It has maintained its reputation for providing quality liberal arts education over the decades. This year, it ranked 78th among other national universities, according to U.S. News World Report.

    Program Features

    Miami University-Oxford emphasizes research in their BA in Gerontology. In fact, one of the three focus tracks is Applied Research in Gerontology. The other two are Aspiring Health Professions or Policies and Programs. Within your selection of core classes, youll take:

    Social Forces and AgingBig Ideas in AgingSocial Policy and Programs in GerontologyIssues Controversies in Aging

    Notables

    One highlight feature of this program is the internship requirement. Students select an area of aging studies that interests them be it long-term care or hospice and spend a semester in that role. A pre-internship class prepares you for a future career in gerontology by working on networking skills, resume building, and professional ethics.

  5. California State University, Sacramento
    Location

    Sacramento, CA

    Tuition

    $9127

    Overview

    California State University-Sacramento (or Sacramento State) proudly serves over 30,000 students in Californias state capital. Sacramento State does particularly well by transfer students, and welcomes over 4,000 community college transfers each year. Among public schools on the west coast, it ranks 20th.

    Program Features

    The Department of Gerontology at Sacramento State hosts a strong degree program in aging studies. Youll earn a BA in Gerontology and take 48 classes wholly devoted to the major. Between research courses, a practicum, and a wide-ranging list of electives, youll be in good hands here. A sampling of highlight coursework includes:

    Elder Care Continuum Services and StrategiesManaging Disorders in EldersPsychological Aspects of Death DyingFamily Finance

    Notables

    Sacramento State does a fantastic job of incorporating engaging electives into their curriculum. They take particular care in addressing multicultural issues with classes like Cross-Cultural Aging in America or Family Stress Coping: Multicultural Focus.

  6. University of South Florida
    Location

    Tampa, FL

    Tuition

    $11398

    Overview

    Tampa is home to the University of South Florida. It is a public research university that maintains three campuses: USF Tampa, USF St. Petersburg, and USF Sarasota-Manatee. Its immense student population (around 41,000 students) matches its academic reach. It offers over 80 undergraduate majors.

    Program Features

    The University of South Florida has been offering degrees in Gerontology since 1967, giving it a huge lead in its curriculum and offerings. You can choose from a BS in Aging Sciences or a BS in Long-Term Care Administration. Among the 36-39 major-related credit hours in each degree, youll take classes like:

    Program Evaluation in an Aging SocietyPhysical Changes and AgingLegal Aspects in Health Care AdministrationPsychology of Aging

    Notables

    Both of these degrees culminate in a capstone project. This could be one of three things: an internship, a directed research project with a faculty member, or a senior seminar. This gives you a chance to specialize your study to focus in on mental health, business, assisted living, or Alzheimers disease care just to name a few!

  7. SUNY Oneonta
    Location

    Oneonta, NY

    Tuition

    $15498

    Overview

    SUNY Oneonta is part of the larger State University of New York system. Enrolling around 8,000 students, it fosters a small but active campus life, with a number of honor societies, Greek organizations, and research opportunities. For the last ten years it has made it into Kiplingers 100 Best Values in Public Colleges list.

    Program Features

    The BS in Gerontology Studies at SUNY Oneonta brings together classes in sociology, anthropology, psychology, and human ecology, making this a truly interdisciplinary degree. Since it is housed within the Department of Sociology, this bachelors degree includes classes like:

    Sociology of Health and IllnessComparing Aging: A Global PerspectiveSociology of Death and DyingAdulthood in Families

    Notables

    Were not the only ones taking note of SUNY Oneontas Gerontology program. In fact, last year it was ranked #3 for Best Gerontology Colleges in New York by University.com. Part of its charm is that students receive one-on-one attention from faculty based on the small size of the department.

  8. University of Northern Iowa
    Location

    Cedar Falls, IA

    Tuition

    $14831

    Overview

    State pride is evident at the University of Northern Iowa, where over 90 percent of the student body is from Iowa. Based in Cedar Falls, this school enrolls around 11,900 students. Class sizes stay reasonable with over 90 percent of classrooms under fifty students.

    Program Features

    UNI is unique in offering the only Gerontology degree in the state of Iowa. You can choose between two concentrations: social sciences and long-term care administration. In both cases, youll end up with a BA in Gerontology. A sampling of the gerontology core classes includes:

    Human Biological VariationPerspectives on Death DyingSocial Services for Older AdultsFamilies and End of Life Issues

    Notables

    The statistics for undergraduates in this program are impressive, to say the least. Over 95 percent of students studying long-term care administration passed their boards on the first try! Even more, 96 percent of last years graduates found work within the year.

  9. Missouri State University
    Location

    Springfield, MO

    Tuition

    $14862

    Overview

    Missouri State University-Springfield is a public institution that was founded in 1905. Among regional public universities in the Midwest, MSU ranks at the 31st. Although its main campus is in Springfield, MSU also has satellite campuses throughout the state, as well as in Dalian, China!

    Program Features

    The BS in Gerontology at Missouri State University-Springfield is one-of-a-kind. It was the first to receive the Program of Merit designation in 1999 by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. As such, youll be taking top of the line coursework in a range of areas, including:

    Aging and AdjustmentIdentity and Aging in Literature and Film Psychophysiology of AgingGender Issues in Later Life

    Notables

    One huge perk of the program at Missouri State University-Springfield is the option to earn a double major. Since the gerontology program is housed within the Department of Psychology, students can earn a double major in gerontology and psychology without taking any extra classes.

  10. Winston-Salem State University
    Location

    Winston-Salem, NC

    Tuition

    $10340

    Overview

    Winston-Salem State University is a historically black public research university that found its start in 1892. It shines when it comes to giving financial opportunities in higher education. In fact, WSSU was recently ranked #7 in the nation for its Social Mobility Index.

    Program Features

    Winston-Salem State University also is a designated Program of Merit for its gerontology curriculum. With a required 61 credit hours in the major, this BA in Gerontology designates over half of the curriculum to focused study. Youll take 15 credits of pre-requisites and then jump right in with classes like:

    General Gerontology: The Ups and Downs of AgingAspects of Aging in Diverse GroupsPublic Policy of AgingHealth-Related Functional Aspects of Gerontology

    Notables

    Winston-Salem State University stands out among other historically black colleges and universities for more than just its gerontology program. This year, U.S. News World Report listed it as the 27th best HBCU in the nation.

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