Gerontology Degrees

Overview

Gerontology is the study of social, psychological, and biological aspect of aging. The change in society, family, or environment creates mental stress in aged persons. There is a high demand for gerontology specialists. They study about the person affected by aging as well as the role of society in the aging process.

The curriculum of gerontology is very vast and includes subjects like issues in aging, sociology of aging, service, and research. You can pursue either a bachelor or a master degree in gerontology. The duration of these degrees may extend from two to five years, depending upon the area of study.

Benefits

Gerontology specialists have a bright outlook in the economic market. These jobs generally have great benefits and competitive salaries. One of the best benefits of pursuing a degree in gerontology is the unique career choices. Students completing a program in gerontology can specialize and service in many fields. Some of the job titles include social and health service assistants, nursing and home health aides, health care professionals, health services managers, and social scientists. The average annual income of social workers is around $37,500, while the income of people working in nursing care ranges around $73,340. Health care managers earn around $66,720 per annum.

Costs

The cost of pursuing a bachelor's degree in gerontology is around $21,918 a year. It would cost you around $10,264, if you want to pursue a master's degree in gerontology. The costs include only the tuition fees. Other expenses may include costs of housing, study materials, and food.

Schools

There are many colleges and universities that offer gerontology degrees in Unites States of America. Missouri State University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and University of Illinois are some of the colleges that provide bachelor and master degrees in gerontology.

Testing & Preparation

To study gerontology in an accredited college, you must hold a completed high school certificate and maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. International students are selected for admission based on their academic performance and scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Admissions are based on Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores. Those who wish to pursue doctorate degree in gerontology should have completed a master's degree from an accredited college and have a few years of experience in the field.

Financial Aid

Financial aid can be obtained in the form of scholarship, grant, or loan. Federal Pell Grant is a government-aided scholarship awarded to deserving students in all parts of America.

Missouri State University offers Lea Landon Gerontology Scholarship for talented students who pursue the gerontology program in this university. Gerontology Scholarships are offered by many colleges and universities for students studying in that program.