Oldie and a Goodie: Online Gerontology Degree Programs

As the United States wrestles with the challenges of caring for an aging population, gerontology degree programs allow professionals from many industries to gain insight into the needs of older Americans. Though many gerontology degree programs appeal to students pursuing health care careers, professionals in fields as diverse as marketing, public administration, and education find benefits in learning about societal changes with regard to aging.

Gerontology Degree Programs

Several gerontology degree programs are available to accommodate your prior education and your future goals:

• Certificate
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Doctorate degree

Gerontology Careers & Salary Options

Many graduates of gerontology degree programs put their new skills to work as social workers, human service assistants, and health care aides. Government analysts expect employment for all three of these professions to grow much faster than the national average, due to increased demand for service from aging baby boomers. Home health care aides and human service assistants typically earn $25,000 or more annually. Often based from home, these professionals enjoy the benefits of flexible hours and personal connections to clients. Social workers with gerontology degrees often earn annual salaries of $35,000 or more along with government benefits.

Typical Gerontology Coursework

Gerontology degree programs offer interdisciplinary approaches for students at any education level. Certificate programs and associate's degree programs make it easy for high school graduates to qualify for entry-level jobs with health care employers and social service agencies. Higher-level degree programs cater to professionals who want to enjoy the benefits of specialization. Most gerontology degree programs include courses like:

• Communication
• Psychology
• Education

Online Gerontology Education Options

Flexible online degree programs make it easy for gerontology students to participate in active discussions without sacrificing work or family commitments. While some students prefer webcasts of live lectures, others enjoy asynchronous collaboration over bulletin boards and e-mail. Either way, online degree programs in gerontology can help working adults qualify for compelling career advancement opportunities.
Sources:
Evansville Courier & Press
United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
United States Bureau of Labor Statistics

Joe Taylor Jr. is an internal business consultant for a Fortune 500 company, who writes about finance, culture, and design. He holds a bachelor's of science in communications from Ithaca College.