BS Degree in Sociology: Gerontology Concentration
Checksheet
Gerontology is the scientific study of aging and the older population. It is wide-ranging interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary field of study. Aging and the older population are studied by biologists, psychologists, anthropologists, political scientists, economists, historians, and scientists from a wide variety of other disciplines. Given the current and projected growth in the older population, it is reasonable to say that the future of America is the future of aging.
Since Gerontology courses are offered by many departments across campus, students majoring on Sociology with a Gerontology concentration will acquire knowledge in a variety of disciplines and from a variety if perspectives. The focus of this program, however, will be on the sociological perspective. Students will study how societal forces shape the experience of the older population and how changes in the older population will affect how society is organized and how it operates. The primary goal of our program is to produce a well-rounded Bachelor of Science graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain a job in aging-related occupation or to successfully begin graduate studies.
A Sociology/Gerontology graduate must, in addition to possessing a good foundation of knowledge of skills, be person-oriented. Most aging-related careers involve a substantial amount of face-to-face contact with older adults. Thus, students can expect their undergraduate education in Sociology/Gerontology to focus not only on the issues and concepts of aging, but on the interacting capably and comfortably with older persons as well. Our students should have an outstanding personality and be able to communicate caring and concern. The student should have good listening and oral communication skills.
Sociology/Gerontology graduates acquire a number of skills that are useful even in careers that are not related to aging. For example, students take courses that help them improve written and oral communication skills. Courses in research methods help develop linear thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to design, conduct, and interpret various types of research. Furthermore, students are assisted in developing or improving computer skills and some courses incorporate team projects.
Sociology/Gerontology graduates have entry-level career opportunities that essentially match those of any graduate in a social science or human service program. The graduate enjoys a competitive advantage over other job applicants to the extent that the job entails aging-related activities and interactions with the older population. Recent population projections would suggest that occupations related to aging will be among a very few to experience rapid growth in the coming years.
Sociology/Gerontology graduates, if they do not find employment in aging-related occupations, often are hired for more general social/human services positions. Many students feel comfortable in Sociology/Gerontology because of its "people" orientation. They also find that a variety of occupations require the communication skills and service orientation that are developed as a result of the Sociology/Gerontology program.
Sociology/Gerontology graduates are well-prepared to pursue graduate education in programs that are directly related to aging as well as those that are not. The broad liberal arts foundation of the Sociology major combined with the specific focus of the Gerontology concentration provides a strong base of knowledge with which to commerce graduate studies in a variety of fields.
Many institutions, including Appalachian State University, offers Masters's degree programs in Gerontology (See Dr. Ed Rosenberg) and a few have begun Ph.D. programs. In additions, there are many Master's programs in related fields such as sociology, public administration, counseling, and psychology. Professional programs like physical and occupational therapy often seek students with a firm background in Gerontology. Furthermore, because of the transferable skills acquired by Sociology/Gerontology graduate, there are post-graduate opportunities in additional occupational fields such as business management and education.
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