Master\u2019s Degree in Gerontology \u2013 Three Year Duration\nStudents who complete a gerontology master\u2019s program qualify for executive level positions in the field. These include roles as senior administrators and directors of services for the elderly. \n
The gerontology master\u2019s degree curriculum normally requires that students complete a research-based project or a thesis on a topic related to aging. Options may include:
\n
\n- A critique of theoretical and research literature on a specific subject related to aging
\n- A grant proposal that includes a review of related literature as well as methodology
\n- Evaluation of an existing intervention program or presentation of a new one
\n- Analysis of a specific policy on gerontology
\n
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In addition to the research project or thesis, master\u2019s students in gerontology programs must complete a combination of core courses, elective courses, and an internship.
\n
Core courses always cover:
\n
\n- Techniques for Research in Gerontology
\n- Qualitative Methods in Gerontology (participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus groups)
\n
\n
Electives may include:
\n
\n- Advanced Theories in Gerontology
\n- Community Housing, Health, and Support Services for the Elderly
\n- Institutional Living
\n- Mental Health and Illness in Later Life
\n
\n
Some schools may not require students with relevant work experience in the field of gerontology to complete an internship.
\n
Doctoral Degree in Gerontology \u2013 Four to Five Year Duration
\nDoctoral degree programs in gerontology prepare students for high-level roles as sociologists, university professors, and researchers. Courses often focus on the same areas as those listed above in the Master\u2019s Degree in Gerontology section. In doctoral programs, however, students receive advanced training in research and statistical techniques that can be applied to practice and policy development.
\n
In addition to coursework, doctoral candidates are required to take one or more examinations and to complete a dissertation. Here are some sample dissertation topics in the field:
\n
\n- The Aged Brain: the Biological Base of Dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s
\n- Treating Geriatric Depression
\n- Elder Abuse and the Law
\n- How Older People Cope with Advancing Technology
\n- Defining Successful Aging
\n
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:10.821098-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-11T12:48:48.867531-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 998, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Gerontology", "summary_markdown": "**[Healthcare Administration](/degrees/healthcare-administration-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in healthcare administration prepare students to manage the business aspects of medical facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and private practices. These programs provide training in basic medical and health knowledge and terminology, as well as in the clerical tasks of maintaining patient medical records, managing billing, and overseeing staff. \r\n\r\n**[Occupational Therapy](/degrees/occupational-therapy-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in occupational therapy focus on helping patients adapt to loss of function by improving their fine motor and cognitive skills. \r\n\r\n**[Physical Therapy](/degrees/physical-therapy-degree/)** \r\nPhysical therapy majors learn how to treat patients for whom movement has become strained or limited due to injury, illness, or aging. \r\n\r\n**[Public Administration](/degrees/public-administration-degree/)** \r\nPublic administration degree programs teach students how to make and direct policy at various levels of government. These policies can involve a wide spectrum of public concerns, from healthcare to social programs to the environment. \r\n\r\nTypical courses for public administration students include community analysis, economic development, grant writing, local politics and administration, organization theory, public budgeting and financial administration, public policy, structure of government, volunteerism and the non-profit sector.", "content_markdown": "**[Pre-Medicine](/degrees/pre-medicine-degree/) (Pre-Med)** \r\nPre-med programs, designed to prepare students for medical school, include courses in general biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and physics. \r\n\r\n**[Sociology](/degrees/sociology-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in sociology are focused on studying groups, from two people and beyond. Sociology students examine human behavior patterns and relationships at both the micro-level and the macro-level. They study interactions between individuals as well as in families, peer groups, cultural groups, gender groups, racial groups, religious groups, and social classes. \r\n\r\n**[Social Work](/degrees/social-work-degree/)** \r\nSocial work is about helping people solve and cope with problems and challenges in their everyday lives. Social workers work with the mental, emotional, and behavioral issues of individuals from every walk of life.", "content_html": "
Pre-Medicine (Pre-Med)
\nPre-med programs, designed to prepare students for medical school, include courses in general biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and physics.
\n
Sociology
\nDegree programs in sociology are focused on studying groups, from two people and beyond. Sociology students examine human behavior patterns and relationships at both the micro-level and the macro-level. They study interactions between individuals as well as in families, peer groups, cultural groups, gender groups, racial groups, religious groups, and social classes.
\n
Social Work
\nSocial work is about helping people solve and cope with problems and challenges in their everyday lives. Social workers work with the mental, emotional, and behavioral issues of individuals from every walk of life.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:10.822151-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-11T12:52:03.015496-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 998, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "**Assessment and Report Writing** \r\nGerontology involves tracking, assessing, and recording client progress. These are skills that are transferrable to many professional sectors.\r\n\r\n**Communication and Interpersonal Skills** \r\nGerontologists are consistently called upon to interact, to listen, to understand, and to present possible solutions to their patients and their patients\u2019 families. \r\n\r\n**Critical Thinking and Problem Solving** \r\nGerontologists have to deal with their elderly patients\u2019 medical, emotional, social, and financial problems. Therefore, the ability to assess situations and think critically to find solutions is a significant part of this kind of work. \r\n\r\n**Cultural Awareness / Appreciation for Diversity** \r\nGerontologists are exposed to people from different backgrounds and home environments. They must work effectively with people from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and gender backgrounds. \r\n\r\n**Empathy and Compassion** \r\nThe capacities to empathize and show compassion are especially needed in this field, because gerontology professionals often work with people in stressful situations. \r\n\r\n**Patience and a Sense of Humor** \r\nThe work of helping elderly people cope with their challenges is not easy work. And it is not fast work. The role calls for patience, for an appreciation of small victories, and sometimes, even for a sense of humor. \r\n\r\n**Trust Building** \r\nWorking with people with various backgrounds and problems requires building trust. Clients have to feel safe and supported if they are to share their burdens and accept help.", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "
Assessment and Report Writing
\nGerontology involves tracking, assessing, and recording client progress. These are skills that are transferrable to many professional sectors.
\n
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
\nGerontologists are consistently called upon to interact, to listen, to understand, and to present possible solutions to their patients and their patients\u2019 families.
\n
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
\nGerontologists have to deal with their elderly patients\u2019 medical, emotional, social, and financial problems. Therefore, the ability to assess situations and think critically to find solutions is a significant part of this kind of work.
\n
Cultural Awareness / Appreciation for Diversity
\nGerontologists are exposed to people from different backgrounds and home environments. They must work effectively with people from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and gender backgrounds.
\n
Empathy and Compassion
\nThe capacities to empathize and show compassion are especially needed in this field, because gerontology professionals often work with people in stressful situations.
\n
Patience and a Sense of Humor
\nThe work of helping elderly people cope with their challenges is not easy work. And it is not fast work. The role calls for patience, for an appreciation of small victories, and sometimes, even for a sense of humor.
\n
Trust Building
\nWorking with people with various backgrounds and problems requires building trust. Clients have to feel safe and supported if they are to share their burdens and accept help.
", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:10.823240-07:00", "updated_at": "2021-11-18T13:55:43.083200-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 998, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Gerontology Degree?", "summary_markdown": "Gerontology graduates can apply their knowledge and expertise in the area of aging in a wide variety of work environments: \r\n\r\n- Academia / Research and Teaching \r\n- Adult Day Care \r\n- Assisted Living Communities \r\n- Elder Advocacy Groups \r\n- Case Management \r\n- Community Organizations \r\n- Counseling \r\n- Elder Law \r\n- Government Departments and Agencies (examples: Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, California Department of Aging, Los Angeles Department of Community and Senior Services) \r\n- Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)", "content_markdown": "- Hospitals \r\n- Long Term Insurance Companies \r\n- Marketing \r\n- Mental Health Agencies \r\n- Nursing Homes / Long-term Care Facilities \r\n- Organizations (examples: American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Alzheimer\u2019s Association, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, National Institute on Aging) \r\n- Pharmaceutical Companies \r\n- Religious Organizations (example: Jewish Family Services) \r\n- Retirement Communities \r\n- Skilled Nursing Facilities", "content_html": "
\n- Hospitals
\n- Long Term Insurance Companies
\n- Marketing
\n- Mental Health Agencies
\n- Nursing Homes / Long-term Care Facilities
\n- Organizations (examples: American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Alzheimer\u2019s Association, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, National Institute on Aging)
\n- Pharmaceutical Companies
\n- Religious Organizations (example: Jewish Family Services)
\n- Retirement Communities
\n- Skilled Nursing Facilities
\n
", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:10.824491-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-11T12:54:28.797480-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
