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Hot Degrees for Veterans and Military: Gerontology

What can you do with a Gerontology Degree?

Gerontology is the study of aging. A gerontologist is an expert in the process of aging and the many aspects of growing older. A gerontologist studies aging in individuals and also how aging and older individuals affect society as a whole.

A Degree in Gerontology lends itself to understanding our aging populations, older adults’ role in and influence on society, and what the future holds for us as we age.

A Degree in Gerontology can open doors to many different career paths. Great paying jobs in this area of study have opportunities in both the public and private sectors and include jobs in a wide variety of careers such as:
  • Law
  • Health Care
  • Business
  • Social Work
  • Public Policy
  • Senior Care Administration
  • Counseling
  • Therapy
  • Research
A Gerontology Degree can even provide opportunities to work for yourself by starting your own business or working as a consultant.

Is a Gerontology Degree hard?

Gerontology is a broad field, yet in its essence, it is the understanding of older adults and how to help them age happily and healthily.

A Degree in Gerontology may be a good choice; the job market related to older adults will grow dramatically with the aging of the Baby Boomer population. By 2030, the senior population (over 65 years old) will triple to over 70 million elders and comprise 20% of the US population.  A Degree in Gerontology is poised for career growth as an aging population will increase demand for geriatric services.

 

Getting a Degree in Gerontology

Associate Degree in Gerontology

An Associate Degree in Gerontology is one possible starting point for those interested in the science of aging. With specialty focuses such as health care, law, public service, and senior care businesses, earning an Associate Degree in Gerontology can set one on a successful career path and prepare for further education and career advancement.

Jobs you can obtain with an Associate Degree in Gerontology:

Bachelor’s Degree in Gerontology

Students can earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Gerontology and minor in various specialties such as health care, elder law, and social services. Conversely, many interdisciplinary bachelor's degree programs will offer a minor in gerontology. For many students, a degree in gerontology is the first step in becoming a certified gerontologist.

While earning a bachelor’s degree in an accredited school and program,  a student seeking to be a certified gerontologist completes additional specialized training focusing on the physical and psychological (mental) processes of aging.

Often times a certification will be offered in conjunction with an approved bachelor’s program or it can be earned separately.

Jobs you can obtain with a Bachelor’s in Gerontology include:

Master’s Degree in Gerontology

A Master's in Gerontology would include at least one specialty focus such as health and wellness, law, public policy, therapies, social services, etc. Those earning a master’s degree can continue in their current career path with additional earning power, undertake supervisory roles, enter into research and publishing, or transition into teaching postsecondary gerontology students.

Jobs you can get with a Master’s Degree in Gerontology:Doctoral Degrees in Gerontology

Doctoral candidates typically focus on research; the possibilities for study and specialties are vast and can be tailored to a student’s interests and desired research. Whether looking for a career in research with the government or in the private sector, starting your own business, or working as a professor, a Doctoral Degree in Gerontology is certain to come with a large paycheck.

Jobs you can get with a Doctoral Degree in Gerontology :

Is a Gerontology Degree worth it?

Helping our aging communities along with learning what to expect as you and your loved ones age, this degree has many benefits. There are many program options from online to campus-based along with dual degree programs.

There are also a variety of specialties, including senior living management, nutrition, law, and seemingly everything in between.

Select VA-Approved Colleges with Gerontology Degree Programs

Ready to start your Degree in Gerontology? Check out these great programs!  Some partner schools have paid for promotional consideration.

Quinnipiac University- Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology. Quinnipiac University has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Quinnipiac University is a Yellow Ribbon school and a MyCAA approved school.

Kent State University- Offers a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Gerontology as a minor for its undergraduate degrees. Kent State University has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for CLEP exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Kent State University is a MyCAA approved school.

University of Nevada Las Vegas- Offers Gerontology as a minor for its undergraduate degrees. UNLV has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams. UNLV is a MyCAA approved school and a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Viterbo University- Offers Gerontology as a minor for its undergraduate degrees. Viterbo University has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams. Viterbo University is a Yellow Ribbon school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and is a MyCAA approved school.

Oklahoma State University- Offers Gerontology as a minor for its undergraduate degrees. Oklahoma State University has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Oklahoma State University is a Yellow Ribbon school and  is also a MyCAA approved school.

Central Ohio Technical College- Offers something unique with its Case Management for the Healthcare and Gerontology Professional Certificate. Central Ohio Technical College has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP exam and the DSST exam. Central Ohio Technical College is a MyCAA approved school and is approved for Tuition Assistance

*All average annual salaries adapted and calculated from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. For more information, click here.

>> For more GI Bill-approved degree programs in Gerontology, please go here.

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