Hot Degrees for Veterans and Military: Gerontology

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:

• • • Geriatric Nutrition Technician-Assist in the provision of food service and nutritional programs for seniors, under the supervision of a dietitian. Work in the public sector such as in senior centers and nursing homes or in the private sector such as elder care facilities or senior care businesses. Average annual salary: $31,000.
    • Geriatric Wellness Coordinator-Educate seniors and geriatric populations in adopting healthy behaviors. Average annual salary: $35,000.
    • Geriatric Nutrition Coach-Instruct senior individuals and geriatric groups in healthy nutrition choices and diets. Average annual salary: $43,000.

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:

• • Geriatric Community Health Worker- Assist senior individuals and elder communities in adopting healthy behaviors. Average annual salary: $44,000.
  • Geriatric Nutritional Health and Wellness Coach-Instruct senior individuals and elder communities in healthy lifestyle choices. Average annual salary: $46,000.
  • Geriatric Social Science Research Assistants-Assist social scientists in social science research. Help prepare findings for publication and assist in data management. Average annual salary: $51,000.

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:

• • Geriatric Health Education Specialist-Manage senior health education programs that help individuals, families, and senior communities adopt healthy lifestyles. Average annual salary: $61,000.
  • Geriatric Dietitian and Nutritionist Specialist-Plan and conduct nutritional programs for seniors to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. Average annual salary: $61,000.
  • Geriatric Social Services Manager-Plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of a social service program for seniors. Average annual salary: $73,000.
  • Postsecondary Teacher-Instructor for gerontology programs. Average annual salary: $74,000.

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 :

• • Geriatric Health Care Practitioners-Holistic health care providers with a focus on geriatric care. Average annual salary: $84,000.
  • Geriatric Sociologist-Study senior populations including social institutions, individual and collective behaviors, analyze the influence on and of geriatric populations and groups. Average annual salary: $91,000.
  • Senior Recreation and Entertainment Manager- Senior management position directing and managing activities and outreach programs for elder populations at public or private sector locations such as a senior care facility or senior housing complex. Average annual salary: $119,000.

Is a Gerontology Degree worth it?

Select VA-Approved Colleges with Gerontology Degree Programs

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.

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