Gerontology

Overview

All students must complete 48 quarter units of course work. The 24 units of foundation content required for all students are followed by 12 units in one of the two concentrations:

• Policy, planning, and administration: Students opting for the policy, planning, and administration concentration gain knowledge and skills in the public administration, planning, and coordination of older adult services. Students acquire an appreciation for the unique policy and systems structure influencing the delivery of older adult services. Within this framework, students develop an understanding of the issues and challenges in creating and sustaining responsive systems of care for older adults and their families.
• Clinical services: Students opting for the clinical services concentration develop knowledge and skills in locating and providing resources, services, and opportunities for the older adults and their families; as well as acquiring knowledge that supports enhancing the problem-solving and coping skills of older adults and their caregivers. Students gain an appreciation for the social support factors and community systems that create opportunities or exacerbate problems in daily living. Students develop an understanding of the issues that impact the creation of effective systems of care and responsive social policies.

Both concentrations emphasize a thoughtful reflection about the multidimensional issues in gerontology that will provide students with a deeper understanding of policy, administration, and practice issues affecting the field.

Possible Careers: Because people are generally living longer, there is a growing need for people to work in the field of aging and social work. Opportunities for direct practice, research, advocacy, and teaching are available with this valuable degree. Examples of career options in gerontology and social work are: health care professional, mental health therapist, within education organizations, the research and communication industries, policy and program planning, administration/program directors, and Legal Services.