Gerontology

The interdisciplinary gerontology program at Nazareth University is an immersive, experience-based program designed to prepare you for graduate work in aging and careers working with older adults. Combine a minor in gerontology with coursework from any department, such as communication sciences and disorders, social work, psychology, nursing, physical therapy, and music therapy.

You are encouraged to intern during one or two semesters at an aging services provider, hospital, or senior living community to supplement and reinforce learning through:

  • Contact with professionals in gerontology and geriatrics
  • Encountering issues and problems in the field of aging
  • Witnessing ways that society responds to the aging issues raised in the classroom
  • Opportunities to evaluate your personal expectations and responses to working with, and for, older adults

Program Requirements and Course Descriptions

Gerontology (minor)

gerontology students from Nazareth University, Rochester NY, at St. John's

Students honored

Nazareth students can take courses held weekly each spring and fall at St. John’s Meadows senior living community in Brighton, taught by David Steitz, Ph.D.

Nazareth students studying aging alongside elders, and together supporting community nonprofit organizations, were honored with an Outstanding Young People in Philanthropy award.

Example Careers

  • Adult education
  • Home health care management
  • Senior center management
  • Aging and the built environment
  • Health and aging policy
  • Intergenerational programs
  • Legal analysis and advocacy
  • Marketing, design and product development
  • Multicultural issues
  • Technology and aging
  • Human resources
  • Volunteer program management
  • Long-term care administration

Career Outlook

  • Understanding issues related to aging is critical in many fields. In 2015, 7 of the 10 highest-rated jobs are in health care, including physical therapists and registered nurses, according to U.S. News & World Report.
  • The rising number of older adults is one significant factor driving the need for more health care workers.
  • By 2030, one in five Americans will be aged 65 or over, nearly double the rate in 2000, according to the US. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.