An online bachelor’s degree in gerontology is a flexible way to prepare for a fulfilling career in helping the oldest and the wisest population (namely, those over 65) live their best lives.
The baby boomer population is driving some of the fastest growth in healthcare jobs across the country. By 2030, when the last baby boomers turn 65, one in five Americans will be 65 or older! That’s over 65 million people, so that’s kind of a big deal.
Gerontology, simply put, is the study of human aging. This field covers physical, emotional, behavioral, and social changes that occur with aging adults and their families, as well as the aging population’s effect on society. Gerontology is a diverse field with career opportunities in various settings, including retirement communities, health care, human services, government agencies, and more. There’s seriously so much to this field, and the opportunities to pursue it as a career are vast.
What Are the Best Online Bachelor’s in Gerontology Degrees?
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
University of Maryland, University College
Today, more than 80 percent of the University of Maryland, Global Campus’ students work full-time! UMGC was designed over 70 years ago for working students, many of whom were service members returning from World War 2. UMGC is also the largest online public university in the nation, which is the reason why they offer more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degrees online with no-cost digital materials in every course.
UMGC offers an online bachelor’s degree in gerontology and aging services program that is perfect for individuals with healthcare experience with the aging population and those who are interested in beginning a career in this field. This program is 120 credit hours, a combination of general education courses, core classes, and electives.
A three-credit internship is also required where students will work in the field for 15 weeks, applying what they have learned in this program. Interested applicants can apply for this program without submitting their SAT or ACT scores. Students can be admitted to this program on a regular or provisional basis, depending on past academic records.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
A maverick is an independent thinker, an explorer, and a risk-taker, and more than 15,000 of them make up the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s student body. Located in the metropolis area of Omaha, UNO offers more than 200 undergraduate degrees and 90 graduate degrees and certificates. In addition, UNO has been consistently ranked as the best university for military personnel.
The bachelor’s of multidisciplinary studies in gerontology is offered on campus, online, or a blend of both. This 120-credit program includes concentration requirements, two secondary fields, electives, and general education classes. At least 30 credits must be from 3000 or above level courses. A three-credit-hour practicum where students complete a field experience project is also required.
To be accepted to UNO, students must have at least 16 units of academic courses in the following: English, math, natural sciences, social sciences, and foreign language. A unit is equivalent to one year of high school or a semester of college. Applicants must also take the ACT and earn a composite score of 20 or higher, or they must have ranked in the upper one-half of their graduating high school class.
Southern New Hampshire University
A non-profit, regionally accredited university, Southern New Hampshire University has been providing top-notch education to its students for over 80 years. Located on a 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, this university serves more than 3,000 students in physical classrooms, and more than 90,000 students in virtual classrooms online. In 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked SNHU the Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation’s Best Regional Universities.
SNHU offers an online Bachelor of Arts in human services with a concentration in gerontology that prepares students for working with the aging population and their families. The program is 120 credit hours, which includes 42 general education credits, nine arts and sciences credits, 24 major course credits, 12 elective credits, and 33 free elective credits.
Applying to SNHU is easier than some other universities. The process is simplified, and you do not need to submit ACT or SAT scores. Tuition rates for SHNU’s online programs are among the lowest in the nation, and not only are there financial aid packages for students who qualify, but there is also a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members and their spouses.
Brandman University
A private, non-profit university, Brandman University offers more than 90 degrees to its 13,000+ students all over the world. With over 25 locations throughout California and Washington, students can take traditional classes, hybrid classes, or online classes. BU’s mission is to provide quality, flexible education to working students; in fact, 90% of BU students work while completing a program.
BU offers a unique degree, an online BA in psychology with a concentration in gerontology, which focuses on the study of aging from different standpoints, including biology, health, economics, sociology, and psychology. Because this is a psychology degree as well, graduates will be qualified to start careers that deal with the mental health of the aging population.
This degree is 120 credit hours, which includes general education classes, 33 credit hours of psychology classes, and 15 credit hours of gerontology classes. In order to apply for this program, applicants must have at least 12 undergraduate credits and a minimum of 4.0 GPA. If a student is short on transferable credits, BU offers a four-course program that allows students to earn the 12 credits needed.
Regent University
Founded in 1978 with the purpose of preparing leaders not only for their careers but to develop as Christians, Regent University started with 70 students and has grown to what it is today: a private university on 70 acres in Virginia Beach, Virginia with nearly 10,500 students.
In 2019, RU ranked as one of the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report and is one of only 22 universities nationally to receive an “A” rating for its comprehensive liberal arts core curriculum.
RU’s online BS in gerontology blends the fields of biophysical science, healthcare management, and psychology in order to best help aging adults. Built on a Christian foundation, this degree helps equip students to create programs and organizations to support the aging population. This 120-credit hour program includes 33 credit hours of gerontology courses, along with a practicum.
The admission process to RU is quite simple, and there are no required entrance exams. Those transferring to RU will find that up to 90 credit hours from previous academic programs may transfer to this degree, speeding up the process of the time spent working through this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
A bachelor’s degree in gerontology is certainly worth it because it equips you to further your career. You can pursue entry-level positions in aging services-related industries, or you can use your degree to prepare for graduate studies. Your coursework also prepares you to serve older adults in many different settings, from rehabilitation centers to hospitals to the community services space. Getting a bachelor’s degree also results in a higher income than you can attain with just a high school diploma.
You are likely to spend about $26,000 per year getting a gerontology bachelor’s degree at a public college or university. That number increases if you attend a private institution. Other factors affecting the cost of a gerontology degree include the length of the program, your status as an in-state or out-of-state student, and the number of credits earned in AP, IB, or dual-credit courses as a high schooler. Whether you live on or off campus, study online or in person, and the amount of scholarships and other financial aid you receive also greatly impact your out-of-pocket expenses.
There are specific scholarships for gerontology majors as well as general scholarships based on your academic performance or financial need. If you’re a high schooler, ask your guidance counselor for information about possible scholarships. If you’re in college, consult with your financial aid advisor. A quick online search can help you find local, state, and national scholarships from public and private organizations as well.
A bachelor’s degree in gerontology prepares you to improve the quality of life of older adults. To do so, you’ll take courses on the biology of aging, issues related to death and dying, and the health aspects of aging. You’re likely to take courses in working with minority communities, adult development, and the mental health of older adults. Some undergraduate programs in gerontology also require a practicum, internship, or another kind of experiential learning. It’s not uncommon for an undergraduate degree in gerontology to have specialization or concentration options. For example, you might choose a concentration in adult development, psychology, or long-term care administration, to name a few.
Gerontology is not considered any harder than most undergraduate majors. It’s an interesting field of study with courses that involve technical and theoretical training. Though some of the courses can be difficult, they often do not rise to the difficulty of advanced science and math courses. These programs usually don’t have a lot of research and writing requirements, which are considered among the most difficult components of undergraduate programs. If you’re interested in the coursework, dedicate yourself to your studies, and utilize academic support provided by your school, you should find gerontology to be relatively easy, all things considered.
Most undergraduate degrees in gerontology take four years to complete. A typical program requires 120 semester credits to graduate, which is 12-15 credits per semester. This is a full-time course load; as a part-time student taking less than 12 credits per semester, you’ll need at least five years to complete your degree. Alternatively, taking an extra course each semester can cut a semester or more off of your graduation timeline.
You can use your undergraduate training in gerontology to pursue a wide range of careers. You might seek a research career in gerontology, work in public policy, or find a job in community outreach and education. Other fields you might consider include the following:
• Healthcare
• Mental health services
• Human services
• Counseling
• Advocacy
Most entry-level careers in these fields require a bachelor’s degree or higher. However, a master’s degree or doctorate is needed to qualify for more jobs with greater responsibilities and higher pay.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for gerontology careers is just over $50,000 per year. Depending on your level of education and expertise, you might earn anywhere from $26,000 to $80,000 per year. With a bachelor’s degree and no experience, you’re likely to be at, near, or below the average in terms of salary. Many other factors affect the salary you can earn:
• Your employer
• Your job title
• The city and state in which you work
• Whether you have any certifications or specializations
• The industry in which you work
Related Reading:
- Best Master’s Degrees in Gerontology
- 10 Best Master’s in Gerontology Online
- 5 Best Ph.D.s in Gerontology