Social Gerontology Concentration

• Specialized concentration focused on aging, older adulthood and health-related issues
• Coursework exploring aging from social, physical and psychological perspectives
• Opportunities to study topics such as Alzheimer's disease, health care, grief and the life course
• Internship opportunities that provide hands-on experience in aging-related settings
• Emphasis on serving a rapidly growing population with increasing societal needs

By completing the Social Gerontology concentration, you will:

• Understand the social, psychological and health-related dimensions of aging
• Analyze the needs of older adults within families, communities and health care systems
• Evaluate social science research and apply research methods to human services questions
• Recognize the role of ethics, diversity and client-centered care in services for older adults
• Develop professional communication, interviewing and human services skills 

This concentration prepares students to work in roles focused on supporting children, adolescents and families across educational, social service and community settings.

Students in the Social Gerontology concentration may benefit from adding the Nonprofit Leadership minor to gain insight into the organizations that provide many services for older adults and their families. 

The Nonprofit Leadership minor is especially useful for students interested in:

• Understanding how nonprofit organizations address the needs of aging populations
• Building leadership skills in advocacy, program administration and community engagement
• Learning how fundraising, grant writing and program evaluation support aging services
• Exploring public policy and social issues that affect older adults and caregivers
• Strengthening preparation for careers in aging services, nonprofit organizations, health care or graduate study