Students interested in pursuing a gerontology degree in college can begin preparing in high school. Advanced Placement courses in math and science will be especially helpful for college preparation. According to the Princeton Review website, courses in English, philosophy, psychology, government and history will also be beneficial. Outside of school, consider volunteering at a nursing home or senior center to become more familiar with the elderly and the aging issues they face.
Unlike geriatrics, which mostly studies medical issues associated with aging, gerontology studies aging and old age in a more interdisciplinary way. Students pursuing this degree can expect to study the biology of aging, how aging affects the elderly psychologically, current societal views of aging and how aging has been viewed historically, which can be learned by examining literature, philosophy, history and religion.
A gerontology degree program will likely include courses in biology and psychology of adult development, human physical aging, society and adult development, administrative issues in aging and working with the elderly. According to the Central Washington University website, a degree in gerontology will prepare students for careers in nursing homes, senior centers and retirement homes. Because the size of the senior population is increasing, jobs in the field are also increasing.
According to the Princeton Review website, there are 72 colleges and universities that offer a gerontology degree program in the United States. When choosing a program, consider the school's location, faculty-to-student ratio, structure of the program and tuition. Schools offering the degree include Central Washington University, Oklahoma State University, San Diego State University, Eastern Tennessee State University and Bowling Green State University, to name a few.