Gerontology BA

Our nation is “graying” at a dramatic rate. In 2023, seniors aged 65+ comprised nearly 18% of the U.S. population, estimated to be around 59 million people. By 2050, this number will jump to about 23% - almost 1 out of every 4 Americans will be 65 years old or older.

As these generations retire, there will be an increased demand for professionals in a wide variety of fields who understand issues related to the aging process. Service for the aging is already one of the fastest growing job markets. 

Gerontology is the study of aging, including the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of the aging process. It includes the study of changes in adults as they age, the ways that society changes with an aging population, and the ways we apply this information to programs and policies for older adults. 

The Gerontology major at AU will help provide you with the skills and background needed in today’s job market. In our program, you will study aging from the psychological, sociological, biological, and political perspectives, and learn about current “hot” topics facing our country, such as Social Security, retirement, community programs and the impact of an aging population on our medical and legal systems. Our multiple community connections will provide you with opportunities to gain hands-on experience through supervised internships. 

All courses used to complete the major must have grades of "C" or better.

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

1. Discuss the aging process from a biological, psychological, and sociological perspective.
2. Articulate measurement concerns commonly encountered when dealing with older adults and methods used to address those concerns (e.g., cohort effects).
3. Discuss major theorists and theories prominent in research in aging, and key contemporary issues within the field of gerontology.
4. Identify commonly held misconceptions regarding aging and provide correct information.
5. Articulate the impact of policy issues on lives/welfare of older adults, work collaboratively with older persons, local government, and community organizations to advocate building age-friendly communities and programs, analyze policy to address key issues and methods to improve the quality of life of older persons and their caregivers/ families, and identify key historical and current policies that influence service provision and support the well-being of older persons.