Online Bachelors Degree in Gerontology

Experts in gerontology are expected to be in hot demand as the baby boomers age. By 2030, the youngest of the baby boomer generation will turn 65, according to the 2008 report "Retooling for an Aging America: Building the Healthcare Workforce" by the Institute of Medicine. That means a significant uptick in social services and medical care for 78 million baby boomers. Gerontologists will have a lot of work to do.

Earning bachelor's degrees in gerontology

Gerontology looks at the process of aging, including study of the biological, behavioral and social changes that occur as the years pass. To that end, expect a good deal of research, case studies and fieldwork in pursuit of your bachelor's degree. Typical courses for the gerontology major cover the biology, psychology and sociology of aging, as well as topics like death and dying. A strong foundation in life sciences, social sciences and language can be helpful.

Career options, outlook and salary

Bachelor's degrees in gerontology can be the starting point for many career paths. Here are some potential activities:

1. Applied gerontologists work with the elderly, including individuals, families and social groups.
2. Administrators develop programs for the elderly, managing elder care facilities or pushing for changes in public policy.
3. Researchers look at the varied ways in which aging affects society, including health implications, social issues and living conditions.
4. Social workers are employed in nursing homes, public health services, senior citizen centers and the like.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not report separate wages for gerontology, but it reported a median annual wage of $42,480 for social workers in 2010. These professionals should see strong employment opportunities, with jobs growing by 25 percent from 2010 to 2020.

Academic options in gerontology

The bachelor's degree is the minimum for most positions in the world of gerontology. The BLS notes that a bachelor's degree qualifies you for many social work occupations, but some settings and responsibilities require a master's degree. Those who want to expand their horizons to include research and clinical gerontology can continue with advanced studies leading to a graduate degree or medical specialization in geriatrics.

Some programs in gerontology require fieldwork and clinical training. A hybrid education -- one that consists of both online education and hands-on experience -- might be a good bet for earning the degree.

Experts in gerontology are expected to be in hot demand as the baby boomers age. By 2030, the youngest of the baby boomer generation will turn 65, according to the 2008 report "Retooling for an Aging America: Building the Healthcare Workforce" by the Institute of Medicine. That means a significant uptick in social services and medical care for 78 million baby boomers. Gerontologists will have a lot of work to do.

Earning bachelor's degrees in gerontology

Gerontology looks at the process of aging, including study of the biological, behavioral and social changes that occur as the years pass. To that end, expect a good deal of research, case studies and fieldwork in pursuit of your bachelor's degree. Typical courses for the gerontology major cover the biology, psychology …