Online and Distance Learning

An online gerontology degree provides students with an understanding of aging and its effects on our society, and provides an excellent way to become qualified for a career in this area.

What is gerontology and is it the same as geriatrics?

Gerontology and geriatrics are different.  Gerontology is the study of the aging process and the changes in people as they age. It also includes the investigation of the effects of our aging population on society, and the application of this knowledge to policies and programs. Geriatrics, on the other hand, is the study of health and disease in later life.

As a result of the multidisciplinary focus of gerontology, it is possible to study it from other fields, e.g., psychology, sociology (social gerontology), social work (gerontological social work), medicine (biomedical gerontology), nursing (gerontology nursing). Or it is possible to take a degree in gerontology, usually as a masters degree but also as a major in a bachelors degree, as a certificate or as a PhD.

Where can you study online gerontology?

Many colleges and universities offer a gerontology online degree or a certificate, minor, or specialization in aging to complement a traditional academic major.  Here are a few selected ones:

• University of Phoenix Online
  • Gerontology Health Care Certificate
  • Master of Health in Administration / Gerontology

• Kaplan University Online
  • Geriatric Care Management Certificate
  • B.S. in Human Services/Gerontology

• Capella University
  • MS - Gerontology
  • MPH - Health Management and Policy

• Independence University
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Gerontology

What is studied in online gerontology?

An online gerontology degree provides graduates with the skills and knowledge to assist aging clients with their social, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual needs. Online gerontology programs also provide the resource management skills required to manage long-term care facilities.

As already noted, gerontology is a broad field of studies, drawing on many disciplines.  Thus, an online gerontology program may include psychology (especially dealing with death), anatomy and physiology, sociology, counseling, and health care management.  Some states require professionals to attain licensure or certification, and the requirements vary from state to state.

To succeed in a career in gerontology, in addition to the knowledge you acquire in your online gerontology courses, you also need: excellent communication skills; an interest in working with older adults; and, sensitivity, patience, empathy, and compassion.

Online programs in gerontology can be taken at all levels from Associate to Doctoral level:

At Associate level, students receive training through specific courses in gerontology and skill training experiences. Credits earned in these programs can usually be used toward a four-year degree.

At Bachelor's level, in addition to the course listed above, online gerontology classes may also include government health policies, medical funding, filing insurance claims. business management, policy, and policy planning and management.  Field experience is often a required component.

At Master's level, the curriculum covers such topics as the biological, epidemiological, psychological, and social changes caused by the aging process; cultural and social attitudes toward the aging; care and services that promote productive aging; multigenerational relationships; and the impact of an aging demographic on public policy. 

At Doctoral level - Some universities offer doctoral level specializations in aging within other academic and clinical departments. A few universities offer a Ph.D. in gerontology.

Continuing education programs are available for those preparing for a new career working with aged people, for people already working who want additional knowledge, or for individuals seeking to enrich their lives. In some professions, such as social work, counseling, and nursing, continuing education is required to maintain a license or certificate. 

What careers are there for an online gerontology graduate?

Online gerontology graduates can be found in various settings, including: hospitals, health care facilities, social service agencies, residential facilities, government agencies, aging research laboratories, and community agencies.  The actual gerontology jobs you qualify for depends on experience and the level of the academic qualification you have.

Associate level - an Associate degree in gereontology enables you to seek entry-level jobs or advancement in your current employment.

Bachelor's level - a bachelor's in gereontology qualifies you for entry-level or mid-level jobs as a gereontology practitioner and planner in local and state agencies. With a gerontology online degree, you can also work in areas such as public policy, social sciences, and social work.

Master's level - a masters in gereontology prepares you to become a skilled administrator, planner, and practitioner in gerontology.

Doctoral level -  a PhD gerontology prepares you for a career in gerontological research, teaching, administration, or clinical practice.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The United States of Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that in view of the aging population, opportunities in social and human services for gerontologists will continue to grow. The income level with a gerontology online degree varies depending on whether one is a paraprofessional – aide or assistant - to whether one is a nurse, doctor, or health care administrator. The range is $29,000 to $56,000 a year.

More information relevant to online gerontology

Use this link to find online gerontology programs and schools near you.

Use the search facility on this site to find more online subjects and programs.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.

Interested in an on-campus programme in gerontology?

Use these search forms to help you find a college campus or a university campus near you:

• Click here and then enter your US postal code to find US college or university campuses.
• Click here and then enter your Canadian postal code to find Canadian college or university campuses.