If the thought of helping elderly patients live life to the fullest brings a smile to your face, a career in gerontology may be right for you. Gerontologists study the process of aging and aim to increase quality of life for elderly patients. The goal of their research is to improve the physical and emotional health of the world\u2019s aging population. Some gerontologists even work directly with elderly patients and provide support with daily tasks.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong>Gerontology is a rich, diverse field with many career paths to choose from. Gerontologists may work one-on-one with patients in a hospital or nursing home environment, or they may research in a lab with limited patient interaction. When choosing a gerontology program, it\u2019s important to decide what career track is right for you.<\/p>\n Many of the top gerontology programs in the U.S. will teach you the same fundamentals. However, to get the most from your education, you should find a program that focuses on your preferred area of study.<\/p>\n You can choose from undergraduate programs that focus on:<\/em><\/p>\n Regardless of which path you choose, your ultimate goal will be to treat the mental and physical difficulties of aging. You\u2019ll also help your patients lead rich, fulfilling lives. Read on to learn how you can select a school that suits your individual goals.<\/p>\n To help you get the most for your time and money, we\u2019ve put together this list of top-rated undergraduate Gerontology programs.<\/p>\n We considered the following factors:<\/em><\/p>\n Tuition:<\/strong> $57,256 (in-state and out-of-state)<\/p>\n The Leonard Davis School at the University of Southern California has an impressive selection of gerontology programs.<\/p>\n You can choose from the following gerontology degree options:<\/em><\/p>\n The ability to tailor your degree program to your unique interests brings the Leonard Davis School to the top of our list. You\u2019ll also be able to take advantage of over $500,000 in scholarships given to students annually.<\/p>\n You can learn more about undergraduate programs at the USC Leonard Davis School here.<\/a><\/p>\n Tuition:<\/strong> $6,410 in-state, $17,324 out-of-state<\/p>\n The School of Aging Studies at the University of Southern Florida has been offering gerontology degrees since 1967. With such an impressive track record, it\u2019s no surprise that the program has earned its place among the best in the country. And with reasonable tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students, USF\u2019s gerontology program deserves a place at the top of our list.<\/p>\n Students can gain hands-on experience through internships, and choose from two different degrees and one minor: <\/em><\/p>\n The School of Aging Studies also offers exciting research opportunities in:<\/em><\/p>\n You can learn more about the University of Southern Florida\u2019s gerontology program here.<\/a><\/p>\n Tuition:<\/strong> $12,269 in-state, $26,220 out-of-state<\/p>\n The Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University is an excellent choice for students interested in a research track. Wayne State University boasts four research labs and a large research volunteer pool.<\/p>\n Students can pursue research in:<\/em><\/p>\n After their bachelors is complete, students can also go on to pursue a graduate certificate in gerontology. Some lucky students will also be able to take advantage of the Elizabeth A. Olson Award for\u00a0Gerontology Education Memorial Fund.<\/a><\/p>\n Learn more about the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University here.<\/a><\/p>\n Tuition:<\/strong> $43,978 (in-state and out-of-state)<\/p>\n Established in 1992, the Ithaca College Gerontology Institute is devoted to serving the aging population in surrounding communities. Students can choose from a B.A. or B.S. in Aging Studies to suit their individual career goals.<\/p>\n One of the most unique features of the Ithaca College gerontology program is the partnership with Longview<\/a>, a nearby adult residential facility. This exciting volunteer opportunity allows students to improve the lives of the aging population while gaining valuable career skills. Students will also gain access to the Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center, where they can apply for internships with experienced gerontologists.<\/p>\n Tuition:<\/strong> $18,618 in-state, $29,758 out-of-state<\/p>\n Although the University of Pittsburgh doesn\u2019t offer a gerontology major, students can earn a Certificate in Gerontology through the School of Social Work. According to the program\u2019s website<\/a>, the certificate aims to \u201cenhance students\u2019 understanding of the aging process and to provide them with the skills relevant to practice with and\/or on behalf of older adults and their family members.\u201d This certificate would be a great option for students interested in an applied gerontology track with a focus on social work.<\/p>\n Learn more about the University of Pittsburgh\u2019s Certificate in Gerontology here.<\/a><\/p>\n Tuition:<\/strong> $7,932 in-state, $17,782 out-of-state<\/p>\n SUNY Oneonta\u2019s gerontology program recently earned a place of honor on University.com<\/a>. Students who pursue B.S. in Gerontology Studies here will receive individualized attention from staff, as well as plenty of exciting internship opportunities. With reasonable tuition and scholarships<\/a> available, SUNY Oneonta\u2019s gerontology program stands out from the crowd.<\/p>\n The program places a heavy focus on sociology and psychology, so SUNY Oneonta would be an excellent choice for students interested in applied gerontology\u2014or even the psychology side of gerontology research.<\/p>\n Learn more about the Gerontology Studies major at SUNY Oneonta here.<\/a><\/p>\n Tuition:<\/strong> $8,794 in-state, $23,542 out-of-state<\/p>\n The Gerontology Institute at Georgia State University offers many generous scholarships<\/a> for its students, as well as several different customizable degree options. Students will earn a Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Gerontology, and they\u2019ll be able to focus on Behavioral and Social Sciences or Health and Health Services.<\/p>\n Students also have the option of earning credits towards a graduate degree with the BA in Sociology\/MA in Gerontology dual degree program. This program offers a rare opportunity for students to enroll in graduate-level courses while working towards a BA in Sociology.<\/p>\n If neither of these options suit your needs, you can also choose to earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Gerontology<\/a> while working towards a completely different major.<\/p>\n Learn more about the exciting gerontology opportunities at Georgia State University here.<\/a><\/p>\n Erica Campbell<\/em><\/p>\n B.S. Biology\u00a0| Utica College<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n A.S.\u00a0\u00a0| Herkimer County Community College<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n More Articles of Interest:<\/strong><\/p>\n If the thought of helping elderly patients live life to the fullest brings a smile to your face, a career in gerontology may be […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":0,"parent":12027,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"mobius_hide_qdf":false,"mobius_hide_el":false,"mobius_limit":"","mobius_degree":"bachelors","mobius_category":"nursing-and-healthcare","mobius_subject":"gerontology","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-17655","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n
What are the best undergraduate gerontology programs in the United States?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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1. University of Southern California<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
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2. University of Southern Florida<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
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3. Wayne State University<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
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4. Ithaca College<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
5. University of Pittsburgh<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
6. SUNY Oneonta<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
7. Georgia State University <\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n
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