Top Gerontology Schools & Programs

The field of gerontology, which focuses on the study of aging and the challenges faced by older adults, has gained increasing importance in recent decades as the population ages globally. As people live longer and the elderly population grows, there is a rising demand for professionals who understand the biological, psychological, social, and policy-related aspects of aging. To meet this demand, several universities in the United States offer exceptional gerontology programs that provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to address the needs of older adults.

Among the top institutions in the U.S. offering gerontology programs are the University of Southern California, McDaniel College, San Diego State University, Bowling Green State University, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. These institutions are widely recognized for their commitment to research, education, and service in the field of aging studies.

The University of Southern California (USC) is perhaps the most prestigious and well-known institution offering a gerontology program in the United States. The USC Davis School of Gerontology, which is the oldest and largest school of gerontology in the world, has been at the forefront of aging research and education for decades. With a strong academic foundation and a global perspective on aging, the USC Davis School offers a variety of degree programs that cater to both undergraduate and graduate students. The school provides comprehensive courses in gerontology, including a gerontology minor program that allows students to integrate a life course perspective on aging into their broader academic studies. This program offers students the unique opportunity to gain insight into the aging process from biological, psychological, and social perspectives.

One of the defining features of the USC Davis School of Gerontology is its commitment to research and its impact on both national and international aging policies. The school is renowned for its cutting-edge research on aging, which includes areas such as health promotion, aging-related diseases, caregiving, and the social implications of an aging population. USC’s faculty members are recognized leaders in gerontology, and their research often influences public policy related to aging and elder care. As the largest school dedicated to gerontology, USC offers students unmatched opportunities for hands-on research experience and networking with professionals in the field. Whether students are interested in pursuing careers in clinical gerontology, aging policy, or social work, USC provides a comprehensive educational environment that prepares them to become leaders in the field of aging studies.

McDaniel College, located in Westminster, Maryland, is another highly respected institution offering gerontology programs. The college offers both a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Gerontology and a graduate-level certificate in Gerontology. Additionally, McDaniel provides an undergraduate minor in Gerontology and a five-year B.A./M.S. program in the field through its Center for the Study of Aging. This combination of undergraduate and graduate options allows students to tailor their educational journey to their specific career goals and interests. McDaniel College’s gerontology minor is particularly noteworthy, as it has earned the Program of Merit designation from the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE). This distinction recognizes the program’s high academic standards and its focus on preparing students to address the multifaceted challenges of aging.

The Center for the Study of Aging at McDaniel College is dedicated to research and education in aging, and it provides students with unique opportunities for internships and fieldwork in the aging services sector. The college’s programs emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to gerontology, drawing on knowledge from sociology, psychology, healthcare, and policy studies. Graduates of McDaniel’s gerontology programs are well-equipped to pursue careers in social work, healthcare management, aging policy, and other fields related to the care and support of older adults. With its strong academic reputation and commitment to excellence, McDaniel College has become a leading institution for gerontology education.

San Diego State University (SDSU) is another top university offering a comprehensive gerontology program. The Department of Gerontology at SDSU has long been a leader in the study of aging, particularly in relation to minority aging and the evolving demographics of the United States. The department offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in gerontology, including a Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology and a Master of Science in Gerontology. SDSU’s program is notable for its emphasis on diversity and inclusion, with a particular focus on the needs and challenges faced by minority populations as they age. The department also offers a Certificate Program in Applied Gerontology through the College of Extended Studies, which provides students with specialized training in aging-related fields.

SDSU’s gerontology program is distinguished by its focus on applied knowledge and real-world experience. Students are encouraged to engage in hands-on learning through internships, research projects, and community service. The program also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to work with professionals from other fields such as healthcare, social work, and public policy. SDSU has a strong network of partnerships with local healthcare providers, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, offering students ample opportunities to gain practical experience and make meaningful contributions to the aging community. SDSU’s commitment to research in aging, particularly in the areas of minority aging and healthcare disparities, makes it an ideal choice for students interested in addressing the unique challenges faced by diverse aging populations.

Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is another institution that has made significant contributions to the field of gerontology. BGSU was one of the first universities in the country to offer a bachelor's degree in gerontology, and it continues to be a leader in undergraduate education in the field. The university’s gerontology program provides students with a strong interdisciplinary foundation in aging studies, covering topics such as aging and healthcare, aging and society, and the biological aspects of aging. BGSU’s program also meets the standards set by the Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administration (BEHNA) in the state of Ohio, which adds credibility to its focus on preparing students for careers in long-term care administration.

BGSU’s gerontology program emphasizes both theory and practice, offering students opportunities for hands-on learning through internships and fieldwork. The program also promotes a strong research component, with students encouraged to participate in aging-related research projects alongside faculty members. Graduates of BGSU’s gerontology program are well-prepared to pursue careers in a variety of fields, including healthcare administration, aging services, social work, and policy advocacy. With its longstanding history in gerontology education and its commitment to preparing students for successful careers in aging services, BGSU remains one of the top institutions for students interested in pursuing a career in gerontology.

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Gerontology, with concentrations in aging and business and nonprofit management. This program, which is jointly offered with the Department of Political Science, provides students with a unique opportunity to combine aging studies with business and nonprofit management skills. This interdisciplinary approach prepares students for careers in aging services, healthcare administration, and nonprofit organizations that serve older adults. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific career goals.

UNCG’s program is designed to meet the growing demand for professionals who are equipped to address the complexities of aging in a rapidly changing world. The university’s focus on business and nonprofit management makes it an ideal choice for students interested in combining gerontology with organizational leadership and policy development. UNCG also offers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, which can be pursued simultaneously with the gerontology program, providing students with additional credentials to enhance their career prospects. The program’s strong focus on research, policy, and management makes it an excellent choice for students looking to make a significant impact in the field of aging.

In conclusion, the University of Southern California, McDaniel College, San Diego State University, Bowling Green State University, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro are among the top U.S. institutions offering outstanding gerontology programs. These universities provide students with the education, research opportunities, and practical experience needed to address the challenges of an aging population. Whether through interdisciplinary programs, specialized research, or hands-on fieldwork, these institutions equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a growing and dynamic field. As the aging population continues to grow, these universities remain at the forefront of gerontology education, preparing the next generation of leaders to address the complex issues of aging.