Gerontologist
Gerontology is the social, physical, and psychological study of aging. Gerontologists are professionals that hold a degree in gerontology and work with older adults. There is a diverse array of professions underneath the umbrella term of gerontology. Examples of these professions are as follows: geriatric medicine, academia, research professionals, geriatric social workers, life enrichment professionals, recreation therapists, personal care aids, hospice care workers, and even facility directors.
CAREER DESCRIPTION*
- National median salary: $41,600 - $94,500+
- National projected career growth: 9% or higher
- Three types:
- Research Gerontologist
- Applied Gerontologist
- Administrative Gerontologist
- Many work in long term care settings, hospitals, and public health offices
TYPICAL EDUCATION**
- Years of School (including undergraduate): varies by degree/certificate options
- Geriatric social workers often have a bachelor’s in social work and either a double major in gerontology or a certificate or minor in gerontology.
COMPETITIVE STUDENTS ALWAYS...
- Gain hands on experience through a gerontology internship
- Volunteer
CAREER OPTIONS & REQUIRED DEGREE
- Geriatrician (MD, residency, fellowship)
- Professor (PhD, postdoctoral fellowship)
- Geriatric Social Worker (Master’s Degree)
- Life Enrichment Professional (Bachelor’s Degree)
- Personal Care Aide (On-the-job Training – State Certification)
- Facility Director (Bachelor’s Degree; Administrator in Training program)
NEARBY SCHOOLS
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- B.S., M.A., & Ph.D.
- Minor
- Undergraduate or graduate certificate
- Iowa State University
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER’S (UNMC) PREREQUISITES
All students majoring in Gerontology will obtain 120 credit hours with either a concentration or approved minor.
Gerontology Major (45 credits)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| GERO 2000 Introduction to Gerontology | 3 | F, S, M | N/A |
|
GERO 3000 Community Resources for Older Adults |
3 | F, S | GERO 2000 |
ORGERO 4670 Programs and Services for the Elderly |
3 | F, S, M | Junior or Senior |
| GERO 3070 Death & Dying | 3 | F, S | N/A |
| GERO 3250 Research Methods in Gerontology | 3 | S | N/A |
| GERO 3500 Biological Principles of Aging | 3 |
F, S, M |
Sophomore, Junior, or Senior |
| GERO 4440 Sociology of Aging | 3 | F | N/A |
| GERO 4460 Adult Development & Aging | 3 | F, S, M | Junior or Senior |
| GERO 4470 Mental Health Aspects of Aging | 3 | F, S, M | Junior or Senior |
| GERO 4550 Health Aspects of Aging | 3 | F, S, M | N/A |
| GERO 4690 Working with Minority Elderly | 3 | S, M | N/A |
| Three Gerontology Electives | 9 | N/A | N/A |
| Gerontology Practicum – 156 hours in a practicum site of choice | 3 | F, S, M | N/A |
| Statistics of choice | 3 | N/A | N/A |
| Area of Concentration or Minor | 18 | N/A | N/A |
Gerontology Minor (18 credits)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
| GERO 2000 Introduction to Gerontology | 3 | F, S, M | N/A |
| GERO 3000 Community Resources for Older Adults | 3 | F, S | GERO 2000 |
ORGERO 4670 Programs and Services for the Elderly |
3 | F, S, M | Junior or Senior |
| Four additional courses of choice – GERO 3500 and 4050 are strongly recommended | 12 | N/A | N/A |
Gerontology Certicare (18 Credits)
| Course | Credits | Semester | Prerequisites |
|
GERO 2000 Introduction to Gerontology (Recommended) |
3 | F, S, M | N/A |
|
GERO 4460 Adult Development & Aging (Recommended) |
3 | F, S, M | Junior or Senior |
|
GERO 4670 Programs and Services for the Elderly (Recommended) |
3 | F, S, M | Junior or Senior |
|
GERO 4050 Advanced Biology of Aging (Recommended) |
3 | F, S, M | N/A |
|
GERO 3500 Biological Principles of Aging (Recommended) |
3 | F, S, M | Sophomore/Junior/Senior Standing |
|
GERO 4940 Practicum (Required) |
3 | F, S, M | 9 hours of GERO and a 2.5 GPA |
| 1 additional GERO course of choice | 3 | F, S, M | N/A |
*Data and information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Data and information from UNO
Last update: 9.2025