Introduction - Curriculum - Program Strengths - For Further Information

Introduction  

Gerontology, the study of aging, is an expanding area of interest. Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the population. In 1900, the average life expectancy was 47 years, and only 4% of the population was aged 65 or older. By 1990, the average life expectancy had increased to 75 years, and it is projected that by the year 2020, the elderly will comprise 17.7% of the population. The rapid increase in the number of older Americans has altered the economic, social, and political roles occupied by older adults continuing to bring about changes in our society as a whole.

With these trends in mind, BGSU instituted one of the first bachelor's degrees in gerontology in the country. Since awarding our first degree in 1976, BGSU has been preparing graduates for positions in agencies and institutions that administer and deliver services for older adults including senior centers, social service and health care agencies, and nursing homes. Today, BGSU is one of fewer than 50 colleges/universities in the country that offer bachelors degree in gerontology.

Curriculum  

Students who graduate from the undergraduate program in Gerontology will have a strong interdisciplinary background in aging studies. In addition to a liberal arts base, students complete course work in a cognate area. Cognates provide specialization in biology, health, human resource management, nutrition, psychology, recreation, and service planning.

The final component of the program is the practicum experience which blends theory from the classroom and practical experience in an agency serving older adults. The practicum consists of a minimum of 400 hours of on-site, supervised effort in a program, agency or institution that serves the elderly. Students specializing in long-term care are required to undertake an 800 hour practicum experience.

Program Strengths  

Small Class Sizes
The average class size is under 25 students, which allows students and faculty to interact on a more personal level. Faculty can provide more individualized attention to students and work to ensure that students are receiving the appropriate information they need for their goals.

Experiential Component
The required practicum gives students an understanding of the needs of older adults and the services they require. There is a strong emphasis on helping older adults adapt to aging in positive ways, ever mindful of their uniqueness and their individual dignity.

Two Tracks of Study
Students can choose to pursue general gerontology or long-term care administration courses of study. Both tracks require the completion of a field placement.

Preparation for Long-term Care Licensure
Our program meets the standards set by the State of Ohio which enables the graduate to become a licensed administrator of a long-term care facility

For Further Information  

Gerontology Program
College of Health and Human Services
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH 43403
(419)372-7768