Why study gerontology at BGSU in Ohio?
- Small classes. Average class size for upper-level gerontology classes is 35 students. This allows for more individualized instruction.
- Experiential learning. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the needs of older adults by volunteering and participating in service learning and a required practicum (400 hours senior year).
- Learn from decades of gerontology expertise. BGSU has been preparing students since 1976 to understand aging and serve the needs of older adults.
- Dedicated faculty. Gerontology is a career for people who care. It’s rooted in concern and compassion for a population both uniquely vulnerable and valued. Each of our educators is committed to teaching approaches that emphasize the importance of individuality, dignity and positive adaptations for all who are aging.
- Gerontology Student Association. Make key professional contacts and get actively involved in meaningful service projects such as crafting public awareness campaigns about fall risks or serving meals at local senior centers. Bonus: Most GSA events count toward the volunteer hours required for gerontology degree majors.
- Graduate options. Continue your studies at BGSU in our Master of Science in interdisciplinary gerontology or our Master of Science in interdisciplinary gerontology with a long-term care administration specialization.
Public university in the nation for career prep
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Career – what can you do with a gerontology specialization?
A gerontology specialization offers opportunities to pursue work that’s both highly rewarding and in high demand.
Emerging career opportunities in gerontology are expansive and fast-growing. By 2050, the global over-60 population will double to 2 billion. Also by then, 1 in 5 Americans (nearly 90 million) will be older than 65, compared to 35 million in 2000 (source: U.S. Department of Agriculture).
This demographic shift has wide-ranging implications for virtually every corner of society – from healthcare to housing to how we structure our communities. The need for professionals who understand aging processes and are committed to helping older adults maintain health, independence and quality of life has never been greater.
Graduates with a BGSU applied health science degree: gerontology specialization can pursue leadership careers in:
- Assisted living facilities
- Community clinics
- Family service agencies
- Hospice
- Home health services
- Senior centers and adult day care centers
- Insurance companies
- Nonprofit agencies
- Public service agencies
Some students start their journey into gerontology knowing exactly where they want their studies to take them. Others take their time deciding their track. Our knowledgeable gerontology faculty can help you find your niche.
Career paths
- Medical and health services manager
- Social worker
- Nursing home administrator (licensure requires LTC specialization)
- Medicare advisor
- Health marketing communications
- Senior housing project manager
Curriculum
The bachelor’s applied health science degree: gerontology specialization program requires 120 credit hours, which include:
- 32 core credits
- 16 supportive requirement credits
- 36 credits in gerontology
- 12 practicum hours, completed after all coursework in finished
The curriculum begins with a solid liberal arts foundation, followed by a core group of gerontology and applied health science courses. Students are encouraged to choose a minor from biology to business that allows them to enhance professional skills or meet requirements for graduate programs.
Gerontology students complete a 400-hour practicum with a program, agency or care center serving older adults. Placements are generally near the University to allow for close faculty supervision.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in applied health science: gerontology specialization will be expected to:
- Critically evaluate contemporary policies, practices and cultural issues related to older adults, gerontology and senior living
- Demonstrate mastery of key concepts related to aging and societal responses in meeting the needs of the aging population
- Communicate knowledge about aging to diverse audiences orally and in writing
Have questions about the program or the curriculum? Contact pah@bgsu.edu or 419-372-6040.
Sample courses
- Aging, Individual and Society
- Mental Health and Aging
- Health and Aging
- Applied Social Gerontology
- Social Policy and Program Development
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Minor in gerontology
A minor in gerontology complements many majors – nursing, business administration, communications, psychology, sociology, education, community health, speech-language pathology, audiology, social work and more.
Students must complete 21 hours of gerontology coursework – three core courses and four more from an approved list. No internship is required.
If you’re interested in minoring in gerontology, contact pah@bgsu.edu or 419-372-6040 as soon as possible, as each individual plan of study requires program director approval.
The applied health science: gerontology program is part of the Department of Public and Allied Health in the BGSU College of Health and Human Services.
Updated: 10/06/2026 08:04PM