Master of Science Degree in Gerontology
Advanced Certificate in Thanatology (Grief Counseling)

The Gerontology Program is interdisciplinary in approach and designed for students preparing for a professional career working with older persons or students already employed in the human service field who wish to refocus their skill to more effectively work with older persons. Graduates of the program have continued on to many diverse careers. Some provide direct care to older clients in such fields as care management. Others direct offices of aging, nursing homes, assisted living facilities or other age-related activities and programs. Some graduates have brought their expertise to a field in the private sector such as retirement planning, advertising or human services. Still others have used their knowledge within present careers as educators, clergy, or healthcare professionals. Some graduates have become entrepreneurs, developing new services for an aging population.

The interdisciplinary approach to gerontological education incorporates the contributions of biology, psychology, sociology and spirituality as they relate to the natural processes and consequences of aging. A strong emphasis of the program is cohort analysis, recognizing how the experiences of each will shape their response to aging. This academic foundation is complemented by relevant research and data analysis in the field of aging studies, by skill development courses, including those within the student’s specialization, and by appropriate field experience.

The Master’s program offers two options for specialization: (1) administration (focusing on planning and administrating programs for the older persons) and (2) counseling and direct service to older persons.

Gainful Employment Reporting

Division Office: Chidwick 103 914-654-5561, gradhumanservices@cnr.edu
Assistant Dean for Academic Administration: Wendi Vescio, Chidwick 103