HDFS - Gerontology Programs

What is Gerontology?

Gerontology is the study of the processes of aging in individuals and among populations. It is built on the core disciplines of psychology, sociology and biology with contributions from the field of ethics, demography, law, education, economics and business. Gerontologists examine how aging will critically impact societies and shape policies and programs.

By the year 2020, one out of every five people all over the world will be over the age of 65. This presents both challenges and opportunities for every culture to serve the health and well being of older adults. This growing population offers many new career options for students considering a career in gerontology. Virtually any major area of study - including public health, the humanities, science, economics, or business and law - would be enhanced by adding a specialty area in gerontology. You can expect that any career environment has or will soon have a need for professionals with an expertise in aging. Some of these include:

Corporations
Research facilities
Health facilities
Social service organizations
Government agencies
Community agencies
Advocacy groups
Legal, financial and accounting firms
Independent consulting practices
Higher Education

Gerontology Programs at OSU-Cascades

OSU-Cascades offers both a 4 year degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with an option in Gerontology and a certificate in Gerontology.

The Program in Gerontology at Oregon State University in Corvallis began in 1972 and continues as a comprehensive gerontology program on the Cascades campus.

The program offers multidisciplinary course work in gerontology as a degree program in HDFS and as a certificate program. It provides:

preparation for work with older adults as a specialty within a professional area, such as human services, health care, counseling, nutrition, pharmacy, and others
preparation for careers in aging programs (e.g., senior centers, area agencies on aging, long-term care facilities, and others)
general education for personal growth and understanding
stimulation of faculty and student research in gerontology
community and continuing education in gerontology.

Program Information

Contact Information

The Program in Gerontology is located on the campus of Oregon State University - Cascades in Bend, Oregon. Please contact Enrollment Services for more information: (541) 322-3100 or cascadesadmit@osucascades.edu.