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Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology


Roughly one in five Americans will be 65 or older by 2050, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Add to that the fact that about 15 million Americans over the age of 55 are childless and may have no one to care for them as they age. As a result, the U.S. has a growing shortage of specialists focused on the care of the elderly — meaning that there is an unprecedented need for skilled and caring caretakers and leaders in the field of gerontology.

If you’re passionate about helping others as they age, earning a degree in gerontology from Winston-Salem State University is the first step to following your passion and finding rewarding gerontology degree jobs in this ever-growing field. We offer one of the highest-ranked gerontology degrees in the nation, and our graduates are sought-after in North Carolina and around the country for their exceptional skills and experience.

Join our thriving “Ramily” of scholars, caregivers and leaders in thought-provoking courses, collaborative projects and hands-on experiences that will help you build a robust resume and prepare you to excel as you help others.


Earn Your Degree in Gerontology at Winston-Salem State University

There are many reasons why we’re among the best gerontology schools in the country. For example, when you earn your degree in gerontology from WSSU you’ll benefit from a high-quality education built on a foundation of empathy, social justice and real-world experience helping the elderly. You’ll also learn from a world-class faculty with years of experience teaching and working with older adults.

Get hands-on experience in gerontology

Our dedication to real-world experience is why we’re one of the most respected gerontology schools in the country. When you graduate from WSSU, you’ll have a minimum of 360 hours working in a health care agency, facility or program under the supervision of a professional mentor. You’ll also have a rich resume and meaningful stories to tell as you interview for gerontology degree jobs.

Experienced and industry-connected faculty

Thanks to our small class sizes, you’ll work closely with our remarkable faculty and learn from their experience and commitment to elderly care. They’ll assist you with research projects and help you find satisfying gerontology degree jobs after graduation. Our caring faculty mentors help make us one of the best gerontology degree programs in the nation.

A growing community

We offer so much more than just one of the leading gerontology degrees. We also offer a lively community of peers, alumni and faculty who take pride in being part of one of the top HBCUs in the country. Attend our departmental and university-wide events and get to know your fellow students, or join the National Academic Honor and Professional Society in Gerontology to make lasting personal and professional connections.


What You Can Do With Your Bachelor’s Degree in Gerontology

There are few degrees as rewarding as gerontology degree programs. By focusing on the practical application of the latest theories in gerontology, we prepare you for the important work you’ll be doing every day in gerontology degree jobs.

Our program also prepares you to continue your education in graduate gerontology degree programs. You’ll greatly benefit from the wealth of hands-on experience we provide and the mentorship of faculty members as you apply for advanced gerontology degrees.

Here are some of the most exciting jobs students with gerontology degrees can look forward to after graduation:

Career outlook for Gerontology graduates

Gerontology is a diverse field of study, and there are a lot of possible career paths you can follow after graduation. This means that job outlook greatly depends on your career aspirations.

For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for social and human service professionals will grow 17% over the next decade, significantly faster than the average for other occupations.

Those interested in becoming home health and personal care aides can expect even better job growth, with a predicted 33% growth over the same amount of time.


Explore Classes for the Degree in Gerontology Program

As you earn your degree in gerontology from WSSU, you’ll build a solid foundation in concepts like the biology of aging, lifespan development, public policy and the social sciences. Every course is centered around the importance of empathy, patience and dedication to social justice — skills that can help you in any number of careers, not just gerontology.

Some of the courses that make us one of the best gerontology schools in the country include:

View the full degree in gerontology program requirements and course catalog.


Your Experience as a Gerontology Major at Winston-Salem State

Student Life at WSSU

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Support and Resources Available to You

Attending WSSU means so much more than earning one of the best gerontology degrees available. It also means being a vital member of our “Ramily” and surrounding yourself with others who share your passion for education and social justice. Learn more about how you can take advantage of student life at WSSU, join a Black Greek Letter Organization and help the campus community through Student Government.

 

 

 

You’ve decided to invest in your education and give back to the community by caring for the elderly. You’ve also chosen to attend one of the best gerontology degree programs you can. Nothing should come between you and these goals, including the cost of your education. That’s why WSSU is committed to offering one of the most affordable gerontology degrees through low-cost tuition and financial aid.

Learn more about general financial aid information.

 

Even before your first day at WSSU, you’ll be supported by an exceptionally dedicated team of Academic Success Counselors and have access to cutting-edge Student Success Technologies and Career Development Services to ensure that you excel at every stage of your academic and professional journey.

Learn more about the Department of Behavioral Sciences.

Take the Next Step

When you choose to attend Winston-Salem State University to earn your degree in gerontology, you choose to embrace your passion to make the world a better place. You choose to attend one of the highest-ranking gerontology schools in the nation. Most of all, you choose to #BeTheNext great nursing assistant, social worker or home health aide.

My experience at WSSU has been exhilarating. It is a great place to grow into adulthood. I am sure that I will continue to meet people who will be great alumni and colleagues.

Adrienne W., Gerontology B.A.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs Related to Gerontology


Accreditation for Gerontology at WSSU