Gerontology – Academics

Gerontology: Aging and Older Adulthood

As the American population grows older, there is an acute need for trained professionals who can work in numerous fields related to gerontology, elder care services and geriatric medicine. That’s where you come in if you choose this program as your major. WOU’s program is nationally recognized, and graduates often have jobs lined up before they even leave campus. If you enjoy working with and supporting older Americans, consider the field of gerontology.

I’m also a minor!

Choose from B.A.S. or B.S.

Four-year degree plan

Video

Related Majors

credits required for the Gerontology major

students enrolled in the Gerontology program

students per class on average in the Gerontology program

of master's degree can be completed as an undergrad at WOU

Sample four-year degree plan

Learning outcomes

Identify the needs of older adults and assess alternatives to address those needs
Explain the cognitive, physical, and social changes associated with older adulthood
Apply perspectives from two or more disciplines to understanding the needs of older adults

Career opportunities

Long-term care administrator
Life enrichment coordinator
Geriatric caseworker
Advocate for older adults
Senior social service provider

Gerontology minor

A minor in gerontology is a great complement to a major related to a health care field. “Gero” mixes well with biology, psychology, sociology or social science. Or pair it with Public Health major if you want to serve the elder population specifically.

credits required for the Gerontology minor

Faculty

MELISSA CANNON

Associate Professor, Gerontology: Aging and Older Adulthood
cannonm@wou.edu

ROB WINNINGHAM

Professor, Psychological Sciences Department
winninr@wou.edu

L.B. BOUCHARD

NTT Assistant Professor, Gerontology: Aging and Older Adulthood
bouchardl@wou.edu

This public directory does not include employees who have requested confidentiality. Please use the WOU internal directory to view all employees.

QUESTIONS - Gerontology

Contact Us

Phone: 503-838-8344

Email: gallaghm@wou.edu

Department website

Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

Accessibility Public Records Privacy Student Consumer Information

WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.