Major Minor & Certificate
Curriculum
Welcome!
Gerontology focuses on the social, psychological, and biological aspects of aging and older adulthood. Our program embraces a multidisciplinary approach to address the aging process from such fields as psychology, health, biology, sociology, demography, policy, humanities, business, and economics. Our majors are generally interested in improving the lives and well-being of older individuals and their families through career paths in case management, housing, long-term care, services and supports, physical health, and social opportunities. Many students utilize their understanding of aging and applied experiences to pursue graduate work related to health and well-being.
What can I do with a Degree in Psychology?
Our older adult population is growing dramatically on the global, national, and state levels. In addition to the growing aging population that will require specialized services, there are also unmet workforce training needs. Students who have received training in gerontology will be marketable in a broad range of career fields and provide important services for our communities. Students entering graduate school with the foundation of a gerontology undergraduate education are recognized as especially valuable in geriatric social work, occupational therapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation counseling, and other programs focused on health and wellness.
An integral component of the major is the practicum series, where students gain real-world experiences and skills in the field of gerontology. Practicum experiences also help students navigate the transition from college to career.
Potential Careers
- Case Manager
- Activities / Life Enrichment Director
- Social Services / Care Coordinator
- Eligibility / Program Support Specialist
- Executive Director in Assisted Living
- Mental Health Counselor
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Transitions Program Coordinator
- Operations Director / Administrative Assistant
Potential Employers
- Long-Term Care Communities
- Memory Care Communities
- Area Agencies on Aging
- Senior Centers
- Hospice and Palliative Care Organizations
- Health Clinics
- Research Institutes
- Advocacy / Non-Profit Organizations
- Departments of Health and Human Services
Practicum
Get college credit while gaining real world experience
Our students are encouraged to have an internship or practical learning before they graduate. Internships are a great way to gain hands on experience and build a portfolio you can use on the job market.
Get to Know Us
I am a clinical psychologist who teaches classes that are experiential in nature and focus on developing helping skills and empathy related to mental health issues. I also co-lead the Culture, Resilience, Equity, and Well-Being (CREW) lab along with Dr. Espino-Perez. We share an interest in issues regarding psychological health, physical health, equity, and resilience among racial/ethnic minorities. We also subscribe to the idea that science is best when conducted collectively, or with a CREW.
Dr. Alicia Ibaraki
Assistant Professor, Psychology
I am an educational psychologist by degree and teach classes primarily focused in the area of Forensic Psychology. My interests pertain to appropriate and effective use of psychological science in legal and courtroom applications. My volunteer work with Oregon Judicial Department’s Child Welfare/Child Dependency and more recently, Marion County’s Citizen Review Police Board fuel my passion and understanding in these areas. My writing examines phenomenology as applied to psychological well-being and adaptive functioning.
Dr. Tracy Powell
NTT Assistant Professor, Psychology
Of all the topics in psychology, I am most interested in animal behavior: what’s going on in animals’ minds and why do they do what they do. My research focuses on vocal communication, emotion, and evolution in humans and animals. My biggest teaching focus is on helping students build critical and scientific thinking skills that will continue to be useful throughout college and beyond..
Dr. Jay Schwartz
Assistant Professor, Psychology
WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
345 Monmouth Ave. N.
Monmouth OR 97361
503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593