The bachelor of science in gerontology degree prepares graduates for positions in agencies and institutions that administer and deliver services for older adults, including senior centers, nutrition programs, nursing homes, recreation and counseling agencies, research organizations, and social service agencies.
While providing a basic background in general studies, the gerontology program is flexible enough to permit students to select courses that will best prepare them for particular types of careers within the general field of aging.
Each student in the gerontology program selects a cognate area from areas such as administration, biology, health, human resource management, psychology, recreation, and sociology. Cognate areas are designed by the student and his or her academic advisor. Students pursuing the general gerontology track can expect to graduate in the eight-semester sequence, provided they begin the sequence as a freshman or early in their sophomore year.
Students must take all core courses for a grade and earn a “C” or higher. Students must also maintain a BGSU GPA of at least a 2.5 to remain in the major. Dropping below a 2.5 GPA will result in being placed on departmental probation for one semester, during which the student has the opportunity to raise his/her GPA above the 2.5 level. Failure to do so will result in the student being moved from the GERO category and barred from taking any GERO or DHS courses. One may not graduate with a degree in Gerontology without an overall Bowling Green State University GPA of at least 2.5.
Upon completion of coursework, students in their last semester complete either a 400- or 1000-hour field placement in an agency or an institution serving older adults. Prior to the field experience, each student must complete a 50-hour volunteer or paid experience in a facility or a program with elderly clients.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in gerontology are expected to:
- Critically evaluate contemporary policies and practices, as well as social and cultural issues, as they relate to the elderly, gerontology, and long-term care;
- Demonstrate mastery of key concepts related to aging and societal responses in meeting the needs of the aging population;
- Communicate knowledge about aging to diverse audiences, both orally and in writing.
This program is subject to revision and may be modified to meet student needs.
A special option available is to elect a specialization in long-term care administration, which prepares the student to sit for both the state (Ohio) and federal nursing home administrator’s licensure examinations. This cognate consists of 12 courses in accounting, business administration, economics, finance, legal studies, and management. Students specializing in LTC administration are required to complete an internship of at least 1,000 hours or as required by the state of Ohio’s Board of Executives of Long-Term Care Services and Support (BELTSS) and/or our accrediting body, the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB).
Because of the need for close supervision of the student registered for this practicum experience, it is recommended that the placement be in a facility in close proximity to Bowling Green.
Students pursuing the long-term care administration specialization should be aware of the additional coursework and practicum requirements, which make one or two additional semesters necessary.
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