Online Gerontology Degrees: Compare Schools & Get Program Info
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HealthcareNursingPre-Nursing EditorialSenior CareDementia CareMaybe you’ve thought about studying gerontology, but aren’t sure exactly what it is or what you actually learn in a degree program. Or perhaps you’ve already decided to get a degree in gerontology, but want to know what earning one online would be like. No matter your situation, chances are you have many questions about earning an online gerontology degree that this guide can answer for you.
People who complete gerontology programs gain a holistic perspective of aging that they can apply to numerous jobs, whether they help older adults directly or indirectly. During their studies, students learn about primary, secondary, or tertiary aging issues, which allows them to understand the physical, emotional, and cognitive deterioration of the human body, as well as the chronic conditions that are common among older individuals.
Depending on the program, gerontology degrees can be earned completely or partially online. Many of the topics that students learn in these programs — such as the psychology of aging, lifespan development, gerontological public policy and advocacy, and case management — can be studied in online classes. Programs may require that students take capstone courses that are conducted on campus or participate in hands-on learning experiences at gerontology-related organizations.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Online Gerontology Degree Program Options
Whether students are learning about gerontology for the first time in order to land an entry-level position or are already healthcare professionals who want to deepen their knowledge of gerontology to get a higher-level position, there is a program available that suits their needs. Below are descriptions of online gerontology degrees available at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as certification programs in gerontology.
Online Associate Degrees in Gerontology
Online gerontology associate degrees, which are generally offered by community colleges, are designed to give students a sturdy foundation of knowledge and skills needed to enter the field. People generally will graduate with an understanding of the physical, social, spiritual and psychological components of aging; the development and implementation of services provided to meet the holistic needs of seniors; aging theories and how they relate to seniors on a group and individual level; and the ways seniors are viewed and treated by society.
Best for … those who want to pursue careers as social services workers, nursing assistants, meal coordinators, or adult educators.
Program Requirements
Total Credits: 60 credits
Other Common Requirements: Internship
Time to Complete
Part-Time Program: 4 Years
Full-Time Program: 2 Years
Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Gerontology
Students in online gerontology bachelor’s degrees learn about aging independence and the financial, legal, and ethical issues associated with it; contemporary and classic research and theories related to aging; best practices for providing services to the elderly; and the changing relationship dynamics between older people and their loved ones. Specific classes found in these programs include the sociology of aging, aging and health, long-term care administration, and the cognitive and emotional impact of aging. Also, general education classes are required to increase students’ knowledge of areas like math, science, public speaking, and writing.
Best for … those who want to become social workers, home health aides, social scientists, administrative gerontologists, and geriatric case managers.
Program Requirements
Total Credits: 120 credits
Other Common Requirements: Internship
Time to Complete
Part-Time Program: 6 Years
Full-Time Program: 4 Years
Master’s Degrees in Gerontology Online
Online master’s degrees in gerontology provide an advanced look at the discipline by focusing on the societal challenges people face as they age; the cognitive, physical, and emotional ramifications of the aging process; the laws and ethics followed by those in the gerontology field; and strategies for conducting gerontology research. Specific coursework may include topics like lifespan development and sociology, bereavement studies, aging and the family, and counseling the older adult.
Best for … people who have been in the aging field for a while and want to advance their knowledge and skills to obtain a higher-level position, as well as people who want to enter the gerontology field as a second career.
Program Requirements
Total Credits: 36 credits
Other Common Requirements: Thesis, Field Practicum, or Capstone Course
Time to Complete
Part-Time Program: 6 Years
Full-Time Program: 2 Years
Gerontology Certificate Programs Online
Certificate programs at the undergraduate and graduate level offer a deep dive into gerontology that can generally be completed in about one year. On the undergraduate level, students become familiar with the principles of gerontology in order to provide services to older adults, while the graduate level certificate generally combines gerontology studies with leadership development in order to prepare students to run organizations that cater to the elderly.
Best for … people who want to begin providing services to senior citizens, as well as those who want to move up the ladder in their gerontology careers.
Program Requirements
Total Credits: 24 credits
Other Common Requirements: Internship, Capstone project
Time to Complete
Part-Time Program: 2 Years
Full-Time Program: 1 Years
Online PhDs in Gerontology
PhD programs focus on the strategies for conducting gerontology research. Students learn how to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, analyze past research and gerontology policies, formulate theories, and communicate research findings to other professionals. In addition, online PhDs in gerontology also help students develop leadership skills.
Best for … those who want to obtain a gerontology research position or become a college professor to train future gerontologists, as well as those who want to run gerontology organizations.
Program Requirements
Total Credits: 60 credits
Other Common Requirements: Dissertation
Time to Complete
Part-Time Program: 8 Years
Full-Time Program: 5 Years
Gerontology as a Specialization Within Other Degree Programs
Some schools offer gerontology as a standalone degree program, while others offer it as a concentration within a degree in a different academic discipline. The following are examples of other degree programs that may have a gerontology specialization.
Advanced Practice Nursing
Advanced practice nursing degrees that concentrate on gerontology teach students how to provide care that is tailored to the needs of older patients. In order to foster this understanding, these programs offer coursework on adult assessments, common health problems among the elderly, geriatric syndromes, and transitional care for older, chronically ill patients. More information can be found on our dedicated page about online adult gerontology nurse practitioner degrees.
Human and Social Services
This degree prepares students to implement and execute programs that provide services to seniors in a community. Topics that may be covered include human services administration, grant writing, contemporary gerontology, culture and aging, and advocating on behalf of the elderly.
Social Work
Social workers need to tailor their practice to the needs of specific communities, so those who want to primarily work with senior citizens can earn this degree to become experts on the needs of elderly clients. Coursework may cover death and dying, grief, the role of spirituality among older people, and assisting seniors with substance abuse issues.
Psychology
Psychology students who concentrate on gerontology focus on the psychological aspects of aging. These programs address gerontology behavioral science research, counseling strategies for treating the elderly, social policies that affect older people, and the emotional support that people and their families need as they face the end of their lives.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Gerontology?
People who earn a gerontology degree often pursue careers involving the direct or indirect administration of services to the elderly and older adults. Whether they want to provide daily healthcare services for patients in a nursing home or contribute to the policymaking process that impacts the services older people can receive, people who earn an online degree in gerontology can play numerous roles to help make the lives of the elderly better. The following are examples of some of the career options available to gerontology graduates.
Understanding Accreditation for Online Gerontology Programs
When looking for an online gerontology program, it’s important to only consider schools that have been accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). This will ensure you get the high-quality education you need to reach your career goals. Accredited schools are required to undergo a strenuous review process so you can feel confident you’re earning a worthwhile degree. Schools are accredited by regional organizations like the Higher Learning Commission, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or by national associations like the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
There are currently no organizations recognized by the DOE that specifically accredit gerontology programs. However, the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education offers a list of “programs of merit” where schools gain recognition through a voluntary review process. The Accreditation for Gerontology Education Council is another organization that approves gerontology programs, but has not yet gained recognition from the DOE. You can use approval from these organizations as an extra way to determine a program’s quality, but it should not be mistaken for real accreditation.
You can check the accreditation status of programs you’re considering by visiting school websites or by visiting this DOE search tool.
Finding Help Paying Your Online Gerontology Degree
No matter what program students choose, paying for an online gerontology degree can be challenging. Although the prospect of paying for a degree may seem overwhelming at first, there are ways for students to save money through financial aid. From student loans to scholarships and grants to internship programs, there are many avenues students can take to lower the cost of their degree.
For more information about how you can find and apply for financial aid to help pay for a gerontology degree program, read through our financial aid guide. You can also apply for one of EduMed’s four scholarships and learn about other scholarship opportunities on our dedicated scholarships page.
Recommended Gerontology Degree & Career Resources
Looking for even more information on degrees and careers in gerontology? We’ve put together the following list of top online resources so you can continue your research and keep on top of the latest industry trends.
Professional Gerontology Organizations
- American Society on Aging
- The Gerontological Society of America
- American Geriatrics Society
- National Association for Professional Gerontologists
- National Council on Aging
- Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education
- Southern Gerontological Society
- Georgia Gerontology Society
- International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics
- Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Online Resources for Gerontology Students & Professionals
Best Accredited Online Gerontology Programs for 2025
Online gerontology degree programs can lead to a number of rewarding jobs, but students must find the best school for their needs first. In order to help you find the school that will allow you to reach your career aspirations, we have compiled the following list of the country’s best gerontology programs for this academic year. These accredited schools were chosen based on their flexible curriculum, affordable price, and the career-ready skills that graduates leave with.
