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

MARGARET MANOOGIAN

Professor, Gerontology: Aging and Older Adulthood
manoogim@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

6 + 15 =

Contact Us

Phone: 503-838-8344

Email: gallaghm@wou.edu

Department website

Western Oregon University

Facebook   Instagram   Twitter  YouTube

WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
345 Monmouth Ave. N.
Monmouth OR 97361

503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593

Tools

Campus Maps
Canvas
Find People
Portal
WOU Email
Technical Support

Resources

A-Z Index
Accessibility
Academic Calendar
Class Schedule
Jobs at WOU
News
Explore WOU
Partnerships
Student Services
Freedom of Expression

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.