Academics

Gerontology

The interdisciplinary gerontology program at Nazareth College is an immersive, experience-based program designed to prepare you for graduate work in aging and careers working with older adults. Combine a minor in gerontology with coursework from any department, such as communication sciences and disorders, social work, psychology, nursing, physical therapy, and music therapy.

You are encouraged to intern during one or two semesters at an aging services provider, hospital, or senior living community to supplement and reinforce learning through:

  • Contact with professionals in gerontology and geriatrics
  • Encountering issues and problems in the field of aging
  • Witnessing ways that society responds to the aging issues raised in the classroom
  • Opportunities to evaluate your personal expectations and responses to working with, and for, older adults

Program Options, Requirements, and Course Descriptions

Gerontology (minor)

Contact Information

David W. Steitz

David W. Steitz

Director
585-389-2737
dsteitz4@naz.edu
Golisano Academic Center 338H
Additional Positions:
Professor in Psychology
Bio

Education: B.A., Drew University (Psychology, Sociology); M.S. & Ph.D., Syracuse University (Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Aging)

Teaching Interests: Adult and Late Life Psychology through service-learning and intergenerational community engagement; Issues in Aging; Aging and Community Service; Memory and Cognition; Introduction to Psychology

Research Interests: Gerontology and geriatrics education; intergenerational service-learning; community outreach, programs, and assessment

gerontology program at Nazareth College, Rochester NY

Students and elders attended a presentation by the founder of the Eden Alternative, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating quality of life for elders.

Example Careers

  • Adult education
  • Home health care management
  • Senior center management
  • Aging and the built environment
  • Health and aging policy
  • Intergenerational programs
  • Legal analysis and advocacy
  • Marketing, design and product development
  • Multicultural issues
  • Technology and aging
  • Human resources
  • Volunteer program management
  • Long-term care administration

Career Outlook

  • Understanding issues related to aging is critical in many fields. In 2015, 7 of the 10 highest-rated jobs are in health care, including physical therapists and registered nurses, according to U.S. News & World Report.
  • The rising number of older adults is one significant factor driving the need for more health care workers.
  • By 2030, one in five Americans will be aged 65 or over, nearly double the rate in 2000, according to the US. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.