Degree In Gerontology Research Articles

COMPARABILITY IN GERONTOLOGY CORE COURSES: AN ANALYSIS OF POLICY AND AGING COURSE SYLLABI

The general debate about the comparability of degrees in gerontology is extended by examining syllabi for overview courses in public/social policy and aging from 10 institutions offering master's degrees. Only modest levels of comparability were found in course objectives, topics, and required readings. Although several texts were used in over half the courses, no “core” set of readings could be identified. The analysis raises a fundamental question about the balance of content devoted to understanding the policy‐making process versus content devoted to addressing specific policies and programs related to aging. The results suggest that the issue of comparability of gerontology degrees cannot be settled until further analysis is performed to compare the actual content of core courses in the gerontology curriculum.

Proposals for new full-time Masters degree in gerontology

Proposals for new full-time Masters degree in gerontology

A comparison of graduates with bachelor's and master's degrees in gerontology.

A survey of former bachelor's and master's students of a gerontology degree program found that career paths of the two groups are quite similar. While salaries for individuals with a master's degree were higher, job titles and responsibilities between the two groups did not differ. The majority of respondents in both groups felt they had acquired their current positiion because they had a degree in gerontology.

ASSESSING GERONTOLOGY PERSONNEL

The United States’ Congress mandated the assessment of the Nation's existing and future personnel needs in the field of aging. The Administration on Aging (AoA) was assigned that responsibility. From AoA's funded studies and its own reports, it is evident that: (1) there has not been a detailed assessment of gerontology personnel or gerontological instruction in the United States and (2) there is a lack of consensus on the scope of employment settings, the occupations, and the degree to which these occupations are age related and require training in gerontology. Comparison of published studies of students of master and bachelor degrees in gerontology indicates that a slightly higher percent of master degree students are employed full time, 75% as compared to 71% of bachelor degree students. There is also a slightly higher percent employed full time in aging, 59% as compared to 51% for undergraduate degree students. Valid and reliable data for employment of nondegree students in gerontology remains unexami...

Graduates' perceptions of gerontology master's degree curricula.

A recent survey of 438 gerontology master's degree recipients found that most graduates perceived the course and field work to be valuable in their subsequent employment. They reported that the gerontology content was useful and usable, but that they also would have benefitted from additional skill courses in management and administration of programs as well as interpersonal communication skills. The conclusion is drawn that professional gerontology degree programs could better prepare graduates by balancing content and skill courses in the curriculum.

ARE GRADUATES OF BACHELOR'S DEGREE PROGRAMS IN GERONTOLOGY EMPLOYED? A REPORT OF A NATIONAL SURVEY

Educators and potential students have questioned the employability of gerontology graduates from the increasing number of educational programs in this field in the United States. This study sought to determine the employment of bachelor's degree gerontology graduates, as well as their reaction to their curricula. A national sample of 303 graduates from 17 of the 20 colleges and universities offering bachelor's degrees in gerontology responded to a questionnaire on employment and curriculum needs. Results indicated the majority are employed. Graduates believe they acquired their jobs because they had a degree in gerontology and that a bachelor's degree in gerontology, in contrast to some other degrees, was valuable to their career. There is evidence of needed curriculum additions, especially in the area of business management and related skills. Salary levels representing different areas of employment are summarized. It was concluded that these graduates evidenced a wide variety of career opportunities and...