BA in Gerontological Studies in Cleveland United States | Case Western Reserve University

The Gerontological Studies Program offers an interdisciplinary approach that combines research and theories on aging and human development throughout life. Significant societal shifts are driving researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and others to examine aging as both a personal and worldwide phenomenon. In addition to the global aging population, key areas of transformation include advancements in biosocial research (such as epigenetics and gene-environment interactions), heightened awareness of economic disparities, major political and economic trends (like cumulative advantage/disadvantage, retirement policies, and generational fairness), and cultural shifts (including innovative institutional frameworks and the expanding anti-aging sector).

Course offerings span multiple departments, including Anthropology, Psychological Sciences, and Sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, and the Social Work Program at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. Students can tailor their studies by selecting courses aligned with their interests. While some approved electives aren't exclusively focused on gerontology, they explore themes relevant to aging and life transitions. Core coursework equips students with foundational knowledge to connect broader subject matter to gerontological concerns. Rooted in liberal arts principles, the program fosters critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to synthesize varied theories and practical applications.