Gerontological Studies and Services

Gerontology is the scientific study of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging to improve the aging process and the lives of older adults. As a multi-disciplinary field of study, it includes professionals called “gerontologists” working in a variety of careers in social services, public administration, research, healthcare, education, government, law, public policy, and many others.

Why Study Aging?

Demand for skilled professionals in aging services is growing every day. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2019), "the number of people ages 65 and older in the U.S. increased from 3 million in 1900, to 35 million in 2000, a ten-fold increase. By 2050, 1 out of 5 people (20%), will be over age 65. In New York City, according to AARP (2023), the number of people ages 65 and over increased 36% since 2013 to over 1.3 million (16.2% of the city population).

Career Paths

A bachelor’s degree (B.S.) is a great step into many positions as administrative assistants and program coordinators. Many of our graduates have also earned master's degrees in social work (MSW), Public Administration (MPA), Health Care Law (MA), Occupational Therapy (MSOT), and Physician Assistant (PA).

Major and Minor

The major (B.S.) degree in Gerontology (56 credits) includes a “practicum” or fieldwork experience in the final semester, where students can gain valuable experience working in some of New York City’s largest social service agencies for older adults. There is also a minor degree (15 credits), for students who want to add an area of expertise in “aging,” to almost any major.

View the Gerontology description in the college catalogue

Stay Connected

To find and connect with other students and faculty, and to gain access to valuable resources on aging in New York City, please sign-up for more information from the York-CUNY Gerontology Interest Group (GIG). To enroll, visit Blackboard or Brightspace and the window for “Organization Search.” Type in “gerontology,” and you will see a prompt to join the e-mail network and get access to the GIG site.

Coordinator

The Gerontology program coordinator is:

Alex. W. Costley, Ph.D.
Office HP-204
Phone: 718-262-5116
E-mail: acostley@york.cuny.edu