Gerontology Specialization

The specialization in gerontology offered by Berkeley's School of Social Welfare, one of the oldest gerontology programs in the country, prepares social workers to assume leadership roles in the delivery of services to older adults and their families, in program planning and evaluation, and in policy formulation and analysis. the Gerontology specialization includes both academic courses and varied internship opportunities leading to a Master's degree in Social Welfare. Students major in either direct practice (including direct intervantions with older adults and their families or in indirect practice (including program development, policy analysis, and management of aging programs.)

Specialized Courses

Specialized gerontology courses provide students with state-of-the-art knowledge in the aging process, health and mental health issues, the aging service delivery network, and social policies that affect the elderly and their families. Students also develop advanced skills through field work training in aging social service agencies. The School of Social Welfare is affiliated with over 40 such agencies in the greater Bay area which offer a wide array of direct and indirect gerontology internship opportunities.

Campus Resources

The Berkeley campus provides a variety of additional resources in gerontology, including a Center of Aging and the Institutue for Human Development. In addition, students in the Gerontology specialization have access to numberous elective courses offered in other departments on campus.

Career Opportunities

Challenging positions are available to graduates in a wide range of settings serving older persons who are frail as well as those who are in good health. Recent graduates of Berkeley's Gerontology specialization currently work in positions such as geriatric case managers, psychiatric social workers, long term care planning specialists, adult day health center program coordinators, and adult protective service workers.