Gerontology

Gerontology examines the experience of aging from different perspectives: psychological, sociological, physical, spiritual, and philosophical. It’s the study of the process of aging, how society defines aging, and how individuals understand their own later years.

Gerontology at STU

Gerontology at STU is one of two stand-alone programs in Atlantic Canada. As a multidisciplinary department—drawing on courses from Psychology, Sociology, and Women’s Studies and Gender Studies—students develop an understanding of what it means to age and the progression of human development and self-fulfilment from multiple perspectives.

“The Gerontology program at STU is unique in that it approaches the study of aging from both the humanities and social sciences perspectives.”

Dr. Linda Caissie, Chair of Gerontology at STU

What sets STU’s Gerontology Program Apart?

Small, engaging classes that emphasize personal interaction, discussion, and debate.

Students can complete a Bachelor of Arts with a major or minor in Gerontology, a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Gerontology (in partnership with NBCC), or a Certificate in Gerontology.
Lectures and seminars are always taught by professors—not teaching assistants—which means students learn from experts in the field.
STU is home to the Third Age Centre—an autonomous, community-based non-profit organization that empowers older adults to maintain healthy, independent lifestyles—and Gerontology students are invited to participate in projects undertaken by the Centre.
The university’s Chair in Community Health and Aging, Dr. Albert Banerjee, teaches courses in the Gerontology department.
Students benefit from faculty expertise in mental health and aging, death and dying, critical approaches to nursing homes, understanding dementia, counselling older adults, and narrative gerontology.

Where the Study of Gerontology can Take You

Students in Gerontology gain skills in critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and interpersonal relations, while developing the capacity to analyze situations from multiple perspectives, and challenge ageism in society.

This prepares graduates for meaningful careers in fields like:

Social Work
Counselling
Recreational or Occupational Therapy
Long-term Care
Community Agencies
Entrepreneurship
Public Policy

“STU helped me develop foundational skills such as communication, analytical reasoning, and critical thinking., I use these skills regularly when collaborating with interprofessional healthcare teams, establishing therapeutic rapport with clients to determine their goals, and advocating for advancements within the profession.”

Julie Mahoney, BA ’11, Gerontology
Occupational Therapist

Gain Experience and Build Your Resume

STU’s Internship Program connects the study of Gerontology with professional experience through opportunities with organizations like:

Hospice Fredericton
Nashwaak Villa Nursing Home
Person Centred Universe
ServUs Health Inc
The Sleep Kit
York Care Centre

Join the extracurricular STU Gerontology Society and put theories from in-class learning into practice. The society hosts various intergenerational events that connect students with older adults.

Participate in events hosted by the Third Age Centre to put your knowledge to work and witness how Gerontology translates into real-life experiences.

Featured Courses

Aging and Health
Aging and Spirituality
Counselling Older Adults
Death and Dying in Later Life

Fields that Enhance Your Learning in Gerontology

As a multidisciplinary field, Gerontology is compatible with many disciplines including psychology, sociology, anthropology, criminology, human rights, economics, political science, and fine arts.