Mount Saint Vincent University

Program Highlights

Gerontology is the study of issues related to aging and the challenges that older persons encounter.  As health care improves and birth rates decline, the proportion of older adults in Canada and around the world is increasing rapidly.  The faculty in the Family Studies and Gerontology department will help you to learn to recognize aging issues, and understand the dynamics in the health and human service system that must respond to our aging population. 

Program Options

You can choose to study toward a combined major, a concentration, or a minor in Gerontology. These programs will complement your studies in other programs such as sociology, psychology, public policy, or women’s studies. As you pursue a program in Gerontology, you will better understand the field and develop your capacity to work in professional environments where a knowledge of aging is important.

Dynamic and Relevant Courses

Class projects and presentations in your Gerontology classes will help you to develop your interpersonal communication, conflict management, and advocacy skills. The assignments you complete will help you to hone your analytical and intellectual skills, and your leadership skills. Our program’s framework is designed to guide you toward a consciousness around social citizenship.

A Flexible Learning Environment

The student body in our programs is diverse — we welcome students of different ages, life experiences, and perspectives on families and aging — and this diversity helps enhance your learning experience. Most of your classes will combine lectures with group discussions on class material so students are able to learn from one another by sharing ideas, personal reflections, and professional experiences.  You may also be able to access research and practical resources like The Nova Scotia Centre on Aging.

What can you do with a degree in Family Studies or Gerontology?

Careers in Family Science  (NCFR brochure- PDF 2.6 MB)

Exploring Careers in Family Science  (NCFR website)

Learn about Careers in Aging (Gerontological Society of America)

Exploring Careers in Aging

Becoming a Teacher?

If you are studying to become a teacher, our programs can help you to achieve that goal. Most of our courses in both Family Studies and Gerontology count toward the Family Studies teachable subject in Nova Scotia schools.