Program Highlights
Our programs in Family Studies and Gerontology examine contemporary issues that affect this field: family dynamics and development, or individual and population aging. Our faculty will help you understand the fields of Family Studies and Gerontology, and how these fields intersect and impact each other. As a student in our Family Studies and Gerontology programs, you’ll be able to build on your course readings, lectures, discussions, and assignments by accessing research and practical resources like The Nova Scotia Centre on Aging and the Caregiver Assessment Tool.
- Family Studies focuses on family dynamics and diversity within an increasingly complex and society. These studies will help you to understand the trends, challenges and developments in the health and human service delivery system and the disciplines that support it.
- 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 the Canadian population is increasing rapidly. This change in our country’s demographics means that it is more and more important to develop our sensitivity to aging issues, and to turn our attention to 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 either Family Studies or 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 Family Studies and Gerontology, you will better understand the field and develop your capacity to work in professional environments where a knowledge of family studies or aging is important. More »
Dynamic and Relevant Courses
You’ll build your teamwork and leadership skills by working on group projects. Class projects and presentations 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, your professional rigour, your leadership, and your social citizenship skills. Our program’s framework is designed to guide you toward a consciousness around social citizenship. More »
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. We welcome full- and part-time students, and many of our courses are available via Distance Learning »
Building Your Career
A combined major, minor or concentration in Family Studies or Gerontology can help you to launch your career in a variety of fields. When you graduate, you may be eligible to apply for certification as a family life educator through the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) or Family Service Canada (FSC). Many of our graduates have gone on to further studies in social work (undergraduate and graduate), Occupational Therapy and Master’s degrees in Family Studies or Gerontology. Read more about the careers our graduates are currently pursuing »
