Psychology degree and gerontology?

Question

What types of jobs are available to a person who has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in gerontology (the study of aging)? I am in school right now and my major is Business but I am starting to have second thoughts. I was discussing my past jobs with my grandmother (all except 1 have been in retail) and she asked me if I was going to like sitting behind a desk all day with a degree in business. That got me thinking, and I don't really think I would be happy with that. Of all the jobs I have ever had, my favorite was working as an Activity Assistant in a Nursing Home. I only did that for 3 months because the Nursing Home closed, but I really enjoyed it. I like working with elderly people. Are there many jobs available to someone with a BS in Psychology, or is it better to stick with a BS in Business. If I switched to Psych, I would probably keep business as a minor.

Answer 1

Only you know if you can be interested enough in business to keep studying it and work in that area, but "being behind a desk all day" isn't reason not to. If you've only worked in retail you don't realize that people with "desk jobs" or "office jobs" are not always stuck behind a desk all day, but even when they do spend a lot of time in an office at a desk it isn't such a bad thing at all! People with business-related jobs often travel (one-day, many days), meet with all kinds of people, take additional courses, and do any number of other things that make working in an office very pleasant. It just depends on the job, the potential that job offers, and your own ability to make the most of career plans and opportunities. These days there is a big move toward having people work from laptops in whatever location they choose as well. Working in business can be rewarding, and it can be very, very, pleasant. A degree in it is likely to get you the kind of job you'd like to have if you have interest in business.

With gerentology there are certainly jobs, and if you feel you'd find that more rewarding then that's what you should go with. You may find work in nursing homes or with a company that owns nursing homes, hospitals, things like projects that plan for elderly people's needs, etc. I'm sure there are jobs related to this that I don't know about as well. You may want to look into whether the degree in psychology/gerentololgy would be enough to find you the level of work you want or whether more would be required for the better level jobs.

Minoring in business is never a bad thing. I would imagine an administrative job in a nursing home may be more of a possibility with this.

There is a reason you chose business as your major. You need to just really think things out, decide whether whatever made you select business in the first place was a good enough one and was one that came from your own interests (and the same when it comes to psychology). The fact that your grandmother brought up the desk situation and that you - regardless of what else you know or don't know - probably don't realize how pleasant desk/office jobs can be is not enough to start re-considering your major. What you really want and really get excited about when you imagine doing it is what should decide. Of course, it never hurts to consider the earning potential and what that could allow you to do later. :) For some people in business, though, the implied earning potential may not come if their heart isn't in the work or if their personality isn't suited for it.

Answer 2

I have been and am still in your position, and I've recently graduated... yikes. Anyhow. If you're interested, look up an MEd in Counselling for Adults. It'll give you an opportunity to become a counsellor in different areas, such as school environments, hospitals, etc. Otherwise, if you're interested in a much more research-based route, perhaps you'd like to go into clinical research for an MSc. In this aging population, studies on memory/learning in elderly folk are increasing. Other studies include rehabilitation of stroke patients and elderly folk incurring trauma. I'm not sure if it's possible, but you may also be interested in therapy? It would fall under a similar field as MEd in Counselling, but the title may be different. And then of course, there are healthcare professions: nursing, PSWs, occupational therapy, physical therapy, med school. Gerontology is a growing field, given the increased age of the general population. Oh, and you have the option of not pursuing a job in either field. Some people find that their interests lie far outside their degree and do well. Like... pursuing an MBA if you were interested in business. I knew someone who pursued pharmaceutical chemistry in their undergrad, decided it wasn't worth it and became a CA afterwards. Now, she's managing accounts for a large pharmaceutical industry. Go figure. Sky's the limit. The hardest part is narrowing it all down and following through. Best of luck.

Answer 3

There are so many retirement homes and nursing homes and so many baby boomers who will eventually need someplace to go, I'm sure with a degree in Psych and/or Business, you could get a job anywhere you want. There are many positions in retirement homes that you would be qualified for. Don't think just because your degree is in Business you will be stuck behind a desk. Visit a couple of nursing or retirement homes and ask some questions of the managers and see if that's for you.

Answer 4

If you really enjoy psychology, go with it! It can be tough to find a career in the field without a higher degree than a BS, but the minor in business may help you a little.

Have you considered nursing? You rarely sit down and get to interact with lots of elderly...there will be more and more elderly people around as the baby boomer's age...

Answer 5

Several different positions at a nursing home/care faculty come to mind, working at a hospice center. In Ohio with a bachelors degree in Psychology you can take the state test for licensed independent social worker, i am not sure about other states requirements. this will also make you more marketable. Go on-line and do search would be my suggestion. Good luck and God bless