Student Opportunities and Support
For more than 30 years, the Center for Gerontology has served as Virginia Tech’s organizational unit and focal point for aging-related activities. The Center fosters and facilitates basic and applied research on relationships in later life, health and aging, and elder rights; promotes and supports graduate education in gerontology; and provides leadership for outreach activities. Opportunities for students include research assistantships, internships, scholarships, and professional development activities and support.
The Center coordinates a 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Gerontology that may be included as part of any graduate program at Virginia Tech. The Certificate is designated a Program of Merit by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. Certificate students are eligible for scholarships and professional development funds administered by the Center.
Virginia Tech Adult Day Services Center
ADS serves as a research laboratory and provides opportunities for applied training experiences for students focusing on community-based long-term care for older adults, family caregiver support, and intergenerational programming involving children and older adults. Opportunities for students include research assistantships and internships. ADS also provides a community outreach service for older adults and their family members who participate in its daily programs.
Professional Development
Students are encouraged to become actively involved in local, state, regional, national, and international professional societies in gerontology and to make presentations at conferences. Taken together, experiences in courses, research, assistantships, and professional development provide excellent preparation for careers in teaching, research, and applied aspects of gerontology.