Geropsychology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Geropsychology is a specialized field dedicated to understanding the psychological, emotional, and cognitive changes that occur throughout the lifespan, with a focused emphasis on aging populations. This discipline integrates scientific inquiry with practical application to support the mental well-being and quality of life for older adults. Professionals in this domain address the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors that influence aging.
- Gerontology: The multidisciplinary study of aging processes, including biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of later life.
- Developmental and adult psychology: Exploration of psychological growth, adaptation, and change across adulthood and into old age.
- Cognitive aging: Investigation into how memory, attention, problem-solving, and other mental functions evolve and may decline with age.
- Age-related psychological and neurological disorders: Study of conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and anxiety in older adults, including their diagnosis and management.
- Social and personality development in aging: Analysis of how relationships, identity, and personality traits shift over time in later life.
- Clinical applications in elder care: Training in assessment, intervention, and therapeutic strategies tailored to the unique mental health needs of older adults.
Geropsychology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Geropsychology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Geropsychology degrees, including Managers, All Other, Clinical and Counseling Psychologists and Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 744,780 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists 19-3033 | $95,830 | $50,470 - $170,150 | 72,190 | $46.07 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1066 | $80,330 | $47,870 - $158,900 | 41,610 | N/A |
Geropsychology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $73,745 in Arkansas to $130,577 in California—a 77% difference. The highest-paying states include California, District of Columbia, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 744,780 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Geropsychology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Geropsychology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Geropsychology is found at University of Akron, Main Campus (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 3 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Akron |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Akron, Ohio | Public | uakron.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Geropsychology programs
How much can I earn with a Geropsychology degree?
Salaries for Geropsychology graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Clinical and Counseling Psychologists earn around $95,830. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $130,577 compared to $73,745 in Arkansas. Approximately 744,780 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Geropsychology programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Geropsychology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Akron, Main Campus (3 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Geropsychology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 1 in 2010 to a peak of 6 in 2020, before declining slightly to 3 in 2023-24. This represents a 200% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Geropsychology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, and Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 744,780 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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