The Department of Gerontology serves the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation by providing educational programs related to the understanding of aging and promoting optimal aging. The department encourages education through discovery of new knowledge, interdisciplinary interaction, professional behavior and service to the aging network. The department's primary focus is to prepare individuals for positions in the network of aging services. These gerontologists are educated to serve as supporters of optimal aging for older persons, families and care partners. The master's program provides quality education leading to careers as service providers, advocates, educators and researchers. The department's assisted living administration specialty area is NAB-accredited and will prepare students who seek licensure as an assisted living administrator. The department is also committed to engagement with the community and engages in conducting research and scholarly activities that benefit older adults.<br><br><br><br>The Department of Gerontology serves the people of the commonwealth of Virginia and the nation by providing educational programs related to the understanding of aging and promoting optimal aging. The department encourages education through discovery of new knowledge, interdisciplinary interaction, professional behavior and service to the aging network. The department's primary focus is to prepare individuals for positions in the network of aging services. These gerontologists are educated to serve as supporters of optimal aging for older persons and families and caregivers. The master's program provides quality education leading to careers as services providers, educators and researchers. The department's assisted living administration specialty area is NAB-accredited and will prepare students who seek licensure as an assisted living administrator. The department also provides assistance and services to the community and engages in research and scholarly activities related to gerontology.