Bachelor of Arts - Gerontology at St. Thomas University - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-05-13

Program overview

+16

Program overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology at St. Thomas University (STU) offers a comprehensive examination of aging from various perspectives, including psychological, sociological, physical, spiritual, and philosophical. This unique program is one of only two stand-alone Gerontology programs in Atlantic Canada, providing students with a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates insights from Psychology, Sociology, and Women’s Studies and Gender Studies. Students will explore the complexities of aging and the societal definitions surrounding it, while also gaining a deeper understanding of individual experiences in later life.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology is designed to provide students with a robust educational foundation in the study of aging. The program is structured to be flexible, allowing students to choose between various options:

Bachelor of Arts with a major or minor in Gerontology
Bachelor of Applied Arts in Gerontology (in partnership with NBCC)
Certificate in Gerontology

The program emphasizes small class sizes that foster personal interaction and engaging discussions. Students benefit from direct instruction by professors, ensuring they learn from experts in the field. The program also includes opportunities for practical experience through internships and projects with community organizations, such as the Third Age Centre, which focuses on empowering older adults. Overall, the program length is designed to accommodate various student needs and career aspirations.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology offers several unique experiences that enhance students' learning and professional development:

Internship opportunities with organizations such as Hospice Fredericton, Nashwaak Villa Nursing Home, and York Care Centre.
Participation in the STU Gerontology Society, which hosts intergenerational events connecting students with older adults.
Engagement in projects with the Third Age Centre, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Access to faculty expertise in various areas, including mental health and aging, death and dying, and narrative gerontology.

These experiences not only enrich the academic journey but also prepare students for meaningful careers in the field of Gerontology.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Social Worker: Assist individuals and families in overcoming challenges and improving their quality of life.
Counselor: Provide support and guidance to older adults facing emotional and psychological issues.
Occupational Therapist: Help clients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
Recreational Therapist: Design and implement therapeutic recreation programs to enhance the well-being of older adults.
Public Policy Advocate: Work on policies that affect the aging population, promoting their rights and needs within society.

These career options reflect the diverse skills and knowledge gained through the Gerontology program, equipping graduates to make a positive impact in their communities.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit St. Thomas University official website

Last updated on 2025-05-13

Program overview

Academic Requirements

International applicants must demonstrate academic strength in a high school program of college/university preparatory courses with subject distribution, other minimum requirements, and academic standing comparable to that required of Canadian applicants. Criteria such as academic achievement and rank in class will also be considered in admission decisions.

Please note that meeting the minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee admission.

International applicants are encouraged to submit applications and supporting documents by June 1st for September admission and October 1st for January admission. While applications will be accepted beyond those dates, students who apply later risk having insufficient time to obtain student visas and other authorization. Please note that processing times at embassies can take up to three months.

For the Bachelor of Arts - Gerontology program, the following requirements apply:

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Applicants must have completed secondary school or equivalent and must not already possess a university degree.
Meet all Bachelor of Arts Program Academic Requirements.

Students are advised to contact LOA Portal's advisors for any clarification and support regarding the application process.

Language Requirements

Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit evidence of proficiency in English by writing one of the following tests:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL)
Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQ)
Duolingo English Test (DET)
Pearson Academic: Pearson English Language Test (PTE)

Official test scores must be submitted directly to the Admissions Office by the testing centre. St. Thomas University's ETS number is 0803.

Students who meet the following minimum English Language Proficiency scores and the St. Thomas academic Academic Requirements are eligible for the ESL program:

TOEFL 61 (Internet-based)
TOEFL 500 (Paper-based)
MELAB 69
IELTS 5.0
CAEL 40, 50
CEQ B2 First
DET 90
PTE 50-61

Students with the scores below are eligible to take five regular academic courses but may take integrated and assisted courses if they wish:

TOEFL 89 (Internet-based)
TOEFL 573 (Paper-based)
MELAB 80
IELTS 6.5
CAEL 60
CEQ C or higher (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)
DET 115
PTE 61

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!