Why Choose a Minor in Gerontology?

The Gerontology Minor is an 18-credit interdisciplinary minor intended for those students who are interested in learning about the many facets of the aging process and the issues facing the elderly today.  Gerontology incorporates the study of the physical, mental, and social changes in older people as they age.  it includes the investigation of the changes in society resulting from our aging population, and the application of this knowledge to policies and programs.  The minor provides students with the background information about gerontology that prepare students fro specializing in work with the elderly population in their major field of study.  Career opportunities exist in many professional setting including community, human services, health-care, long-term care, government agencies (local, state and federal), retirement communities, business and industry.

Requirement for the Gerontology Minor

Minor in Gerontology - 18 credits

 

Required courses - 12 credits

 

• GERO 0101 - Introduction to Gerontology
• MOVP 0100 - Introduction to Exercise Science
• PSYC 0208 - Adult Development and Aging
• SOCI 0321 - Sociology of Aging

Internship or independent study - 3 credits

 

• GERO 0370 - Gerontology Internship
• GERO 0399 - Independent Study in Gerontology

Note:

GERO 0370 may be used to fulfill SOCI 0300 for students who are also majoring in Sociology.

Gerontology electives - 3 credits

 

• HIST 0270 - Topics in U.S. History *
• GARP 0105 - Introduction to Community Planning *
• MOVP 0212 - Concepts of Nutrition
• MOVP 0310 - Gerokinesiology *
• MOVP 0328 - Fitness/Rehab for Special Populations *
• SOCI 0318 - Sociology of Medical Care
• SOCI 0328 - Women and Aging
• SOCI 0337 - Death and Dying
• SOCI 0338 - Families and Aging

Notes:

* Some courses require additional prerequisites that must be fulfilled.

Additional courses not listed may be used but require the approval of the Gerontology advisor.  The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education's Standards and Guidelines for Gerontology and Geriatric Programs (2008) recommends that at least 50 percent of the content of gerontology elective courses should be focused on gerontology.  All requests for course approval should be submitted to the Gerontology advisor.