GERONTOLOGY

Gerontology is the study of the biological, psychological and social aspects of aging. An understanding of aging is useful in many fields of work including nursing, social work, psychology, medicine, occupational and physical therapy, exercise physiology, economics and management. Thus, the study of aging complements many majors. Given the dramatic increase in the number of older adults expected in the United States in the next 30 years, those with preparation in gerontology will be best prepared to meet the demands of our aging population.

Program Director: Angela Rosenberg Hauger, Ph.D., L.P.

The Gerontology Minor/Certificate program provides students with a strong foundation in gerontology, preparing them to work with and advocate for older adults. The program is structured so students are able to individualize their courses of study to fit their career needs. Typically, degree‑seeking students choose the minor and non‑degree seeking students choose the certificate. The equivalent of 20 credits are required, and the requirements for the minor and certificate are the same.

Requirements

Core courses (8 credits total): GER 3315 and GER 3316

Electives (8 credits from the following): GER 2203, GER 3310, GER 3318, GER 3325*, GER 3341*, GER 3424, GER 3470*, GER 3777, GER 4125, GER 4416 and GER 4444. PTH 5513 and PTH 6567 or OTH 6524 count as 4 elective credits.

*Only one of these courses may be used as an elective course.

Gerontology Directed Applied Project or equivalent: GER 4555 (4 credits) or GER 4556/5556 (0 or 1 credit) with supervised fieldwork for credit as required by the student’s major.

Application to Minor/ Certificate

Students must be enrolled at the College. Application to the minor/ certificate program involves a short consultation with the program coordinator to plan coursework. There are no other requirements.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Gerontology Minor or Certificate, the student will:

1..... Appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of gerontology.

2..... Demonstrate mastery of the biopsychosocial content area of gerontology.

3..... Communicate about gerontological matters, demonstrating appropriate application of terms and content.

4..... Demonstrate competency in accessing gerontological research findings and integrating these findings with other scholarly information and personal observations.

5..... Understand how lifelong learning enhances quality of life for adults.