Major in Gerontology

Students may seek an academic major or minor in gerontology.

The major in gerontology prepares students to implement and manage health and human service programs in gerontology. It combines a foundation in the psychosocial and physiological aspects of aging with an understanding of programs, services, and policies related to aging and older adults. Graduates are prepared for careers such as gerontological services or program manager, program and policy analyst, services developer, and housing or facilities manager.

Intended Program Outcomes

The student who graduates with a major in gerontology will be able to

• Access, interpret, and apply gerontological research findings related to biopsychosocial processes in the context of aging.
• Analyze the impact of sociological and cultural factors, such as race, ethnicity, gender, and social class, on the aging process.
• Analyze the development of policies related to aging and their impact on services and organizations for older adults, both locally and nationally.
• Apply interdisciplinary gerontological knowledge to work with older adults in a chosen area of practice.
• Practice within the legal and ethical standards of the aging services field.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in gerontology requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 30 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education requirements; and 49 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Requirements for the Gerontology Major

Coursework for a major in gerontology includes the following:

• Required foundation courses (9 credits): GERO 100, 220 (or PSYC 357), and 302 (or BIOL 307)
• Required management courses (9 credits): STAT 225 (or 200 or 230) and GERO 301 (or BMGT 361) and 306
• Health-related course (3 credits): GERO 338, 355, or 460 or BEHS 380
• Supplemental major courses (6 credits): Any GERO courses
• Required internship (3 credits): GERO 486A

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the BS in gerontology. Coursework for the major is indicated by . Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Gerontology Degree Courses

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

• EDCP 100 Principles and Strategies of Successful Learning (3)
  (strongly recommended as first course)
• LIBS 150 Introduction to Research (1)
• WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)
• MATH 106 Finite Mathematics (3)
  or a higher-level math course

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

• GERO 100 Introduction to Gerontology (3)
• BEHS 210 Introduction to Social Sciences (3)
  or other behavioral and social sciences course
• Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)
  and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)
  or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology or other biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory course(s)
• WRTG 291 Research Writing (3)
  or other communications/writing course
• IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of Information Technology (3)
  or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software
• PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
  or a foreign language course or other arts and humanities course

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

• GERO 220 Psychological Aspects of Aging (3)
  or PSYC 357 Adulthood and Aging
• STAT 225 Introduction to Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
  or STAT 200 Introduction to Statistics or STAT 230 Introductory Business Statistics
• PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
  or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology or other behavioral and social sciences course (discipline must differ from first)
• NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
  or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy or other biological and physical sciences lecture course
• HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)
  or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865 or other arts and humanities/historical perspective course (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
• SPCH 100 Foundations of Oral Communication (3)
  or COMM 380 Language in Social Contexts or other communication, writing, or speech course
• CMIS 111 Social Networking and Cybersecurity Best Practices (3)
  or other interdisciplinary issues/computing course
• GERO 302 Health and Aging (3)
  or BIOL 307 The Biology of Aging

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

• GERO 301 Service/Program Management (3)
  or BMGT 361 Health Management
• GERO 306 Programs, Services, and Policies (3)
• WRTG 391 Advanced Research Writing (3)
  or other communications/upper-level advanced writing course
• GERO 338 Health Promotion in Older Adults (3)
  or other health-related course for the major
• GERO 311 Gender and Aging (3)
  or GERO 410 Cross-Cultural Perspectives of Aging
  or other supplemental major course
• GERO 327 Ethnicity and Aging (3)
  or other supplemental major course

Practicum for Major (to be taken within the last 30 credits)

• GERO 486A Internship in Gerontology Through Co-op (3)

Minor and/or Elective Courses (46)
(to be taken within the last 60 credits along with required major courses)

Recommended Electives

• ANTH 344 Culture and Language
• SPCH 482 Intercultural Communication

Total credits for BS in gerontology: 120

• Gerontology Degree Planning Worksheet