Offered by Department of Psychology

Gerontology Minor

The purpose of the Gerontology minor is to allow students majoring in one of the areas which impact upon aging or aging services to gain knowledge and experience in the area of gerontology. The objectives of this program are: (a) to increase the student's knowledge and understanding of the nature and extent to which various areas affect the aged individual, the type and quality of services available to the aged, the dynamics of social policy formation affecting aging, and basic research concepts and practices; (b) to provide and foster competence and skill in utilizing research data and findings in the structuring of services for the aged, and evaluating and facilitating the functioning of existing programs for the aged.

Minimum hours required for minor = 25

1. Requirements
   • Take all of the following:
     • FSID 110GS*, Introduction to Nutrition - 3 hours
     • FSID 450, The Aging Adult - 3 hours
     • PSY 230GS*, Human Development - 3 hours
     • PSY 462, Adult Development and Aging - 3 hours
     • SOWK 377, Aging Services - 3 hours (Prereq: SOWK 335GS or permission of instructor)
   • Take one of the following**
     • FSID 475, Internship - 3 hours
     • PSY 475G, Practicum in Gerontology - 3 hours
     • SOC 475, Internship - 3 hours
     • SOWK 480, Field Placement I - 3 hours
     • SOWK 481, Field Placement II - 3 hours
     • **Students usually enroll in practicum courses offered by their respective majors. Requires departmental permission.
   • Take ONE of the following options:
     • Take 1 course:
       • BIOL 215GS*, Human Physiology - 4 hours
     • OR take 2 courses:
       • BIOL 225, Anatomy and Physiology I - 4 hours
       • BIOL 226, Anatomy and Physiology II - 4 hours
   • Take 1 course from:
     • REC 458, Recreation for the Aged - 3 hours
     • SOC 335, The Aged in American Society - 3 hours (Prereq: SOC 100GS or SOC 250GS or permission)
     • SOC 430, Sociology of Family - 3 hours (Prereq: SOC 100GS or SOC 250GS or permission)
     • SOWK 403, Medical Social Work - 3 hours (Prereq: SOWK 242, SOWK 335GS)
   • *Number of total hours for the minor may be reduced if these courses are taken in students' General Studies Program.