Gerontology Minor

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Educational Goals and Outcomes
Upon completion of the Gerontology minor, the student will be able to:

Core Exit Behaviors

examine sociological, psychological, and biological/physiological theories of aging.
describe the underlying biological/physiological processes associated with aging and the challenges these present.
describe the effects that ethics, economics, and policy decisions have on the biological/physiological, sociological, psychological, and cultural aspects of aging and the resulting challenges.
investigate the changes occurring in society resulting from our aging population.
apply aging theories, ethics, economics conditions, and aging related policy decisions to a practical experience involving the aged or services for the aged.

Orientation Exit Behavior (based on orientation area selected by the student)

Liberal Arts

examine attitudes toward older culturally diverse people to discover ways that aging is portrayed.

Professional Practice

provide direct services to older culturally diverse people and their families, administer and plan programs and services, or work to modify social institutions and policies.

Students must complete all of the following core course requirements and at least nine credit hours from either the liberal arts orientation or the professional services orientation.

Required Courses:

Subtotal: 12-15

Note:

The first three required core courses must be taken prior to selecting courses from an area of orientation. HES 4520 (Internship in Gerontology) must be taken the last semester of minor coursework. It may be taken with one other approved course from the orientation options. You must contact the gerontology advisor the semester before you plan to register for this course.

Students must select a minimum of nine (9) credit hours from one of the following orientations:

These courses must be approved by the gerontology advisor in the Department of Health Professions.

Liberal Arts Orientation:

Professional Services Orientation:

Total hours for Gerontology Minor: 21-24

Note:

Students may select a gerontology topics course or an independent study course that deals with aging if it is appropriate for their selected orientation and approved by the gerontology advisor.