Gerontology Minor

A minor in Gerontology may be obtained through the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. Offered by the Sociology Department, this program provides students and practitioners with knowledge and skills necessary for work in the fields of aging and the life course. The minor in Gerontology may be pursued by students enrolled in any undergraduate program and is listed on the transcript if completed prior to graduation.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to analyze changes in psychological, social, and biological domains that occur with increased frequency in later life.
• Students will be able to analyze the life context of older adults (e.g., health, housing and social services) and identify relevant resources for specific needs.
• Students will be able to conduct an interview and analyze the life story of an older adult in the context of historical, developmental and contextual influences on later life.

General Requirements

• Successful completion of at least 18 credit hours of course work, including an individually planned field experience (GRNT 4980).
• A grade point average of at least 2.0 (C) is required; all courses applied to the minor must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
• A portfolio of work completed in classes and an exit interview are required.