Gerontology Minor and Certificate

A minor and an academic certificate in Gerontology may be obtained through the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. Offered by the Gerontology Center, this program provides students and practitioners with knowledge and skills necessary for work in the aging field. The minor and certificate in Gerontology may be pursued by students enrolled in any undergraduate program. The certificate is also available to students in other colleges, and to individuals possessing a baccalaureate degree. The core courses for the Gerontology minor and certificate are available in an online format.

Outcomes

• Students will gain an understanding of the age structures of diverse populations and the impact of demography on the individual life course, family structures, and social structures.
• Students will be able to identify and analyze changes in psychological, social, and biological domains that occur with increased frequency in later life in order to discriminate between those that are caused by aging and those that are merely correlated with aging.
• Students will be able to apply the research methodologies used to study aging phenomena.
• Students will conduct an interview and analyze the life story of an older adult in the context of historical, developmental, and contextual influences on later life.
• Students will gain a realistic appreciation for older adults, appreciating their contributions but not idealizing them in a stereotypic way.
• Students will synthesize the impact of biological, psychological, and social factors in aging.
• Students will analyze the life context of older adults (e.g., health, housing, and social services) and identify relevant resources for specific needs.

General Requirements for the Minor and Certificate

• Successful completion of at least 21 credit hours of required and elective courses
• 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.
• An individually planned field experience (GRNT 498).

This experience will be under the direct supervision of experienced personnel in an approved agency or institution dealing with the special concerns of older persons.