Gerontology, Minor

Liberal Arts (Code 670-400)

Advisor: L. Olson-McBride

Gerontology is a multidisciplinary field that examines the correlates and consequences of human aging. To reflect this multidisciplinarity, the Gerontology minor includes courses from a variety of academic disciplines. Objectives of the minor include:

  1. promoting an understanding of the multifaceted nature of the human aging process;
  2. generating awareness of both the rewards and challenges associated with aging;
  3. providing a broad program of study that complements a number of major programs and prepares students for graduate study and/or careers in the field of aging.

Twenty-four semester credits, including:

Select at least one of the following:3
SW 315
Aging and the Aged
SW/NRSG 360
Death and Bereavement
Select remaining credits from the following:21
BIOL 151
Biology of Humans
BIOL 196
Human Nutrition
BIOL 314
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
CSD 410
Communication Changes and Disorders of the Older Adult
ECON 280
Health Economics
HCAD 201
Overview of the U.S. Health Care System
HCAD 222
Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Aging
IDIS 125
Brain: Introduction to Neuroscience
NRSG 211
Wellness: Food for Fitness
NRSG 212
Navigating Health Care
NRSG 213
Body, Mind, Spirit Wellness
PHIL 306
Ethics of Health Care
PSYC 230
Human Development
PSYC 333
Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
RELS 315
Psychology of Religion
SOC 316
Sociology of Family
SOC 264
Social Gerontology
SW 315
Aging and the Aged
SW/NRSG 360
Death and Bereavement

Up to three credits from Directed Studies, Independent Study, or Special Topics courses that focus on gerontological issues may be applied to the minor with approval from the Gerontology minor advisor.

Program Learning Outcomes 

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following outcomes:

  • Illustrate the multidisciplinary nature of the human aging process.
  • Differentiate between myths and realities of the aging process.
  • Discuss key issues impacting older people (e.g. social policies/programs, ethical concerns, health care).