Gerontology Minor and Certificate

A minor and/or 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 in Gerontology may be pursued by students enrolled in any undergraduate program. The certificate will be awarded to those who complete the minor requirements.

Learning 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 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
• Students will demonstrate a realistic appreciation for older adults, appreciating their contributions but not idealizing them in a stereotypical manner
• Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to synthesize the impact of biological, psychological and social factors of aging

General Requirements for the Minor/Certificate

• Successful completion of at least 18 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 4980)

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.