Gerontology Minor
Degree Requirements
If a minor is required in your degree program, at least 9 (lower and/or upper-division) hours of courses in the minor must be completed at the University.
Minor in Gerontology
The Interdisciplinary Minor in Gerontology requires 18 semester hours. At least 9 hours (lower and/or upper-division) hours of courses in the minor must be completed at the University. At least 9 hours of courses must be upper division. The Interdisciplinary Minor in Gerontology is designed for those Arts and Sciences majors who are interested in obtaining jobs in agencies that provide services for older individuals and their families or in pursuing graduate degrees that involve research on aging and the life course or intergenerational relationships. Majors in other colleges may also pursue the Interdisciplinary Minor in Gerontology, but should discuss this option with an advisor from the major field. Students who complete the requirements for the Gerontology minor may be eligible to receive the Undergraduate Certificate in Gerontology as well, provided all requirements for the Certificate are met. Students should consult their advisor and the program director or assistant director to discuss this dual credential option. University policies regarding dual use of courses for both a major and a minor apply.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses for the Minor (Undergraduate) | ||
| Required (total of 9 hours, including 3-hour internship): | ||
| Social Gerontology - W | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Biology of Aging | ||
| Health Disparities Life Span | ||
| Health Disparities Life Span | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Adult Development and Aging- | ||
| Life Span Development | ||
| Internship (Required 3 hours) 1 | 3 | |
| Elective Courses (Select courses to bring total hours to 18) | 6 | |
| Any required course option that was not chosen from the list above to fulfill a requirement may be used as an elective. An additional 3 hours of internship may be accepted as an elective. Other elective choices include: | ||
| Gender and Aging | ||
| Special Topics - (see footnote table below) 2 | ||
| Special Topics (see footnote table below) 2 | ||
| Directed Studies | ||
| Personal Health | ||
| Seasons of Life | ||
| Intro to Nutrition | ||
| Public Policy and Aging | ||
| Cognition | ||
| Perception | ||
| Adult Development and Aging- | ||
| Comparative Evolutionary Psy | ||
| Recreational Therapy Interventions with Older Adults | ||
| Sociology of Aging and Family | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Footnote
- 1
Internship in Gerontology (GRN 496 or equivalent). With permission of the program director and the student's academic advisor, an internship in the student's primary discipline may be substituted if the internship provides significant contact with older people, their families, or appropriate service agencies. Three (3) semester hours required; up to six (6) semester hours may be accepted. Approval of the internship placement must be obtained at least 6 weeks prior to registration. The 3 hour internship requires 100 contact hours; the 6 hour internship requires 200 contact hours. If you plan to substitute an internship from another discipline, you must obtain written approval from the Gerontology Program Director prior to registration.
- 2
GRN 290 and GRN 490 are variable topic courses. Directed studies, seminars, and special topics courses may be taken for credit toward the minor or certificate in gerontology only when the course topic is appropriate for the study of aging or intergenerational relationships.Check the class schedule each term to determine which topic is being offered. Sample topics include: Gender and Aging; Leadership and Advocacy in Gerontology; Housing and Lifestyle Changes across the Life Course; Aging and Public Policy. Other electives may be taken from the student's degree discipline with approval by the student's advisor and the Gerontology Program Director. Content of the elective must include substantial focus on aging.