College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions
Minor in Gerontology
The interdisciplinary minor in Gerontology expands students’ knowledge about issues related to aging and prepares students for a range of careers that involve working with an older population.
About the Minor
The fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population is over the age of 65. By 2060, people over 65 will reach nearly 25 percent of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
These demographic trends will have a profound impact on virtually every area of society, from healthcare and housing to law, politics, and business. The interdisciplinary minor in Gerontology will expand students’ knowledge about the impact of these changes and help students prepare for a range of careers that involve working with an older population.
Gerontologists work in a variety of professions, including health care organizations, non-profits, state and local government, financial and legal firms, and businesses that develop products and services for older adults.
The study of Gerontology can help students develop positive perceptions of aging and think creatively about how to meet the needs of older adults. As an interdisciplinary minor, the program facilitates broad thinking about the many facets of an aging society.
Minor Requirements
The minor in Gerontology consists of 18 credits. A sample of courses is listed below; full the full requirements in the course catalog.
PSY 241: Adolescent and Adult Development*** or
PSY 215: Lifespan Development*
SOC 288: Death and Dying** or
PSY 247: Psychological Aspects of Death and Dying***
Prerequisites
*HS 350 (prerequisite of HS 141 or HS 111 or permission of the instructor)**SOC 288 (prerequisite of SOC 100 or permission of the instructor)
***PSY 215/PSY 241/PSY 247 (prerequisite of PSY 105 or permission of the instructor)
HS 490: Special Topics: Low Vision (3 CR)
HS 310: Cardiovascular Disease (3 CR)
HAS 200: Art in Healthcare (3 CR)
INS 320: Social Insurance (3 CR)
Independent study or internship (3 CR): To be arranged with Claudia Oakes and the student’s advisor
Program Contact
Claudia Oakes, PhD, OTR/L
Associate Professor
Coordinator, Health Science Program
Department of Health Sciences
860.768.5746
oakes@goudounet.com