Gerontology Minor
Coordinator: Michelle Gricus
Studying gerontology provides an opportunity for students to engage in a multidisciplinary study of the biological, psychological and social determinants of the aging process. The undergraduate minor may be used to supplement a number of majors, including biology, business administration, economics, nursing, political science, psychology, social work and sociology. The minor provides a knowledge base regarding the special needs of this segment of the population; the skills required to work effectively with older adults; and discussion of the economic, political, clinical and social issues surrounding the increasingly larger proportion of aged individuals in the American society.
By supplementing a major with the gerontology minor, students will be better prepared for careers in healthcare, politics, law, counseling, education, business and others.
Requirements for the Minor
Four of the following:
| BIOL 138 | The Human Health Mosaic | 3.0 |
| GERO 370 | Gerontology Practicum | 3.0 |
| PSY 373 | Psychology of Aging | 3.0 |
| | | |
| PYSO 221 | Social Gerontology | 3.0 |
| | or | |
| SOWK 327 | Gerontological Social Work: Policy and Practice | 3.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12.0 |
Two of the following:
| MGMT 205 | Principles of Management: Introduction to Organizations | 3.0 |
| MGMT 301 | Organizational Theory and Behavior | 3.0 |
| PE 225 | Health Maintenance: Stress Assessment and Control | 3.0 |
| PSY 204 | Psychology of Death | 3.0 |
| PSY 239 | Developmental Psychology | 3.0 |
| SOC 215 | Social Problems | 3.0 |
| SOC 260 | Methods of Social Research | 3.0 |
| SOWK 301 | Social Policy and Human Service Programs | 3.0 |
| SOWK 330 | Social Work with Families | 3.0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6.0 |
Total Credit Hours: 18.0
In addition to the specific courses listed above, an independent study related to gerontology might be taken in any number of departments. This should be cleared in advance with the program coordinator in order to ensure that it will fulfill credits toward the minor.
A large number of today’s older adults live in urban areas and are Spanish speaking. Thus, students will benefit by having background in Spanish, particularly through SPAN 201.
Gerontology students have many practicum sites available to them, including the National Council on Aging, the Maryland State Office on Aging, community commissions on aging, nursing facilities, adult day care centers, hospice and many independent living facilities for older adults.