Gerontology, B.S.

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The Bachelor of Science degree program in Gerontology focuses on the human aging process and aged human populations, using the knowledge and methodologies of the social sciences, psychology and the biological and health sciences. It includes instruction through a multidisciplinary approach to develop, transmit, and apply gerontology knowledge to current and future issues of our aging society. With a Bachelor’s degree in Gerontology, students are prepared for graduate study, whereby they may assume administrative and research positions. Also, a Bachelor of Science degree prepares students for employment in community and government agencies, retirement communities, and the aging network of agencies.

Requirements for Major in Gerontology

A grade of “C” or higher must be earned in all major courses. Refer to the Vertical Curriculum.

Gerontology: Total Semester Hours = 120

Freshman Year

First Semester

BI 131 - General Biology 3 Credit Hours ^GE
EN 131 - College English I 3 Credit Hours ^GE ^*
FC 110 - Freshman Seminar I 1 Credit Hour ^GE
MAT 131 - Liberal Arts Mathematics 3 Credit Hours ^GE ^*
RELI 110 - Understanding Faith 3 Credit Hours ^GE
SO 131 - Introduction to Sociology 3 Credit Hours

Total: 16

Second Semester

EN 132 - College English II 3 Credit Hours ^GE
FC 111 - Freshman Seminar II 1 Credit Hour ^GE
HI 130 - African American History 3 Credit Hours ^GE
MAT 132 - College Mathematics 3 Credit Hours ^GE
ML_ 131 - Modern Language I 3 Credit Hours ^GE
PE 113 - Health and Wellness 1 Credit Hour ^GE ^**

Total: 14

Sophomore Year

First Semester

EN 240 - Advanced Composition 3 Credit Hours
FC 280 - Sophomore Seminar: Leadership 1 Credit Hour ^GE
GR 231 - Introduction to Gerontology 3 Credit Hours
HU 225 - Interdisciplinary Humanities 3 Credit Hours ^GE
ML_ 132 - Modern Language II 3 Credit Hours ^GE
PS 231 - General Psychology 3 Credit Hours

Total: 16

Second Semester

ES 130 - Introduction to Environmental Science 3 Credit Hours ^GE
GR 230 - Nutrition in Health and Disease 3 Credit Hours
GR 240 - Social and Cultural Aspects to Aging 3 Credit Hours
PS 236 - Developmental Psychology 3 Credit Hours
SC 230 - Introduction to Effective Oral Communication 2 Credit Hours ^GE

Total: 14

Junior Year

First Semester

ENT 300 - Junior Seminar: Entrepreneurship 1 Credit Hour ^GE
PHIL 230 - Ethics 2 Credit Hours
POL 301 - Aging and Political Systems 3 Credit Hours
SS 239 - Statistics for Social Science Research 3 Credit Hours
3 Credit Hour Free Elective

Total: 15

Second Semester

GR 335 - Minority Aging 3 Credit Hours
GR 340 - Organization & Management 3 Credit Hours
GR 350 - Seminar in Gerontology 3 Credit Hours
PS 325 - Abnormal Psychology 3 Credit Hours
PS 330 - Social Psychology 3 Credit Hours

Total: 15

Senior Year

First Semester

3 Credit Hour Free Elective
GR 380 - End of Life Issues 3 Credit Hours
GR 390 - Psychology of Aging 3 Credit Hours
OR
PS 441 - Psychology of Aging 3 Credit Hours
RELI 434 - Death and Immortality 3 Credit Hours
GR 492 - Gerontology: Research and Planning 3 Credit Hours

Total: 15

Second Semester

GR 499 - Senior Seminar/Original Thesis 3 Credit Hours
GR 490 - Gerontology Practicum 3-15 Credit Hours (6 Hours)
GR 420 - Seminar in Gerontology II 3 Credit Hours
3 Credit Hour Gerontology Elective

Total: 15

Notes:

GE = General Education Courses

*Based on your placement testing scores, these courses may require prerequisites which may extend the number of semesters needed to complete degree requirements. These prerequisites do not count towards the degree for graduation.

**Marching Band Members ONLY substitute PE Activity with MUB 110 - Marching Band . ROTC Member ONLY substitute PE Activity with MY 104 - Basic Military Science and MYL 104 - Basic Military Science Laboratory .