Gerontology, B.S.

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The Bachelor of Science degree program in Gerontology focuses on methodologies from biology, health, and social sciences to explore aging across the life course. It aims to study, understand, and apply gerontology knowledge to current and future issues that impact older adults and promote improved quality of life. With a Bachelor’s degree in Gerontology, students may pursue graduate study to enhance their skills, knowledge, and experience to advance their career in the field of aging. Gerontology graduates can pursue careers in healthcare, social services, education and research, policy and advocacy, and emerging fields that target the older adult population.

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

EN 131 - College English I 3 Credit Hours ^GE
NUTR 220 - Principles and Fundamentals of Human Nutrition 3 Credit Hours
Reasoning Skills ^GE*3 Credit Hours - Mathematical Reasoning
Reasoning Skills ^GE3 Credit Hours - Scientific Reasoning
SO 131 - Introduction to Sociology 3 Credit Hours

Total: 15

Second Semester

EN 132 - College English II 3 Credit Hours ^GE
HI 130 - African American History 3 Credit Hours ^GE
PHIL 230 - Ethics 3 Credit Hours GE
Reasoning Skills ^GE 3 Credit Hours - Mathematical Reasoning
RELI 241 - Religions of the World 3 Credit Hours

Total: 15

Sophomore Year

First Semester

EN 240 - Advanced Composition 3 Credit Hours
GR 231 - Introduction to Gerontology 3 Credit Hours
Historical and Cultural Perspectives ^GE 3 Credit Hours
PS 231 - General Psychology 3 Credit Hours
Social Foundations and Civic Engagement ^GE3 Credit Hours

Total: 15

Second Semester

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 3 Credit Hours ^GE
Gerontology Elective ^# 3 Credit Hours

Total: 15

Junior Year

First Semester

GR 310 - Cellular and Physiologic Aspects of Aging 3 Credit Hours
POL 301 - Aging and Political Systems 3 Credit Hours
OR
POL 338 - Administration of Social Services 3 Credit Hours
SS 239 - Statistics for Social Science Research 3 Credit Hours
Gerontology Elective ^# 3 Credit Hours
Free Elective ⁺ 3 Credit Hours

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

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
GR 492 - Gerontology: Research and Planning 3 Credit Hours
RELI 434 - Death and Immortality 3 Credit Hours
3 Credit Hour Free Elective

Total: 15

Second Semester

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

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.

+ Free Electives are any course not listed on the program of study that you have met the prerequisites to take.

# Gerontology Electives can be met by any 200-level or higher course in the following disciplines:

Biology (BI)
Criminal Justice (CJ)
Health & Exercise Science (HES)
Nursing (NU)
Nutrition (NUTR)
Psychology (PS)
Religion (RELI)
Sociology (SO)