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Gerontology Minor

Student presenting research at the undergraduate research conference.

Understand Aging: Gerontology Minor

The Gerontology Minor is an 18-credit program designed for students who want to understand the complexities of aging and the challenges older adults face today. This minor covers the physical, mental, and social changes that happen as people grow older, focusing on important topics like health, adult development, and the impact of an aging population on society.

Students complete foundational courses that build their knowledge of gerontology, along with practical experiences through internships or capstone research related to aging. This combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience prepares students to address the pressing issues of our aging society and to create effective policies and programs. With this background, graduates can pursue a variety of career opportunities in the field.

Program Highlights

  • Required courses - 18 credits
  • Explore various aspects of aging, including health and social dynamics
  • Gain hands-on experience through internships or research projects
  • Address key issues in aging and develop strategies to enhance quality of life

Course Requirements

Program Description

The Gerontology Minor is an 18-credit interdisciplinary minor intended for students interested in learning about the many facets of the aging process and the issues facing the elderly today. Gerontology incorporates the study of the physical, mental, and social changes in older people as they age. It includes the investigation of the changes in society resulting from our aging population, and the application of this knowledge to policies and programs. The minor provides students with the background information about gerontology that prepare students fro specializing in work with the elderly population in their major field of study. Career opportunities exist in many professional setting including community, human services, health-care, long-term care, government agencies (local, state and federal), retirement communities, business and industry.

Minor in Gerontology - 18 credits

 

Required courses - 12 credits

 

Applied Experience or Capstone Research in Gerontology - 3 credits

Note:

Applied Experience or Research work in the field of gerontology may be fulfilled in any cognate areawith permission of the Gerontology Advisor. Capstone with aging focus with permission of Gerontology advisor.

GERO 0370 may be used to fulfill SOCI 0300 for students who are also majoring in Sociology.

Gerontology electives - 3 credits

 

Notes:

Additional courses not listed may be used but require the approval of the Gerontology advisor.  The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education's Standards and Guidelines for Gerontology and Geriatric Programs (2008) recommends that at least 50 percent of the content of gerontology elective courses should be focused on gerontology.  All requests for course approval should be submitted to the Gerontology advisor.

What Can You Do with a Gerontology Minor?

A Gerontology Minor opens up a variety of career paths and opportunities. Here are some potential options:

  • Advocacy and Nonprofit Work
  • Community Outreach
  • Education and Training
  • Healthcare
  • Public Policy
  • Research
  • Senior Services Management
  • Social Work
Student in a geriatric lab pouring ensure into a glass.

Advance Your Healthcare Education for Real-World Impact

At Westfield State University, our dedicated faculty provide personalized attention and guide you through a multidisciplinary approach to patient care problem-solving. Committed to expanding your healthcare knowledge, they offer relevant courses, individual leadership projects, and hands-on experiences. You'll engage in advanced training that prepares you for real-life healthcare scenarios. Additionally, you'll collaborate on research projects and participate in team-based problem-solving focused on patient-centered care, ensuring you're ready for a dynamic healthcare environment.

Two students working with a faculty member in a geriatric lab.

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Gerontology Minor