Gerontology

Gerontology is the study of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging. Gerontologists are found in a variety of disciplines including biology, nursing, psychology, physical and occupational therapy, social work, exercise physiology, medicine, psychiatry, architecture and economics. Thus, the study of aging complements many majors.

We have been hearing more about gerontology in the past several years because the population of the United States is aging. The number of adults over 65 years of age is expected to increase dramatically in the near future. It is estimated that by 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over the age of 65 years. In Minnesota the number of adults over age 65 years will double in the next 30 years.

Students with preparation in gerontology will be best prepared to meet the demands of our aging population. Because of the projected increase in the number of older adults in society, workers in almost every field should expect to work with some---or many---older adults in the future.

GERONTOLOGY MINOR AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

The Gerontology Minor and Certificate program at The College of St. Scholastica includes courses taught by professors from a variety of departments. The program is designed to provide a strong foundation in the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging. Typically, students who are working toward a degree choose the Minor to complement their major areas of study; whereas, non-degree seeking students choose the Certificate. The equivalent of

20 credits is required, and the requirements are the same for the Minor and Certificate.

Several Gerontology courses count toward other majors, minors, and general education requirements.

Core Courses

All students take the following required courses:

GER/PSY/SOC 3315 Psychosocial Aspects of Aging (4 credits)
GER 3316 Health and Functioning in Late Life (4 credits)
GER 4555 Gerontology Directed Applied Project (4 credits)

OR

GER 4556/5556 Professional Application of Gerontology (0 or 1 credit)

The Gerontology Directed Applied Project (GERO-DAP) is a supervised field experience that allows students to transfer academic theory into practical application by working with or for older adults. Students choose where to complete their projects. Popular sites include agencies that provide services to older adults and long-term care settings such as the Benedictine Health Center on the College campus. Supervised primary research involving a literature review and older adults as research participants can also meet the GERO-DAP requirement.

Students whose majors require supervised field experiences may take Professional Application of Gerontology. In addition to their fieldwork requirements for the major, students work with gerontology faculty to prepare a written project and oral presentation in which they apply gerontology concepts and research to their experiences.

Elective Courses

Students are able to individualize their courses of study to fit their career needs by choosing among a number of electives. These electives address aging-related knowledge and skills. A total of eight credits is required.

GER/HSC 2203 U.S. Health Care System (4 credits)
GER/RES 3310 Religious Perspectives on Living, Dying, & Grieving (4 credits)GER/RES 3318 Spirituality and Aging (4 credits)
GER/PSY 3424 Mental Health and Aging (2 credits)
GER/BIO 4125 Biology of Aging (2 credits)
GER/NSG 4416 Gerontological Nursing (3 credits)
GER 3777 Topics in Gerontology (1 to 4 credits)
GER 4444 Research in Gerontology (1 to 4 credits)
GER/PSY 3325 Group Dynamics (2 credits)

GER/PSY 3341 Introduction to Counseling (2 credits)

GER/PSY 3470 Program Evaluation (2 credits)
SWK 4440 Social Work Interventions with Groups (4 credits)
PTH 5513 and PTH 6562 (4 credits)

OTH 6524 (4 credits)