The minor in social work gerontology is designed to provide students with basic knowledge about older adults and the aging process, and applied skills for aging-related practice. Students come from a variety of undergraduate programs in order to augment their studies with an in-depth focus on older adults.

The field of gerontology is interdisciplinary by nature and rapidly expanding, therefore jobs are available in just about every sector of our economy. The gerontology minor compliments this diversity by offering coursework from several academic units on campus.

Students enrolled in the gerontology minor will:

• Build a firm understanding of the aging process, including biological, cognitive, psychological, and social processes that occur across late adulthood.
• Be able to critically analyze social problems that exist, which affect older adults in today’s society.
• Gain knowledge of the U.S. healthcare system, with emphasis on health policy affecting older adults.
• Develop assessment and intervention skills to work with older adults and their families in interdisciplinary settings.

Students who complete the gerontology minor are uniquely positioned for employment opportunities in the aging field after graduation.

Completing the gerontology minor

Students must complete course requirements (minimum of 15 credit hours). Students must earn a grade of C- or higher and maintain a 2.5 minimum GPA in minor courses.