Program Contact: Catherine Richards Solomon   203-582-5264

The minor in gerontology familiarizes you with one of our society’s most prevalent issues: the dramatic increase in its aging population. Interdisciplinary courses teach you about the many dimensions of the aging process, and help you to understand the range of social, psychological and physiological issues facing our country’s advanced-age population. You’ll gain the skills to interpret and perform statistical analysis and research, as well as learn about the variety of programs, products, services and other resources available to older adults.

The study of gerontology complements a range of majors, including law, sociology, psychology and public health. Whether your primary interest includes the direct care of seniors or the legislature that protects them, a variety of electives enable you to focus on an area most related to your goals. The gerontology minor opens the door to future volunteering opportunities, or to careers dedicated to making a direct, positive impact on the lives of the elderly and their families.

Gerontology Minor Curriculum

For the gerontology minor, students should work with the program director to select 18 credits of coursework in gerontology. A student majoring in criminal justice or sociology can minor in gerontology. Courses taken for a minor may not count toward a CJ or SO major. Courses taken for a CJ or SO major may not count toward a minor.

Select 18 credits from the following:
GT 211Introduction to Social Work (SO 211)3
GT 234Adult Developmental Psychology (PS 234)3
GT 263Aging in Society Aging (SO 263)3
GT 270Community Program Development (SO 270)3
GT 300Special Topics in Gerontology3
GT 305Sociology of Death and Dying (SO 305)3
GT 315Case Management (SO 315)3
GT 365Aging and Social Problems (SO 365)3
Students may choose one of the following Sociology courses toward the minor:3
Sociology of Race and Ethnicity
Social Inequalities
Sociology of Families (WGS 255)
Population and Society
Sociology of Health and Illness
Sociology of Gender (WGS 304)