Health Sciences

  • Grandchild and Grandmother playing in a field.
  • Smiling African American middle aged couple smiling at the camera.

Interdiscipinary Gerontology Minor

Gerontology Information Session


DO YOU LOVE spending time with older adults?
DO YOU WANT to help improve people’s lives?
ARE YOU LOOKING for a rewarding career in a growing field?

A minor in gerontology complements a wide variety of majors and can help you launch your career.

Gerontology is the interdisciplinary study of the aging process and the needs of older adults. It includes the study of the physical, mental and social changes that take place as well as the impact of aging upon policy and society.

Students who graduate with a minor in gerontology are in demand for jobs in social services, allied healthcare, case management, recreation and tourism management, administration and direct services in a variety of settings.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Describe how our aging population impacts our society.
  • Understand how a multidisciplinary approach leads to a better understanding of the needs of older adults.
  • Identify physical, physiological, psychological and sociological aspects of aging.
  • Identify and critically analyze major issues and controversies related to aging.
  • Identify factors in the internal and external environments that may affect the aging process.
  • Explore resources and careers in the field of gerontology.

Requirements for Geronotology Minor

The undergraduate minor in gerontology program consists of five courses for a total of 18 units, including four core courses; one elective, and one internship experience.

Core Requirements: 12 Units

  • PSY 365 Intro to Gerontology 3*
  • SOC 440 Sociology of Aging 3
  • RTM 415 Leisure and Aging Elective 3
  • HSCI 422 Health Services for the Elderly and Mentally Ill 3

*Also counts as a GE requirement

Elective (Choose one of the following): 3 Units

  • FCS 354 Functional Fashion 3
  • FCS 409 Geriatric Nutrition 3
  • FCS 424 Resource Management for the Elderly 3
  • RTM 204 Introduction to Recreation Therapy 3
  • KIN 477 Motor Development 3
  • HSCI 419 Hospital Administration 3

Internship in major with aging focus (3 Units)

  • Students without an internship in their major will have units facilitated through the Department of Health Sciences.

TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED (18 UNITS)