Senior woman with younger woman in rose garden.

Aging Studies and Gerontology (Minor)

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The Aging Studies and Gerontology minor prepares students to understand, support, and serve a growing population of older adults.

Degrees & Offerings
  • Minor
Location
  • Bloomsburg
  • Lock Haven
  • Mansfield
Department
College
Program Contact
Associate Professor & Chair, Psychology Department
Illustration of Mountain

The minor combines foundational coursework in Psychology with elective options drawn from a wide range of disciplines. Required foundational courses introduce students to key developmental principles and theories of aging as they apply to adults and older persons. Elective courses provide continued exposure to discipline‑specific perspectives while developing practical skills related to the common, everyday experiences of working with adult and older populations.

Courses and Curriculum

Aging Studies and Gerontology Minor Requirements

  • 18 credits required for minor completion
  • Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester and use Degree Works to monitor their individual progress toward completion of the minor.

Minor Requirements

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Goal 1: Content Knowledge and Applications
    • 1.1 Describe key concepts, principles, and theories related to the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging.
    • 1.2 Identify evidence-based practices and practical applications of key concepts, principles, and theories to everyday life.
  • Goal 2: Ethics
    • 2.1 Discuss ethical principles to guide work with and on behalf of older persons.
    • 2.2 Elaborate how ethical principles can be applied to improve older persons' quality of life, inform social policy, and strengthen community resources.
  • Goal 3: Personal and Professional Development
    • 3.1 Summarize effective communication strategies when interacting with older persons, family members, and professionals.
    • 3.2 Explore academic and career options based on interests.

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