Gerontology

Gerontology is the scientific study of aging, particularly the problems and issues confronted by an aging population. The study of gerontology has become increasingly important for an aged society. Getting older is no longer only a personal concern but a national one, as aging affects family relations, the composition of the work force, housing needs, the health care system, government programs, business and financial marketing, and social services.

Careers in Gerontology

The demand for trained professionals in gerontology continues to rise. Employment opportunities exist as: directors of aging programs, hospice programs, retirement homes, adult daycare, and senior centers; pre-retirement planners; adult educators; program/activity directors; program planners/evaluators; and in local, state, and federal government positions. In addition to the career options for majors, students opting for a minor enhance the possibility of working in a related field with a gerontology focus, such as psychology, social work, medicine, education, management, and administration.

Academic Requirements for the Gerontology Minor at NSU

The gerontology minor requires 18 semester hours as follows:

Required courses (9 hours):
SOC 1113, Introduction to Sociology
SOC 3813, Sociology of Aging
SOWK 4623, Social Work with the Elderly

Electives (9 hours) to be selected from:
SOC 3323, Social Statistics
SOC 4853, Medical Sociology
SOC 4813, Death and Dying
SOC 4833, Aging in Other Cultures
SOC 4993, Practicum
HED 4403, Physiology of Aging
PSYC 4363, Adult Development and Aging
SOC 4000, 4911, SOWK 4751 (with Dept. Chair approval)

Course may not count for both sociology major and gerontology minor credit.

 

For more information about the minor in Gerontology please write or call the:

Department Chair
Department of Social Sciences
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK  74464
Telephone:  (918) 444-3500