Gerontology
Matthew Costello, Ph.D. | Coordinator
(574) 520-4593 | gerontology.iusb.edu
Faculty
Coordinator | Costello
Faculty Advisors | Barrau, Nashel, L. Zynda
About Gerontology
Gerontology, the study of aging and the elderly is an interdisciplinary program in which students may complete a minor. The minor is administered by an interdisciplinary Gerontology Committee comprised of faculty members with teaching, research, service, and other interests in the field of aging.
The objectives of the gerontology minor are to promote a better understanding of the aging process, a greater awareness of major issues regarding aging, and an increased insight into the problems of older adults. This minor is especially appropriate for students interested in working with older persons or pursuing graduate degrees in gerontology and related fields. For information about the Gerontology Program, contact the program coordinator.
Minor Offered
Course Descriptions
Biology BIOL | Business BUS | Nursing NURS | Physiology PHSL | Psychology PSY | Sociology SOC | Women's and Gender Studies WGS
Minor in Gerontology
Notes |
- Students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs in any academic area may pursue the minor in gerontology. Interested students are required to declare their intention and work out a program of study with the program coordinator prior to completing their third course in the program. Students planning careers in gerontologic human service settings complete a practicum or field experience as part of their core requirements; other students may choose the independent research option.
- The minor consists of a minimum of five courses drawn from the following list of existing courses approved by the Gerontology Committee.
- The chosen practicum or independent study course content should be directly concerned with older adults, and must be approved by the gerontology coordinator.
Minor Requirements (15 cr.)
All courses are 3 credit hours, unless otherwise designated.
- PSY-P 331 Psychology of Aging
- SOC-S 331 Sociology of Aging
Select one of the following:
- BIOL-L 100 Humans and the Biological World (5 cr.)
- PHSL-P 130 Human Biology
- PHSL-P 261 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1(5 cr.)
- PHSL-P 262 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 (5 cr.)
Select one of the following:
- BUS-H 320 Systems of Health Care Delivery
- BUS-H 411 Management of Long-Term Care Facilities
- SOC-S 314 Social Aspects of Health and Medicine
The practicum (80-100 clock hours) or independent study requirement may be fulfilled by enrollment in the following:
- NURS-Z 492 Individual Study in Nursing (0.5-6 cr.)
- PSY-P 495 Readings and Research in Psychology (1-3 cr.)
- VT: Internship: Community Experience
VT: Supervised Research - SOC-S 468 Research Problems in Sociology (1-3 cr.)
- SOC-S 494 Field Experience in Sociology
- WGS-W 480 Women’s Studies Practicum