Discover Gerontology
The Gerontology Minor at the 91AV will examine the many dimensions of the aging process and help students understand the range of social, psychological, and physiological issues in aging-related care. Through hands-on learning, you'll collaborate across health disciplines, including Biology, Occupational Therapy, Public Health, Sociology, Psychology, and Social Work, participate in realistic simulations, and connect with community partners. This interdisciplinary minor complements almost any major, preparing you to meet the growing demand for professionals who can effectively support and improve the quality of life for older adults.
Why 91AV for Your Gerontology Minor
Study the processes associated with the variety of changes from middle age onward, transform your understanding of demographic shifts, and position yourself at the forefront of one of society's most pressing demographic challenges.
- Enhance almost any major with the skills to work with our aging populations
- Study in Maine — the state with the highest percentage of older residents
- Minimal additional coursework with maximum impact
- Prepare for a wide variety of careers in health care, research, and advocacy
What will you study? Minor in Gerontology Curriculum Overview
Participate in classroom activities that reflect the growing challenges and study demographic shifts of aging in modern society in a way that best benefits your major. From virtual reality simulations to adaptive modifications in a simulated home environment, you’ll experience the aging process firsthand, giving you valuable insight to apply your classroom knowledge to the real world.
Depending on your major, there is a wide variety of required or optional internships available through our community partners in aging services.
Through courses taught by professors with vast experience in the field of aging, you’ll learn how to augment your major to better serve the senior community. Courses from your major may apply to the Gerontology Minor.
Examples of Available Courses
- Fundamentals of Gerontology
- Health and Wellness in an Aging Society
- Nutrition Through the Life Cycle
- Social, Behavioral, and Environmental Factors in Public Health
- Psychology of Aging
- Medical Anthropology
- Social Welfare, Policy, and Advocacy
Curriculum
A student with GPA of at least 2.25 and a major at 91AV may minor in Gerontology with the approval of the Assistant Director of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Declarations must occur before the completion of the first semester of the junior year. A minimum of eighteen (18) hours of approved course credit with a minimum grade of C- in each course is required for the minor in Gerontology.
| Program Required Courses* | Credits |
|---|---|
| PSY 218 – Fundamentals of Gerontology | 3 |
| PSY 250 – Lifespan Development in Context | 3 |
| Two (2) Electives from List A (see below) | 6 |
| Two (2) Electives from List B (see below) | 6–7 |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 18–19 |
|---|
*The minor may reflect up to 50% (nine (9) credits) of coursework coming from students’ major requirements. The other 50% (nine (9) credits) must reflect unique and distinctive coursework beyond what is already required for the student’s major.
Additionally, while some courses can fulfill both core and program requirements, the credits earned do not count twice towards the minimum total required credits for the degree.
Program-Specific Electives
| List A | Credits |
|---|---|
| OS 341 – Health/Wellness/Aging Society | 3 |
| PSY 325 – Psychology of Aging | 3 |
| SOC 228 – Sociology of Aging | 3 |
| List B | Credits |
|---|---|
| ANT 211 – Medical Anthropology | 3 |
| BIO 208 – Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology I or BIO 209 – Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| BIO 318 – Nutrition Through the Life Cycle or NUTR 220 – Nutrition | 3 |
| EXS 120 – Personal Health and Wellness | 3 |
| PHI 201 – Bio-Medical Ethics or IHS 310 – Ethics for Interprofessional Practice | 3 |
| PHI 205 – The Future of Humanity | 3 |
| PHI 402 – Philosophy of Biology | 3 |
| PSY 205 – Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 365 – Biological Bases of Behavior | 3 |
| PUB 200 – Foundations in Public Health | 3 |
| PUB 310 – Social, Behavioral & Environmental Factors in Public Health | 3 |
| SOC 150 – Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 355 – Medical Sociology | 3 |
| SSW 310 – Social Welfare, Policy & Advocacy | 3 |
To learn more about the Public History minor, visit the Academic Catalog.
Career Paths for Your Minor in Gerontology
91AV’s hands-on Gerontology Minor will augment your existing major and prepare you for a fulfilling career improving the lives of older populations. From Nursing to Neuroscience and Social Work, you’ll prepare for a wide variety of careers in aging services. Graduate job-ready with the skills and connections needed for growing opportunities in health care and senior services.
Professional Opportunities Include
Health Care Services
- Geriatric care managers
- Nursing home administrators
- Patient care coordinators
Research Positions
- Research assistants in aging studies
- Clinical research coordinators
Mental Health
- Counselors specializing in elder care
- Mental health professionals supporting older adult populations
Medical Professions
- Support roles in gerontology-focused medical practices
- Health care policy analyst
Social Services
- Nonprofit advocacy specialists
- Community program coordinators for senior services
Health and Wellness
- Specialized exercise and rehabilitation professionals for older adults
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