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