Gerontology Minor

For information, contact the Department of Sociology and Gerontology, 375 Upham Hall, 513-529-2628.

Rapid and significant growth of the older population is a global phenomenon; virtually every person in the world has become or is in the process of becoming part of an aging society. The aging of society has an impact on every aspect of our lives and on all of our social institutions. 

The Gerontology minor includes two concentration areas or tracks. The Health and Aging Practice, Policy, and Administration track is designed to introduce future professionals in fields such as medicine, nursing, public health, public administration, rehabilitation, and social work to current issues, policies, and programs affecting the health and well-being of older adults.  The Leadership and Innovation in an Aging Society track is designed to prepare students from an array of majors to work and thrive in an aging society. With one-quarter of the nation age 60 and over, societal aging will impact service provision, product development, and organizational structures and functions. This minor uniquely prepares students to live and work in this ever-changing world.

Program Requirements

(18 semester hours)

Complete the following:
GTY 154Aging in American Society3
or GTY 254 Global Aging
Complete One of Two Tracks:15
1) Health and Aging Practice, Policy, and Administration Track 1
Complete all:
Social Policy and Programs in Gerontology
Policies & Programs in an Aging Society
Medical Sociology
Aging & Health
Complete 3 credit hours from one or more of the following options:
The University and the Student
Opening Minds through Art (OMA) Volunteer Experience
Opening Minds through Art (OMA) Leadership Experience
Data & Decision Making in Aging
Gerontology Capstone Internship
Using Large Datasets in the Social Sciences
Research on Inequality in Aging & Health
Select two of the following:
Social Forces and Aging
Issues & Controversies in Aging
Data & Decision Making in Aging
Policies & Programs in an Aging Society
Using Large Datasets in the Social Sciences
Research on Inequality in Aging & Health
Community Health Perspectives
Introduction to Public Health
Fundamentals of Epidemiology
The Social Dynamics of Strategy and Leadership
Innovation in Organizations
Public Administration
Public Management, Leadership, and Administrative Politics
Public Budgeting
Public Personnel Administration
2) Leadership and Innovation in an Aging Society Track
Complete all:
Issues & Controversies in Aging
Innovation in Organizations
Complete 3 credit hours from one or more of the following options:
The University and the Student
The Nature of Group Leadership
Opening Minds through Art (OMA) Volunteer Experience
Opening Minds through Art (OMA) Leadership Experience
Data & Decision Making in Aging
Gerontology Capstone Internship
Select two of the following:
Social Network Analysis
Introduction to Management & Leadership
The Social Dynamics of Strategy and Leadership
Public Management, Leadership, and Administrative Politics
Decision-Making in Public Affairs
Public Personnel Administration
Work and Occupational Justice
Organizations and Society
Total Credit Hours18
1

Some courses appear in two requirement areas. Students who take such courses may use them to fulfill one requirement only.