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Gerontology Minor

Students in the Gerontology Minor program will study issues of aging from an interdisciplinary perspective and come to understand the interplay between them, including the health and medical as well as social and psychological needs of older persons. Although this interdisciplinary minor is housed in the School of Social Work, students in other majors may complete the minor in consultation with both the Chair of the Gerontology Minor and the students academic advisors in their respective departments. Students must consult with their major advisor to select electives, practicum or volunteer experiences, and to integrate courses that will meet the requirements of the minor.

Minor - Gerontology

College of Health

Degree Specific Credits: 21-23

Required Cumulative GPA: 2.0

Catalog Year: 2021-22


Summary

Core Courses

12

Integrating Courses

3

Practicum Courses

3-5

Gerontology Electives

3

Total Hours

21-23


Core Courses

Note:These courses provide students with a common knowledge base through an introduction to gerontology and study of three core areas: social aspects, psychological aspects, and health aspects of aging.

Code

Title

Hours

Complete all of the following courses:

AHHS 325

Introduction to Gerontology

3

AHHS 430

Health Aspects of Aging

3

PSYX 233

Fund of Psychology of Aging

3

S W 455

Social Gerontology

3

Total Hours

12

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Integrating Courses

Notes: In each of the following majors, a course has been identified that will integrate the core course content with information and concepts within the major. A similar course will be identified in other majors not listed here.

Nursing students can also take NRSG 377 through Montana State University with approval by advisor.

Code

Title

Hours

Complete one of the following courses:

3

CSD 365

Acquired Communication and Swallowing Disorders (for Communication Sciences & Disorders majors)

KIN 483

Exercise Disease & Aging (for Health and Human Performance majors)

PHAR 451

Therapeutics I (for Pharmacy majors)

P T 520

Development Through the Life Span (for Physical Therapy majors)

SOCI 332

Sociology of the Family (for Psychology, Sociology, and Women's and Gender Studies majors)

S W 300

Hum Behav & Soc Environ (for Social Work majors)

Total Hours

3

Minimum Required Grade: C-


Practicum Courses

Notes:

  • The courses provide experience working with both well and/or frail older persons.

  • Nursing students can also take NRSG 454 through Montana State University with approval by advisor.

  • Students in majors that do not have access to a practicum course can enroll in AHHS 395 for up to 3 credits of service learning experience compatible with the student's major and interests.

Code

Title

Hours

Complete at least 3 credits from the following courses:

3-5

AHHS 395

Geriatric Practicum (for Communicative Sciences & Disorders majors)

KIN 498

Internship (for Health & Human Performance majors)

PHAR 585

Geriatric APPE (for Pharmacy majors)

P T 583
& P T 584

Integrated Clinical Experience I
and Integrated Clinical Experience II ( for Physical Therapy majors)

PSYX 398

Internship (for Psychology majors)

or PSYX 298

Internship

S W 398

Internship (for Social Work majors)

or S W 495

Field Work Practicum

SOCI 498

Internship (for Sociology majors)

WGSS 398

Coop Education/Internship (for Women s & Gender Studies majors)

Total Hours

3-5

Minimum Required Grade: C-

Gerontology Electives

Note: A student must take a minimum of 3 elective credits with at least 25% of the content focused on gerontology. Students may petition for approval of another elective course.

Code

Title

Hours

Complete one of the following courses:

3

AHHS 327

MGS Meeting

AHHS 420

Geriatric Health Issues

AHHS 491

Special Topics (Geriatric Healthcare)

AHMS 270E

Medical Ethics

ANTY 426

Culture, Health and Healing

COMX 485

Interaction and Well-being

PHAR 320

Am Ind Health Issues

PHL 321E

Philosophy & Biomedical Ethics

PSYX 280

Fund of Memory and Cognition

PSYX 348

Psychology of Family Violence

S W 475

Death, Dying and Grief

SOCI 332

Sociology of the Family

SOCI 491

Special Topics (Sociology of Health & Illness)

Total Hours

3

Minimum Required Grade: C-