According to a U.S. Census Bureau report, by the middle of the century, “there could be more persons who are elderly (65 or older) than young (14 or younger).” With the growth of the number of older people in the population, increased need has arisen for people in a variety of professional and occupational roles to have knowledge of the aging process and old age.
The minor in Gerontology at Penn State DuBois is designed for students to gain an in-depth understanding of the aging process. In conjunction with the student's major, the minor prepares students for: (1) entry-level human service positions working with the elderly; (2) graduate or professional school programs including communication disorders, counseling, health planning and administration, medicine, psychology, recreation and park management, and social work where knowledge of the aging process and problems of older people is relevant.
Eighteen credits are required for the minor, including at least 6 credits at the 400 level.
Required Courses (9 credits) for the minor are:
HDFS 249 (GS) Adult Development and Aging
HDFS 445 Development Throughout Adulthood
BIOL 055 Biology of Aging
Additional Courses (9 credits): HPA 101 Introduction to Health Services Organization SOC 174 Sociological Aspects of Death HDFS 447 Current Issues in Gerontology HDFS 413 Developmental Problems in Adulthood NURS 464 Dying and Death CNED 415 Counseling Adults NOTE: Students may also enroll in special topics courses on aging (297 and/or 497) and/or enroll for independent studies that focus on issues of aging. ENROLLING: Enrollment in the Gerontology Minor is open to all baccalaureate students. For details, contact your academic advisor, call the Admissions office at 1-800-346-ROAR, or contact Dr. Ben Park, program coordinator, at (814) 375-4833.