Gerontology
The gerontology major is interdisciplinary and grounded in the excellent liberal arts tradition of Mount St. Mary’s College.
Gerontology consists of an exploration of the biopsychosocial dimensions of life course development, with a focus on the rapidly expanding aging population of the United States. In the 21st Century, careers in gerontology are projected to expand rapidly, with demand remaining high over the next several decades.
As a gerontologist, career options include case management and care management, social work, non-profit or for-profit management, and more. The gerontology major provides excellent preparation for graduate studies in social work, public policy, the law, gerontology, and as researchers.
A Gerontology Minor and a Certificate Program also are available.
Gerontology is an excellent choice for a second major in the health and human services fields. These include social work, nursing, biology, psychology, and human services.
The option of taking all upper division courses for the major online is available by registering through the Mount's Weekend College format. If you choose this track, one on-campus meeting with the program coordinator is required when accepted into the program.
Required Courses
GER 120 - Case Management
GER 184 - Diversity in Aging in the Social Environment
GER 188 - Caregiving and Adaptations for Elders
GER 189 - Gerontology
GER 192 - Thanatology
GER 197 - Internship
SOC 13 - Anatomy for Social Services (or anatomy course)
SOC 112 - Medical Sociology
SOC 117 - Quantiative Research Methods
or
SOC 118 - Qualitative Research Methods: Ethnography
SOC 121 - Human Services Ethics
Plus two additional courses from the following:
BIO 112 - Human Nutrition
BUS 185 - Principles of Management
GER 138 - Non-profit Management
PSY 160 - Cognition and Perception
SOC 103 - Introduction to Group Process/Therapy
SOC 106 - Introduction to Psychotherapy
Total units for Bachelor's of Arts in Gerontology: 35, plus general studies requirements for total of 124 units.
Gerontology Minor Required courses: A minimum of 6 courses selected from the required courses for the Gerontology major. Total units for the minor: 18.