Gerontology Minor
Christina Leclerc, Ph.D.
Teaching Professor, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
cleclerc1@une.edu
Program Description
A Gerontology minor familiarizes students with one of our society’s most prevalent issues: the dramatic increase in the aging population. This interdisciplinary program will examine the many dimensions of the aging process and help students to understand the range of social, psychological, and physiological issues facing our country’s advanced-age population. A minor in gerontology is clearly linked to career opportunities in a range of highly-skilled jobs related to science, medicine, mental and behavioral health, healthcare, and human rights advocacy.
Curricular Requirements
A student with GPA of at least 2.25 and a major at UNE may minor in Gerontology with the approval of the Assistant Director of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Declarations must occur before the completion of the first semester of the junior year. A minimum of eighteen (18) hours of approved course credit with a minimum grade of C- in each course is required for the minor in Gerontology.
| Program Required Courses* | Credits |
|---|---|
| PSY 218 – Fundamentals of Gerontology | 3 |
| PSY 250 – Lifespan Development in Context | 3 |
| Two (2) Electives from List A (see below) | 6 |
| Two (2) Electives from List B (see below) | 6–7 |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 18–19 |
|---|
*The minor may reflect up to 50% (nine (9) credits) of coursework coming from students’ major requirements. The other 50% (nine (9) credits) must reflect unique and distinctive coursework beyond what is already required for the student’s major.
Additionally, while some courses can fulfill both core and program requirements, the credits earned do not count twice towards the minimum total required credits for the degree.
Program-Specific Electives
| List A | Credits |
|---|---|
| OS 341 – Health/Wellness/Aging Society | 3 |
| PSY 325 – Psychology of Aging | 3 |
| SOC 228 – Sociology of Aging | 3 |
| List B | Credits |
|---|---|
| ANT 211 – Medical Anthropology | 3 |
| BIO 208 – Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology I or BIO 209 – Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| BIO 318 – Nutrition Through the Life Cycle or NUTR 220 – Nutrition | 3 |
| EXS 120 – Personal Health and Wellness | 3 |
| PHI 201 – Bio-Medical Ethics or IHS 310 – Ethics for Interprofessional Practice | 3 |
| PHI 205 – The Future of Humanity | 3 |
| PHI 402 – Philosophy of Biology | 3 |
| PSY 205 – Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 365 – Biological Bases of Behavior | 3 |
| PUB 200 – Foundations in Public Health | 3 |
| PUB 310 – Social, Behavioral & Environmental Factors in Public Health | 3 |
| SOC 150 – Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 355 – Medical Sociology | 3 |
| SSW 310 – Social Welfare, Policy & Advocacy | 3 |
Academic and Technical Standards
A minimum of eighteen (18) hours of approved course credit with a minimum grade of C- in each course is required for the minor in Gerontology.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the interdisciplinary Gerontology minor, students will be able to:
- Describe the biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors associated with aging as well as their plasticity and remediation.
- Describe the physical, cognitive, and social role changes associated with aging.
- Articulate and integrate multi-disciplinary models and theories commonly applied in the field of gerontology.
- Critically evaluate major societal challenges and opportunities resulting from the changing demographic of the aging population in the United States.
- Explain and analyze variations in aging due to factors such as gender, social, class, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and mental health status.
Transfer Credit
Courses completed at another accredited college can be transferred to this degree program only with permission of the Director or Assistant Director of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Transferred courses must be reasonably close in scope and content to the required courses offered at UNE in order to count as exact equivalents. Otherwise, they may transfer as general electives. All courses completed must be no older than five (5) years.