Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Gerontology

Gerontology is the study of aging, a developmental process involving complex interrelationships of the individual with his or her environment. As a field of study, it encompasses many disciplines in the social and biological sciences, and examines the roles of aging persons within our rapidly-aging society. The gerontology minor at Thiel College is interdisciplinary and seeks to increase awareness of the aging process and its effects upon the individual and the culture in which he or she lives. In addition, the minor may complement the student's major field of study, and assist him or her in obtaining an entry-level, paraprofessional position in the field of aging. Upon completion of the program, students receive an Aging Specialists' Certificate. The Minor consists of six courses (18 credit hours): GERO 092/BIO 092 Biology of Aging GERO 131/INDS 131 Human Aging in an Aging Society GERO 244/PSY 244 Adulthood and Aging GERO 370/COMM 370 Aging: Communication Processes and Disorders GERO 391/SOC 391 Sociology of Aging GERO 441/INDS 441 Senior Seminar and Practicum If possible, GERO 131/INDS 131 should be taken first. The Senior Seminar and Practicum should be taken during the second semester of the senior year. The other courses may be taken in any order. Students should declare the minor no later than first semester of the sophomore year.