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Undergraduate Studies in Gerontology at Penn State

Adult development and aging is represented at Penn State by a variety of courses and an internationally renowned faculty.

An aging population means many occupations demand an understanding of aging and older persons. Knowledge of patients, customers, investors and managers, as well as an awareness of aging itself, is required for a wide array of activities and interactions.

The Penn State Gerontology Center provides you with education and experience in:

The Health Fields:   Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Clinical and Counseling Psychology, Audiology, Speech Therapy, Social Work, Health Education, Health Policy and Administration, Athletic and Fitness Training, Public Administration, Nutrition, and Recreation.

Human Service and Business: Agencies on Aging, Home Health Agencies, Hospitals, Retirement Communities, Nursing Homes, and Personnel and Marketing Departments in Business and Industry.

Research and Education: Preparation for Graduate Studies in fields such as Adult Education, Anthropology, Demography, Kinesiology, Human Development and Family Studies, Leisure Studies, Nutrition, Psychology, and Sociology.

Students interested in gerontology can develop an emphasis within their undergraduate major. Courses on aging are offered through:

  • School of Nursing
  • School of Hospitality Management
  • Adult Education
  • Biology
  • Counselor Education
  • Health Policy and Administration
  • Human Development and Family Studies
  • Kinesiology
  • Nutritional Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management
  • Sociology

 

The following specific programs are available:

 

Intercollege Minor in Gerontology

The Intercollege Minor in Gerontology is designed for students to gain an in-depth understanding of the aging process and old age.

In conjunction with the student's major, the Gerontology Minor prepares students for entry-level human services positions in which knowledge of the aging process and the abilities and limitations of older persons is relevant.

Eighteen (18) credits are required for the minor. Nine (9) are in Required Courses (see the list below) and nine (9) may be selected from a list of Additional Courses (six of these nine additional course credits must be taken at the 400 level).

Additional courses may be needed in order to meet the prerequisite requirements. Advising is available through the Department of Human Development and Family Studies.

Required Courses for the Undergraduate Minor:

  • HDFS 249 (GS) Adult Development and Aging (3)
    (HDFS 249 is also available through the World Campus)
  • BIOL 155 or 409 Biology of Aging (3)
  • HDFS 434/SOC 435 Social Gerontology
  • or HDFS 445/PSYCH 416 Development Throughout Adulthood

 

A wide range of electives may be selected. Among the electives available are the following:

  • ADTED 460 Introduction to Adult Education (3)
  • CN ED 415 Counseling Adults (3)
  • HPA 442 Long-Term Care Management (3)
  • HDFS 446 Programs and Services in Gerontology (3)
  • KINES 481W Scientific Basis of Exercise for Older Adults (3)
  • NURS 464 Dying and Death (3)

With approval, students may also enroll in special topics courses on aging and/or schedule independent study courses focused on issues of aging.

For a complete listing of courses and requirements for the minor, contact:

Pamela Evock,
Academic Advisor
Department of Human Development and Family Studies
S-211 Henderson Building
(814) 863-8000
pde1@psu.edu

An interdisciplinary committee oversees the implementation and review of the minor.

 

 

 

 

 

Adult Development and Aging Services Option

This major is a multidisciplinary program that examines the development of individuals and families across the life span.

Courses emphasize:

  • Understanding biological, psychological, and social development across the life span
  • The structuring and functioning of families
  • Understanding the basic theoretical and methodological issues
  • Development of applied skills in intervention, evaluation, and prevention
  • Formulation of social policy

Two options are available with in this major:

  • Life Span Human Services Option
  • Life Span Developmental Science Option

For more information, contact the Department of Human Development and Family Studies.

 

 

 

 

 

Associate Degree in Human Development and Family Studies, Adult Development and Aging Option

This two-year, 62-credit program allows students to combine a general educational foundation with a specialization in adulthood and aging. The program offers students the opportunity to combine full-time work and education. Some courses may be taken through independent study.

For more information, contact the Department of Human Development and Family Studies.

 

 

 

 

 

Certificate in Gerontology

The 15-credit certificate, offered by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, provides an understanding of the elderly, the aging process, and the services designed to meet the needs of older persons.

This program is designed for part-time students and/or employed individuals who want an introduction to the study of aging. Some courses may be taken through the resident instruction, Continuing Education, or the World Campus.

For more information about the certificate program, contact the Department of Human Development and Family Studies.

 

 

 

 

 

A booklet Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Programs in Gerontology Booklet is available by request from The Gerontology Center or web site Degree Program Booklet.

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