Undergraduate

Gerontology Multidisciplinary

Explore multiple aspects of aging—from biological and psychological changes to social support systems and healthcare transitions.

Degree

Minor

Location

Durham, NH

Courses

Credit

20 hrs.

Full-time

- -

Part-time

- -

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Social Work

The Gerontology Multidisciplinary minor at UNH offers comprehensive training in understanding and supporting the aging process and older populations. Here you'll be able to explore multiple aspects of aging—from biological and psychological changes to social support systems and healthcare transitions.

With a focus on interdisciplinary study, faculty research engagement, and practical applications, this program enhances majors in healthcare, human development, recreation management, and social work. Through specialized coursework examining elder care, intergenerational relationships, and community services, you'll develop the essential skills needed for success in various in-demand careers serving aging populations.

Department of Social Work

Key Links

Tuition Costs

Contact Cards

BoRin Kim

Associate Professor

BoRin.Kim@unh.edu

Pettee Hall, Durham, NH 03824

(603) 862-0274

What is gerontology?

Gerontology is the study of the biological, psychological and social aspects of aging. In this minor, you’ll learn to promote the health and well-being of aging individuals through research, teaching and service. The interdisciplinary curriculum lets you explore the fundamentals of gerontology. Faculty research areas include elder maltreatment, intergenerational relations and support, transitions in care and functioning, and community services and policies for older populations. You can combine the minor in gerontology with a major in areas such as healthcare, human development and family studies, recreation management or social work, preparing you for a variety of in-demand careers.

Why study gerontology at UNH?

As a major public research university, UNH emphasizes hands-on experience and research opportunities. Students in the gerontology minor have the opportunity to put theory into practice through the Center on Aging and Community Living, an integrated center of applied research, evaluation and training relevant to aging and community living. The center focuses on care giving, care transitions, person-centered approaches, innovative community living, and workforce development. The College of Health and Human Services also hosts an annual Age of Champions health fair, the goal of which is to raise awareness of and promote healthy aging from a holistic perspective.

Potential careers

Assisted living activities coordinator
Educator
Eldercare policy analyst
Family intervention case manager
Human rights advocate
Rehabilitation counselor
Social worker
Therapeutic recreation coordinator
Veteran services provider

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

The gerontology multidisciplinary minor (GMM) provides students with the opportunity to examine and evaluate the aging process as it affects the individual and society within the United States and in the world. Through a multidisciplinary course selection, students develop an understanding of aging from a variety of perspectives with a focus on how people age physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially. Students are encouraged to analyze the historical and philosophical foundation from which policies, programs, and professional activities affecting the aged are developed, implemented, and evaluated. The purpose of GMM is to prepare students as they enter their career fields on the effects that the growing elderly population will have in every component of modern life.

Requirements for the Program

Academic policies related to Minors.

The minor in gerontology consists of completing five courses (20 credits).

Special Topic courses on aging-related topics can be used for the minor if approved by the minor coordinator.
Students must complete courses with a grade of C- or better and a 2.00 grade point average.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Required Courses
EXSC 607	Biology of Aging	4
GERO 500	I'm Old, So What! An introduction to aging in the United States	4
Electives
Select three courses from the following:		12
GERO 795	Independent Study ²
HDFS 625	Adult Development
HDFS 707	Practicum ¹
HHS 798	Special Topics
HPE 601	Foundations of Lifetime Physical Activity
NURS 506	Human Development, Interaction and Learning Across the Lifespan
NURS 535	Death and Dying
NUTR 400	Nutrition in Health and Well Being
NUTR 600	Field Experience in Nutrition ¹
NUTR 650	Life Cycle Nutrition
NUTR 773	Clinical Nutrition
NURS 601	Function and Wellbeing of Older Adults
OT 501	Developmental Tasks of Adulthood
PHIL 660	Law, Medicine, and Ethics
RMP 503	Therapeutic Recreation Rehabilitation Principles & Interventions
RMP 563	Recreation Management and Policy Practicum ¹
SOC 725	Social Demography
SW 702	Aging and Society
SW 740	Social Work Internship Experience ¹
SW 741	Social Work Internship Experience II ¹
Total Credits		20

¹: Up to 4 credits from the practicum courses including HDFS 707 Practicum, NUTR 600 Field Experience in Nutrition, RMP 563 Recreation Management and Policy Practicum, SW 740 Social Work Internship Experience or SW 741 Social Work Internship Experience II can be used for GMM if a student did their internship at aging-related institutions.
²: GERO 795 Independent Study is not a required course but up to 4 credits can be used toward the minor. GERO 795 is used by students and faculty as an option for creating an individual experience relating to aging. A faculty member must approve and oversee (mentor) the student's work. Additionally, the minor coordinator must also approve of the proposal and retain a copy. A copy of the proposal and the final copy will be kept in the student's major academic folder.