2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Dec 04, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Gerontology Minor

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus, Online


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Program Coordinator/Contact

Erin Lavender-Stott, Associate Professor
School of Education, Counseling and Human Development
Wenona Hall 202
605-688-5385

Program Information

The minor in gerontology prepares graduates to work directly with or on behalf of older adults by drawing on coursework from multiple disciplines and collaborating with practitioners in aging-related professions. It may accompany any major, but is especially recommended for students in health science majors and/or students with an interest in human service and medical professions.

Course Delivery Format

Program coursework is completed on campus and online.

Student Learning Outcomes


Students will be able to:

  • Interpret and apply gerontological theories
  • Demonstrate effective intergenerational communication skills
  • Evaluate and assess environmental demands and individual needs of older adult populations

Academic Requirements


A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses in the minor. To count for the minor, all Seminar, Topics, or Independent Study coursework must be approved by the Gerontology Coordinator. The topics and credits vary by semester.

Requirements for Gerontology Minor: 18 Credits


Select from the following


Select from the following electives. The study of Gerontology is from a bio-psycho-social perspective. Thus, the goal is to take electives in each area including general electives, up to 15 credits. Credits: 15

Total Required Credits: 18