Major in Gerontology
Towson University offers an undergraduate degree program leading either to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Gerontology. The course work is multidisciplinary and provides students with an understanding of the scope of gerontology, the issues that are central to the study of aging, and a perspective from which students may understand the phenomenon of human aging and its implications for families and society. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level professional positions in the field of aging, social services, and aging policy, as well as provide the knowledge and skills necessary for graduate and professional schools.
Honorary Society
Sigma Phi Omega, the national honor society in gerontology, has established the Delta Rho Chapter at Towson University. The purpose of the society is to recognize excellence in the academic standing of students studying or majoring in gerontology and to provide enriched opportunities and service activities for members. The faculty adviser is Joyce Weil, 410-704-2345 / jweil@towson.edu.
Students pursuing a degree in Gerontology must complete a minimum of 45 units in the program as outlined below. Required elective courses must be approved by the student's Gerontology adviser.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| GERO 101 | INTRODUCTION TO GERONTOLOGY | 3 |
| GERO 350 | PHYSICAL HEALTH AND AGING | 3 |
| GERO 397 | GERONTOLOGY INTERNSHIP | 3-6 |
| GERO 485 | GERONTOLOGY SENIOR SEMINAR | 3 |
| PSYC 405 | PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING | 3 |
| SOCI 359 | SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY | 3 |
| Required Methods Courses | ||
| Select a Research Methods course (approved by Gerontology adviser) | 3-4 | |
| Select a Social or Behavioral Statistics course (approved by Gerontology adviser) | 3-4 | |
| Elective Upper-Level Courses | ||
| Select four of the following: | 12 | |
| DEATH, DYING AND BEREAVEMENT | ||
| SPECIAL TOPICS | ||
| CROSS CULTURAL AGING | ||
| DIRECTED READINGS IN GERONTOLOGY | ||
| CHRONIC AND COMMUNICABLE DISEASE | ||
| LONG-TERM CARE ETHICAL PROBLEMS | ||
| LONG-TERM CARE ADMINISTRATION | ||
| NUTRITION FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS | ||
| DEMOGRAPHY | ||
Or other upper-level courses approved by Gerontology adviser | ||
| Cognate Electives | ||
| Select three of the following: 1 | 9 | |
| CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY | ||
| ANTHROPOLOGY OF AMERICAN CULTURE | ||
| WELLNESS FOR A DIVERSE SOCIETY | ||
| NUTRITION AND WEIGHT CONTROL FOR THE CONSUMER | ||
| HEALTH CARE IN THE U.S. | ||
| MENTAL HEALTH, STRESS MANAGEMENT, AND CRISIS INTERVENTION | ||
| HUMAN DEVELOPMENT | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY | ||
| Total Units | 45-50 | |
- 1
Additional courses may be counted as Gerontology cognate electives at the discretion of the Gerontology program director.
Sample Four-Year Plan
The selected course sequence below is an example of the simplest path to degree completion. Based on course schedules, student needs, and student choice, individual plans may vary. Students should consult with their adviser to make the most appropriate elective choices and to ensure that they have completed the required number of units (120) to graduate.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| GERO 101 | 3 | HLTH 1011 | 3 |
| PSYC 101 (Core 6) | 3 | PSYC 2031 | 3 |
| SOCI 1011 | 3 | Core 2 (or Core 1) | 3 |
| Core 1 (or Core 2) | 3 | Core 4 | 3 |
| Core 3 | 3 | Core 5 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| HLTH 2071 | 3 | GERO 350 | 3 |
| SOCI 359 | 3 | Approved Statistics Course | 3 |
| Core 7 | 4 | Core 8 | 4 |
| Core 9 | 3 | Core 10 | 3 |
| Core 11 | 3 | Core 14 | 3 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| PSYC 405 | 3 | GERO 485 | 3 |
| Approved Methods Course | 3 | Upper-Level Elective | 3 |
| Upper Level Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Core 12 | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Core 13 | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Term 1 | Units | Term 2 | Units |
| Upper Level Elective | 3 | GERO 397 | 3 |
| Upper Level Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 1 |
| 15 | 13 | ||
| Total Units 120 | |||
- 1
Cognate Electives
- Understand the fundamental concepts of the discipline and dismiss inaccurate stereotypes associated with aging.
- Communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, both orally and in writing.
- Think critically. Be able to evaluate policies and social services for older adults in an aging world.
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in careers and graduate programs related to gerontology.