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 Allison Kabel, 410-704-5892 / akabel@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.

Required Courses
GERO 101INTRODUCTION TO GERONTOLOGY3
GERO 350PHYSICAL HEALTH AND AGING3
GERO 397GERONTOLOGY INTERNSHIP3-6
GERO 485GERONTOLOGY SENIOR SEMINAR3
PSYC 405PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING3
SOCI 359SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY3
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
GERO 367
DEATH, DYING AND BEREAVEMENT
GERO 405
CROSS CULTURAL AGING
GERO 450
DIRECTED READINGS IN GERONTOLOGY
HLTH 311
CHRONIC AND COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
HCMN 417
LONG-TERM CARE ETHICAL PROBLEMS
HCMN 419
LONG-TERM CARE ADMINISTRATION
HLTH 331
NUTRITION FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
SOCI 329
DEMOGRAPHY
Or other upper-level courses approved by Gerontology adviser
Cognate Electives
Select three of the following: 19
ANTH 207
CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
ANTH 209
ANTHROPOLOGY OF AMERICAN CULTURE
HLTH 101
WELLNESS FOR A DIVERSE SOCIETY
HLTH 204
NUTRITION AND WEIGHT CONTROL FOR THE CONSUMER
HLTH 207
HEALTH CARE IN THE U.S.
HLTH 208
MENTAL HEALTH, STRESS MANAGEMENT, AND CRISIS INTERVENTION
PSYC 203
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
SOCI 101
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
Total Units45-50
 
1

Additional courses may be counted as Gerontology cognate electives at the discretion of the Gerontology program director.

Suggested Four-Year Plan

Based on course availability and student needs and preferences, the selected sequences will probably vary from those presented below. Students should consult with their adviser to make the most appropriate elective choices.

Freshman
Term 1UnitsTerm 2Units
GERO 1013HLTH 10113
PSYC 101 (Core 6)3PSYC 20313
SOCI 10113Core 2 (or Core 1)3
Core 1 (or Core 2)3Core 43
Core 33Core 53
 15 15
Sophomore
Term 1UnitsTerm 2Units
HLTH 20713GERO 3503
SOCI 3593Approved Statistics Course3
Core 74Core 84
Core 93Core 103
Core 11 3Core 143
 16 16
Junior
Term 1UnitsTerm 2Units
PSYC 4053GERO 4853
Approved Methods Course3Upper-Level Elective3
Upper Level Elective3Elective3
Core 123Elective3
Core 133Elective3
 15 15
Senior
Term 1UnitsTerm 2Units
Upper Level Elective3GERO 3973
Upper Level Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective1
 15 13
Total Units 120
1

Cognate Electives

  1. Understand the fundamental concepts of the discipline and dismiss inaccurate stereotypes associated with aging.
  2. Communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, both orally and in writing.
  3. Think critically. Be able to evaluate policies and social services for older adults in an aging world.
  4. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in careers and graduate programs related to gerontology.