Program structure
The Gerontology and Aging Studies program is designed to encourage and promote a better understanding of lifespan development, aging and the changing nature of older adult services.
In the next 25 years, the number of older adults in this country will approach or exceed 2.1 million people, nearly double the number in the year 2000. More than ever before, government programs and industries will need more expertise in working with older adults. Ministry programs utilizing the expertise of recently retired individuals, and those serving the needs of the older-old, will become a vital part of the programs and services networks.
The Gerontology and Aging Studies program serves professionals who have a heart for older adult services and ministry, as well as those interested in understanding the needs of those in an aging society. The program addresses needs from biological, spiritual, psychological and emotional perspectives with a focus on successful and productive aging.
Who is this program designed for?
Persons who enroll in gerontology courses are typically trainers/educators, ministers, care providers or professionals in health services, however, the program is open to anyone who is interested in working with an older population. The program can also benefit business persons and entrepreneurs interested in developing new programs and services in their areas of interest.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The academic programs will:
- Deliver a high quality course of study that prepares students for service to mature adults in the church and world.
- Provide mentorship and community for students of gerontology.
- Provide students with a working knowledge base of lifespan development, programs, services and issues in aging policy and ministry.
- Offer opportunities for ministry, practice and research related to the student’s professional needs and goals.
- Connect and involve students in the aging services networks in church and society.
The specific goals of the academic programs in gerontology are:
- To instruct students about lifespan development and individual aging.
- To prepare students for entrance into service and professions working with mature adults.
- To educate students about an aging society and church as well as the implications that our aging institutions have for ministry, services and policies.
- To encourage and support training, research, programs, services and curricular development in the field of aging.
MASTER’S DEGREE COURSE REQUIREMENTS - 33 HOURS
Common requirements - 15 HOURS
- Gero 500 Issues in Gerontology and Aging Studies - 3 hours
- Gero 501 Aspects of Health and Aging - 3 hours
- Gero 502 Social Gerontology (Social, Community and Interpersonal Issues in Aging) - 3 hours
- Gero 503 Mental Health and Aging - 3 hours
- Gero 504 Faith/Spiritual Development and Later Life - 3 hours
Aging Elective(s) - 9 HOURS
- Soc 533 Aging and the Family* - 3 hours
- Gero 511 History and Literature of Aging - 3 hours
- Gero 512 Life Review, Autobiography and Creative Non-Fiction - 3 hours
- Gero 513 Aging and Communication - 3 hours
- Gero 514 Aging Policy, Programs and Services - 3 hours
- Gero 515 Retirement and Life Span Financial Issues - 3 hours
- Gero 516 Health Programming and Later Life - 3 hours
- Gero 517 Aging and the Brain - 3 hours
- Gero 518 Nutrition and the Older Adult - 3 hours
- Psy 570 Professional Ethics* - 3 hours
- Gero 519 Death, Dying and Trauma - 3 hours
- Gero 498/598 Special Topics in Aging - 3 hours
- Educ 545 Lifespan Family Education* - 3 hours
- Psy 555 Lifespan Development*
Professional/Content Elective(s) - 3 HOURS
Additional Aging Elective from above OR relevant elective in professional field
Application Project - 6 HOURS
Gero 599 Gerontology Practicum (registered for twice with same requirements)
Master’s degree students must complete no less than 6 exclusively graduate level courses.