Minor in Social Work-Gerontology

The Undergraduate Gerontology Minor is designed to provide students with basic knowledge about older adults and the aging process, and applied skills for aging-related practice. Students who complete the Gerontology Minor come from a variety of undergraduate programs, in order to augment their studies with an in-depth focus on older adults. The field of Gerontology is interdisciplinary by nature and rapidly expanding, therefore jobs are available in just about every sector of our economy. The Gerontology Minor compliments this diversity, by offering coursework from several academic units on campus.

Students enrolled in the Gerontology Minor will:

  • Build a firm understanding of the aging process, including biological, cognitive, psychological, and social processes that occur across late adulthood.
  • Be able to critically analyze social problems that exist, which affect older adults in today’s society.
  • Gain knowledge of the U.S. healthcare system, with emphasis on health policy affecting older adults.
  • Develop assessment and intervention skills to work with older adults and their families in interdisciplinary settings.

Students who complete the Gerontology Minor are uniquely positioned for employment opportunities in the aging field after graduation.

Requirements

To obtain the Gerontology Minor, a student must complete the minimum 15 credit hours as outlined above. A minimum grade of "C-" in all coursework is needed to qualify for the minor.

Required Courses
H_D_FS 3440Adulthood and Aging3
SOC_WK 4395Death, Grief and Loss3
SOC_WK 4480Direct Practice with Older Adults3
Choose two of the following:
SOCIOL 4210Aging and the Life Course3
HLTH_SCI 3700Health Care in the United States3
HLTH_SCI 4420Health Literacy, Decision Making and Behavior Changes3

Admission Requirements:

A student must be admitted to the University of Missouri with a declared academic major.  Students must have a 2.0 minimum GPA to apply for and earn the minor.