Students who wish to declare a Gerontology minor should notify the Office of Records and Registration (A-203).
The Interdisciplinary Gerontology/Aging Studies minor examines the diversity and complexity of the older adult using a venue of varied disciplines and perspectives, including biology, psychology, sociology, spirituality, communication and health. Elective courses are drawn from across the University. The minor will meet the educational and experiential needs of a variety of students who have an interest in working with the older adult or for students who wish to gain knowledge about this growing segment of the population. Students who engage in a Gerontology minor will acquire a general understanding of the impact of culture, ethnicity, spirituality, and health and level of wellness and quality of life on older adults.
Requirements (18 credit hours)
To fulfill the requirements of the Gerontology minor, students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours in approved interdisciplinary gerontology courses, including the required core course GERON 101/NURS 199: Introduction to Aging (3) plus five gerontology elective courses (each course is 3 credit hours), as offered, from the elective course offering listing below.
Courses in the minor have a focus on aging, and will be drawn from across the SXU curriculum, and will include periodic special topics courses. At least one-half of the credit hours used to fulfill the minor must be completed at Saint Xavier University.
Interdisciplinary Gerontology Minor Elective Course Offering Listing
- GERON 216/COMM 216: Introduction to Health Communication (3)
- GERON 224/PSYCH 224: Adulthood and Aging (3)
- GERON 341/PSYCH 341: Health Psychology (3)
- GERON 266/RELST 266: Suffering and Death (3)
- GERON 383/NURS 358: Nursing Care at the End of Life (3)
- GERON 309/CSDI 309: Neuroscience of Communication (3)
- GERON 348/NURS 348: Geriatric Syndromes (3)
- GERON 200/FINC 200: Personal Financing (3)
- GERON 205/NURS 205: Narrative Gerontology (3)
- GERON 208/NURS 208: Aging and Culture (3)
- GERON 318/SOC 318: Sociology of Aging (3) OR SOC 210: Sociology of Family (3)
- GERON 124/BIOL 124: Physiology of Aging (3)
- GERON 199/PSYCH 199: Lifespan Development (3)
Search Gerontology Elective Courses by course title/use discipline specific course prefix.
Students should consult with their program advisor and the coordinator of the Gerontology Studies minor, Dr. Ann Miller (amiller@sxu.edu), when planning an Interdisciplinary Gerontology Studies minor course plan.
Faculty and Administration
The Gerontology Studies minor is sponsored by the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. It is an interdisciplinary program that draws upon the expertise of faculty in many academic programs within the University. Faculty members offer perspectives and courses appropriate to the multidimensional study of older adults and contribute to the development of the program's curriculum.
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences reserves the right to amend policies, procedures and other program information as necessary. All changes will be communicated promptly.