Required Courses

ARCH 725 Environments and Aging: Cr. 3. S.

Examination of attributes of physical environments that support special needs of older people and application of this knowledge to the design and management of housing, institutional settings, neighborhoods and communities.

GERON 775 Perspectives in Gerontology: Cr. 3. F.

An overview of current aging issues including the current focus of gerontology theory and research, critical social and political issues in aging, the interdisciplinary focus of gerontology, current career opportunities, and aging in the future.

FSHS 845 Adult Development and Aging: Cr. 3. S.

This course explores the biological, psychological, and social factors that are associated aging. Although the focus is on the later years, information is presented from a life-span developmental framework. Empirical studies are reviewed and their strengths, limitations and implications for normative and optimal functioning are discussed.

GERON 777 Public Policy:Economic & Social Impacts on Older Adults: Cr. 3. F.

Policy development in the context of the economic status of the elderly populations. Retirement planning and the retirement decision; Social Security and public transfer programs for the elderly; intrafamily transfers to/from the elderly; private pensions; financing medical care for the elderly; prospects and issues for the future.

GERON 778 Aging in the Family: Cr. 3. S.

Theories and research related to personal, family, and societal adjustments in later life affecting older persons and their intergenerational relationships. Related issues including demographics also are examined through the use of current literature.

GERON 776 Program Evaluation and Research Methods in Gerontology: Cr. 3. SS.

Overview of program evaluation, research methods, and grant writing in gerontology. Includes application of quantitative and qualitative methods in professional settings.

GERON 779 Professional Seminar in Gerontology: Cr. 3. SS.

An integrative experience in which students will strengthen skills in ethical decision-making and behavior and apply those skills in related areas such as advocacy, professionalism, and family and workplace issues. Students from a variety of professions will apply unique perspectives to topics of common interest.

HN 718 Physical Health and Nutrition in Aging: Cr. 3. S.

Focus is on the physiological theories of aging, the relationship between normal aging processes, and the major chronic and acute diseases of the elderly, and community health promotion/maintenance programs for older adults.