The Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program offers multiple options for students from any academic major to engage in the study of aging within the University of Utah College of Nursing. A minor in gerontology provides additional breadth and depth of knowledge in this academic area. Students will find that the Gerontology minor is an efficient way to meet most of their undergraduate designations. Students from a diverse array of colleges and departments at the University of Utah, such as architecture, social work, finance, and theater, benefit from a stronger understanding of the aging process – the physical, mental and social changes in people as they age. Our Gerontology online courses are open to all university students.
The program’s asynchronous online learning format makes these program options ideal for working professionals, those living at a distance, or others who need the flexibility that online certification and degree programs offer.
Institutional Member of the Association for Gerontology
in Higher Education since 2000.
At the University of Utah, our courses combine the flexibility of online teaching with the advantages and direct engagement of traditional teaching. Enjoy the benefit of studying online at your own pace while still engaging with classmates and instructors. This flexible way of teaching improves your overall experience and your ability to retain what you learn.
Interactive learning comes in a variety of ways:
- Group assignments, where you collaborate via email or a discussion forum to answer a problem set.
- Contributions to a discussion forum, where you directly respond to previous posts.
- Peer reviews, where you review and comment on assignments from other students.
Our classes also offer multiple routes to stay connected and get help:
- Communicate directly with the instructor.
- Participate in guided online discussions.
- Attend online office hours in discussion threads or on the phone.
- Instructors are available in “real” office hours for students on or near campus; some courses offer Q&A sessions in a classroom.
The Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program administers educational offerings at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
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Undergraduate Level |
All of the courses at the University, whether online or on campus, are taught by the same high-quality faculty members. There’s no distinction on your diploma that you completed courses online.
To earn a minor, students must take nine credits of core courses and nine credits of electives. Many courses also have general education designations, as noted.
Core Courses (9 credits):
- GERON 3001: Experiences of Aging: Challenges and Promise (BF) (3)
- GERON 3220: Caregiving and Aging Families (CEL) (3)
- GERON 5370: Health and Optimal Aging (3)
Electives (9 credits):
At least three of the following electives (9 credits):
- GERON 3005: Diversity in Aging (DV) (3)
- GERON 5002: Service Agencies and Programs for Older Adults (3)
- GERON 5100: Applications of Research in Aging (QI) (3)
- GERON 5235: Successful Cognitive and Emotional Aging (3)
- GERON 5240: Aging and the Arts (FF) (3)
- GERON 5280: International Dimensions of Lifelong Learning (IR) (3)
- GERON 5320: Death, Dying, and Bereavement (3)
Gerontologists work in community and government agencies, independent living and long-term care facilities, research, counseling centers, hospice and home health services, and a variety of university settings. Many work as entrepreneurs or consultants with companies geared to the needs of older people. They engage with individuals at home and meet with caregivers and family members.
- Entrepreneur
- Audiologist
- Occupational or Physical Therapist
- Art or Music Therapist
- Social Worker or Marriage and Family Therapist
- Lawyer
- Pharmacist
- Nurse
- Registered Dietician
- Speech-language Pathologist
- Clinical Psychologist
declare a minor in gerontology
Have more questions? Please contact our Student Services Program representative: Kristen Mahoney at kristen.mahoney@nurs.utah.edu or by phone at 801-587-7605.