Graduates with an educational background in aging - successful completion of courses with objectives or competencies specifically related to older adult issues- are in great demand in today's workforce and the need for these graduates keeps growing. Popular news headlines often point to the aging “baby boomer” generation and continue to predict ever-increasing job opportunities in the field of gerontology (aging). The minor in aging studies is an extremely relevant and applicable concentration for today’s graduates.
As a multidisciplinary program, undergraduate students take 15 credits of classes to fulfill the minor. They combine important knowledge and skill sets in classes such as Introduction to Gerontology and Healthy Aging in order to better serve today’s adult population. Additionally, all students in the minor are required to participate in a research internship, giving them an essential opportunity to integrate cutting-edge theoretical perspectives with practical considerations. This minor would complement any major, including business, humanities and social sciences, information technology, or fine arts. To apply for this minor, students must submit an Undergraduate Declaration of Minor form (.pdf) to the College of Public Health Office of Student Affairs.
View the program requirements for the minor in Aging Studies.
Opportunities
Students minoring in aging studies may find themselves working in traditional employment areas related to older adults such as long-term care organizations, continuing care retirement communities, hospitals, senior centers, and social services. Graduates are prepared for a range of entry level positions such as adult protection services worker, older adult activities coordinator, or older adult care manager.
A non-traditional area where employers are looking for specific education in aging is a system like the public schools. There are more and more grandparents and other relatives raising children who are not biologically their own and the needs of these families become apparent in the schools. Other non-traditional areas an aging issues minor may find employment include law, business and marketing, nutrition, hospitality, and much more.