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Gerontology is the study of the process of human aging in all its many aspects: physical, psychological and social.  In the School of Aging Studies particular emphasis is placed upon applied gerontology, with the goal of educating students who in their professional careers will work to sustain or improve the quality of life in older persons.  Since Gerontology is an interdisciplinary field, dual majors with other departments are encouraged.  Students interested in either the B.A., B.S., or minor program, should contact our undergraduate advisor, Gail Smith, as early as possible in their careers at the University of South Florida.

• About the Bachelor of Arts Program
• About the Bachelor of Science Program
• About the Minor Program
• Student Grievance Committee and Procedures

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Gerontology

This entails 36 hours of required course work.  In this program, the course of study is intended to provide students with a liberal education in gerontology and some exposure to the various career opportunities in the field of aging.  This degree is especially appropriate for students who plan to pursue graduate or professional work in gerontology, or some other field, or who plan to work with older adults in careers other than Nursing Home Administration.

Required Courses:

• GEY 2000, Introduction to Gerontology (3)
• GEY 3601, Physical Changes and Aging (3)
• GEY 3625, Sociocultural Aspects of Aging (3)
• GEY 4401, Research Methods in Gerontology (3)
• GEY 4612, Psychology of Aging (3)
• STA 2122, Social Science Statistics is a required prerequisite

B.A. students complete 21 additional elective hours, which may include field placement. Elective courses are available to gain specialized expertise in areas such as geriatric case management, aging and business management, assisted living and Alzheimer's disease care. Students should plan to meet frequently with the departmental advisor to plan courses and field work that will prepare the student for career goals.

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Gerontology

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Gerontology is a specialist degree which, in addition to providing students with a basic education in Gerontology, is intended to prepare them for entry level positions in Nursing Home Administration. The Bachelor of Science Degree in Gerontology requires 39 hours of course work, including prerequisites. This course of study is especially appropriate for students who intend to begin working immediately following completion of the degree program.

• BUL 3320, Law and Business I (3)
• GEY 3601, Physical Changes and Aging (3)
• GEY 4327, Long Term Care Administration I (3)
• GEY 4328, Long Term Care Administration II (3)
• GEY 4329, Long Term Care Administration III (3)
• GEY 4360, Gerontological Counseling (3)
• GEY 4641, Death and Dying (3)
• GEY 4945, Field Placement (9)
• MAN 3025, Principles of Management (3)
• MAN 3240, Organizational Behavior Analysis (3)
• MAN 3301, Human Resource Management (3)

Students also complete the following twelve (12) hours of prerequisites:

• ACG 2021, Principles of Financial Accounting
• ACG 2071, Principles of Managerial Accounting
• CGS 2100, Computers in Business
• GEY 2000, Introduction to Gerontology

These courses are intended to reflect additional educational requirements mandated by the State of Florida and specified in Chapter 21z.11 of the Florida Administrative Code.

Students in the B.S. Program should understand that they will only be allowed to register for the full-time internship (GEY 4945) after successful completion of all (or all but one) of the required courses in the B.S. major. Because the B.S. internship requires full-time effort, students will be allowed to take no more than four (4) credits concurrent with the B.S. internship.

GEY 2000 at this university or its equivalent at another institution is required as a gerontology prerequisite. ACG 2021 and ACG 2071 taken at this university or elsewhere will satisfy accounting requirements.

The Minor in Gerontology

An undergraduate minor in Gerontology is available for students interested in pursuing careers in conjunction with any undergraduate major. Requirements for the minor in Gerontology are a total of 15 hours of the following courses.

Required Course:

• GEY 2000, Introduction to Gerontology (3)

Required Courses: Choose 2 of the following 3 courses:

• GEY 3601, Physical Changes and Aging (3)
• GEY 3625, Sociocultural Aspects of Aging (3)
• GEY 4612, Psychology of Aging (3)

Electives:

• Six additional GEY credit hours

Other Undergraduate Gerontology Options:

As the older adult population in the U.S. increases, understanding of the aging process is important for students from all majors. In addition, Gerontology is available as a cognate area in two Bachelor's programs: the Bachelor of Science in Applied Sciences, and the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences.

http://www.ugs.usf.edu/catalogs/0304/bsas.htm

Finally, a variety of Gerontology courses can be used to satisfy liberal arts elective requirements.