Gerontology is the interdisciplinary study of the social, physical, and cultural dimensions of aging.  Career options for gerontology students are expanding rapidly and include administrative work in government agencies on aging, in hospitals and nursing homes, in the law, and in recreational programs for older people.  Direct service provision may include home health care workers, social workers, psychologists, and hospital workers.  In addition, there are burgeoning business opportunities geared toward the older segment of the population in all areas of society.  The gerontology minor program for matriculated students also welcomes service workers presently working with the aging population, in agencies or institutions, to take courses in gerontology.

Gerontologists are concerned with creating environments for successful aging and with ensuring the maintenance of quality life experiences for the aging in our population.  Increasing numbers of Americans are living longer, resulting in a need for people trained in understanding the complex interactions between aging and society.

The gerontology program at Ramapo College is designed to introduce students to the various aspects of aging:  biology, physiology, psychology, sociology, and issues of death and dying.  In addition, we require gerontology students to do fieldwork with the aged or in any agency devoted to issues of aging to enable hands-on learning.  The study of gerontology is highly recommended for students majoring in social work, psychology, sociology, nursing, or business administration and will enhance the academic and future professional journeys of students of all majors.

The gerontology faculty come from a variety of disciplines within the college, and, collectively has tremendous experience in the field.  Some of their areas of expertise include:

• the development of programs for caregivers
• direct service provision for older adults
• art therapy
• issues of death and dying
• human development across the life cycle
• community programs for older adults, and
• physiology of aging

At the end of this program, the student will be able to:

Outcome 1: Understand the biological, psychological, and sociological changes associated with the aging process.

Outcome 2:  Recognize diverse issues and concerns that affect older adults and families.

Outcome 3:  Advocate for policies and legislation related to older adults and families.

Outcome 4:  Reflect upon and critically analyze the various experiences of older adults within the context of the intersectionality of gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, social class, and health status.

Outcome 5:  Integrate a social justice framework in their understanding of social problems impacting the lives of older adults.

Courses fulfilling the requirements for the primary or second major may count towards the requirements of the minor, but may not exceed one-half of the credits required in the minor. A School core does not need to be completed for a minor.  Minors are open to students regardless of school affiliation.

GERONTOLOGY MINOR

School of Social Science and Human Services Website
Faculty Profiles