Gerontology Program

Pursue an important study and embrace the dignity of all

Gerontology – the study of aging populations – is vital in today's world and growing in demand. By 2030, experts predict that 72.1 million persons will be over the age of 65, nearly double the number today. In the gerontology program you will learn about policy and systems, attitudes and beliefs, and how they affect aging adults in the United States. Choosing a minor in gerontology will equip you to respond to the needs of aging populations in whatever career you choose.

Perhaps you have strong relationships with your grandparents or you have a desire to serve aging individuals, then gerontology is the perfect program for you. As a Catholic institution, Saint Mary’s is guided by strong values, promoting the dignity of people at all stages of life. In addition to two required courses, the gerontology minor includes elective courses in psychology, social work, speech language pathology, as well as philosophy, which allows students to emerge with interdisciplinary skills and an integrated approach to meet the needs of communities across the country.

  • 20+students minor in gerontology
  • 18average class size at Saint Mary's
  • 5classes needed to complete the program

Joan Chen, class of 2011 with sisterServe the community

As part of the gerontology program, you will visit local service organizations to strengthen your experience. These site visits allow you to approach your work with a holistic look at wellness. Beacon Lifestyle and Fitness, Milton’s Adult Day Services, Healthwin Specialized Care, and other sites allow students to see how various community programs meet the needs of older adults. Many students choose to volunteer at area centers outside of class or visit some of our older Sisters at the convent.

Pair with another major

Social work, speech language pathology, and nursing majors often choose a minor in gerontology to bolster their clinical skills with important understanding of how their clients and patients age. The aspect of wellness at all stages of life is important in these two fields, as well as in the field of speech language pathology, social sciences, and for those with an entrepreneurial spirit.

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