Gerontology, Undergraduate Minor
Undergraduate Minor in Gerontology

University of Nebraska at Omaha
Overview
Admissions and Requirements
Courses You’ll Take
Tuition & Fees
Program Overview
The online Gerontology undergraduate minor uses a multidisciplinary approach to discover the many issues and opportunities facing the world's rapidly increasing aging population, including independence, health changes and end-of-life planning. Gerontology is the study of the physical, psychological and social aspects of aging.
What can a gerontology minor do for you?
- You gain knowledge of the physical, psychological and social aspects of aging.
- With the knowledge gain, you also learn about the challenges of aging and how to address these.
- You gain insight into working with older adults.
- This degree can be a valuable companion to your other degree(s) and will give you an edge over other candidates.
The program is offered by the University of Nebraska at Omaha Department of Gerontology which conducts relevant research in conjunction with local and federal agencies that serve the public and its changing needs. Research areas include the neuroscience of aging, end-of-life planning, aging prisoners, resiliency and public policy.
Career Outlook: According to the Administration for Community Living, by 2020, 77 million people will be 60 and older in the U.S. The shift demands qualified professionals who can offer ideas and solutions to address the opportunities of an aging population. The degree allows students to have flexibility with coursework and can be easily paired with other majors and minors in other disciplines to expand career opportunities. The high demand for professionals with expertise in aging is growing and career opportunities are numerous and varied.
A minor in Gerontology complements many different degree types but is of interest to those in the areas of:
- Speech-language pathology
- Social Work
- Counseling
- Business
Admissions and Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
Have earned a high school diploma or GED.
2.5 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
Official transcripts from all previous schools
NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states
Courses You’ll Take
Core Courses
Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
GERO 3000 | Community Resources for Older Adults | 3 |
This course is designed to introduce the student to community resources for older adults, to identify the organizations and individuals in the public and private sectors that help support aging in place and to examine the impact of the efforts on older adults at the national, state and local levels. Prerequisites: GERO 2000. Not open to non-degree graduate students | ||
GERO 2000 | Introduction to Gerontology | 3 |
An introduction to social gerontology and human development in later life; emphasis is on important elements of aging, such as socialization, family interaction, retirement, physical and psychological aging, and perceptions of older persons in contemporary society. | ||
GERO 4460 | Psychology of Adult Development and Aging | 3 |
The focus of this course is on the major social and psychological changes that occur as a function of again. Both normal and abnormal patterns of developmental change are examined, along with their implications for behavior.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing |
Tuition & Fees
Nebraska Residents
Per Credit Hour
- Tuition
- $259.00
- Fees
- $53.75
- Total
- $312.75
3 Credit Hours
- Tuition
- $777.00
- Fees
- $161.25
- Total
- $938.25
Out of State Residents
Per Credit Hour
- Tuition
- $452.00
- Fees
- $53.75
- Total
- $505.75
3 Credit Hours
- Tuition
- $1356.00
- Fees
- $161.25
- Total
- $1517.25
Lyn Meridew Holley, Ph.D.
Professor
Lyn Meridew Holley, member of the UNO Thompson Learning Community, Graduate Faculty, Native American Studies Faculty and Honors Faculty, has received awards for teaching excellence that includes the 2009 UNO Alumni Association Teacher of the Year Award, the 2010 UNO Faculty Service Learning Award and nomination for the 2014 OTICA. Her research interests include public programs and services for the aging, intergenerational relationships, lifespan resilience and long-term staffing policies and programs.
Application Deadlines
Rolling admissions. Application review will begin upon receipt of all required application materials.