An area of concentration in Gerontology prepares you to work with aging adults, healthy or ill, and their families.
You will study the human aging process and the biological, behavioral, and social changes associated with aging, along with the services that assist in the aging process.
| Concentration Requirements (Blocks 1 & 2)* | 30 hours |
|---|---|
| GERO 2000 Introduction to Gerontology | 3 hours |
| GERO 4460 Psychology of Adult Development and Aging | 3 hours |
| GERO 4670 Programs and Services for the Elderly or GERO 3000 Community Resources | 3 hours |
| Additional 21 hours from the Department of Gerontology (GERO). Up to 9 hours in coursework outside of the Gerontology Department may count towards degree requirements with approval. More than 9 hours outside of GERO coursework may count if selecting a focus area that uses a minor (see below). | 21 hours |
| Students pursuing Applied Aging Studies online should select 21 hours from these courses | |
* Must include at least 12 hours of upper level credit completed at UNO
A minimum of 120 hours are required for the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies degree.
Focus Areas
Focus areas are available by pairing minors or specific sets of courses with the required Gerontology coursework. Please consult with an academic advisor to discuss options.
Possible focus areas include:
- Elder Protection (GERO + Victimology and Victim Services minor)
- Health Promotion & Prevention (GERO + Public Health Minor)
- Marketing to Seniors (GERO + Sales Minor or Marketing for Non-Business Majors minor)
- Motivational Wellness (GERO + Wellness & Activity-Focused Coursework)
- Patient Advocacy (GERO + Advocate-Focused Coursework)
- Aging Administration (GERO + Long-Term Care Administration Coursework)
A Certificate in Gerontology may be completed as part of Gerontology Concentration coursework. The Gerontology Certificate requires a total of 18 hours (15 hours in GERO coursework based on career objectives and interest areas and 3 hours of GERO 4940 Practicum). Courses taken may satisfy requirements for both the concentration and certificate.
If a student chooses to complete the Certificate in Gerontology as part of the BMS degree, they must also be admitted to the Certificate in Gerontology program.
Contact Information
Please contact the Gerontology Advisor, Heather Ford at hford@unomaha.edu or 402.554.2114 for application process and course selection information.
Career Options
Students with an area of concentration in Gerontology may find careers in:- Health care
- Retirement Communities
- Human Services
- Counseling
- Community Centers
- Public Policy
- Education
- Research
- Government Administration