Minor in Gerontology
(Study of Aging)
A multidisciplinary program at South Dakota State University at both the
undergraduate and graduate levels is available in Gerontology.
Our Changing World
United States
Addressing the growth in number of our older people will be a major
challenge in the 21st century. The elderly population in the United States
is presently 10 times larger than it was in 1900, having grown from 3.1
million to 31.1 million. By the year 2030, it will again have more than
doubled. Life expectancy has increased dramatically, and at age 65, a
person can expect to live 13 to 19 more years on average. The fastest
growing segment of our society is in the number of persons over 85 years
of age.
South Dakota
South Dakota, along with several other Midwestern states, has the
unique opportunity to lead the nation in learning about and developing
programs for a population with a large percentage of elderly in a rural
setting. South Dakota ranks first in the U.S. with the highest
percentage of a state's population residing in nursing homes. It ranks
second with the highest percent of a state's population 85 years of age
and older, and in the top 10 as to percentage of elderly (65+) in a
state's population (14.7%). South Dakota is already facing what the
rest of the nation will deal with as the Baby Boom generation ages. By the
year 2040, it is estimated there could be more people over 65 than under
20 in the U.S. In South Dakota, several counties already face that
situation.
Rural Aging
The rural aspect of aging - more isolation, higher poverty and fewer
medical, mental health and social services - makes the need for
professionals, with creative and insightful knowledge of aging rural
populations, imperative. Several issues face rural elderly in South
Dakota, including delivery of services to geographically isolated elderly
and sustaining quality medical care. An expanding number of elderly need
alternative housing and nursing home services which are not available
locally. Financial difficulties due to lack of retirement assets to cover
a longer life and limited government dollars to provide needed services
are other issues that face rural elderly.
International
The U.S. leads the way for other aging populations in the world with
7.3 million persons over the age of 100. Only China has more. Present
projections suggest Japan will more than double its number of elderly by
the year 2020. Most other nations are also growing rapidly in the number
of elderly and percentage of elderly in their populations.
Gerontology - Finding
Solutions
As individuals, and as a society, we face a challenge to anticipate
changes in needs, desires, and abilities of a diverse, aging world.
Gerontology, the study of the elderly, takes that challenge as its main
objective.
Career
Opportunities
A minor in gerontology provides the background knowledge as well as
experience, enabling graduates to address aging issues as they relate to
their chosen career. Graduates with a minor in gerontology work with and
for the elderly in such diverse positions as senior center director,
researcher, physical therapist, nurse, social worker, speech pathologist,
home economist, dietician, engineer, educator, counselor, business
administrator, marketing specialist, recreational director and many more.
Network
SDSU belongs to the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education
which assists in organizing gerontology curriculum in higher education in
the U.S. Faculty teaching courses for the gerontology minor belong to a
large number of research and practice organizations which assist in
networking for jobs, research and further education.
Curriculum
The gerontology minor is a flexible program which encourages students
to tailor course selection to their unique needs and career goals. From a
listing of courses, undergraduates must complete 18 credits and graduate
students complete 10 credits for the minor. Level I courses comprise 11 of
the 18 credits for undergraduates and six of the 10 credits for graduate
students. These courses focus entirely on the aged. Other credits can be
selected from level II and III courses which vary in the amount of content
directly oriented toward elderly or general knowledge areas which would
include elderly. The full list of these courses and a description of
levels can be obtained from the Gerontology Studies Coordinator or from
any SDSU department head.
SDSU Departments which
offer courses in aging
(this is not an exclusive list)
Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design
- Biology/Microbiology
- Counseling and
Human Resource Development
- Economics
- English
- Health, Physical
Education and Recreation
- Human Development
and Family Studies
- Nursing
- Nutrition and Food
Science
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy and
Religion
- Psychology Rural
Sociology
Application Process
If you are interested in pursuing a minor in gerontology, contact the
Gerontology Studies Coordinator to obtain an application form, and an
adviser will be assigned. Advisers assist students in the application
process and the selection of courses which will meet individual needs as
well as monitor their progress as they complete the minor.
For Information
For more information about the gerontology minor at the undergraduate
or graduate level, please contact the Gerontology Studies Coordinator,
SDSU, NFA 369, Box 2275A, Brookings, SD 57007.
NOTICE: South Dakota
State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
(Male/Female) and offers all benefits, services, educational and
employment opportunities without regard for ancestry, age, race,
citizenship, color, creed, religion, gender, disability, national origin,
sexual preference or Vietnam Era veteran status.
South Dakota State
University
Office of Admissions
Box 2201
Brookings, SD 57007
800-952-3541
(In-State)
605-688-4121 (Out-of-State)