Behavioral & Social Gerontology
Bachelor Degree
The Behavioral and Social Gerontology major consists of a liberal arts curriculum with a core study of gerontology-related courses. As the population of older adults continues to grow, there is an increased demand for specialists in the field of aging; Gwynedd-Mercy College is preparing students to fill this need.
Gerontology addresses the intellectual, social and emotional needs of older people. Studies include: biology of aging, death and dying, theories of counseling, social psychology of aging, ethical issues, and therapeutic activities. Graduates are employed in research, retirement communities, community health education, recreational therapy and case management.
Curriculum Information
MAJOR
Psychology – 30 credits
| PSY 111 |
Statistics |
3 credits |
| PSY 200 |
Developmental Psychology |
3 credits |
| PSY 211 |
Fundamentals of Biopsychology |
3 credits |
| PSY 215 |
Methodology |
3 credits |
| PSY 260 * |
Death & Dying |
3 credits |
| PSY 280 |
Ethical Issues in the Behavioral and Social Sciences |
3 credits |
| PSY 285* |
Therapeutic Activities for the Elderly |
3 credits |
| PSY 320 |
Experimental Psychology |
3 credits |
| PSY 350 |
Counseling Theory & Practice |
3 credits |
| PSY |
Elective |
3 credits |
Sociology – 30 credits |
SOC 101 |
Social Problems |
3 credits |
SOC 201* |
Introduction to Social Work |
3 credits |
SOC 246* |
Issues in Gerontology |
3 credits |
SOC 335* |
Human Services Administration |
3 credits |
SOC 321* |
Group Processes |
3 credits |
SOC 325 |
Social Stratification |
3 credits |
SOC 341* |
Social Psychology of Aging |
3 credits |
SOC 442 |
Gerontology Field Placement I |
3 credits |
SOC 443 |
Gerontology Field Placement II |
3 credits |
SOC 4000 |
Mercy:A Call to Service - Capstone |
3 credits |
Certificate in Gerontology requires 2 additional credits
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SOC 342* |
Practicum in Gerontology |
2 credits |
GENERAL EDUCATION AND CORE CURRICULUM** |
- Skills for Exploring – 6 credits for BA
- Exploring Society and Global Diversity – 12 credits for BA
- Exploring the Natural World, Mathematics and Technology – 9-10 credits for BA
- Exploring the Spiritual World – 9 credits for BA
- Exploring the Arts and Imagination – 12 credits for BA
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Open Electives 16-17 credits
* Classes identified with an asterisk are applicable to Gerontology Certification.
** Please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@gmc.edu or call 1-800-DIAL-GMC for specific general education course requirements.
Credit Requirement
A minimum of 125 credits is required for the BS degree.
A minimum of 23 credits is required for the certification program. A minimum grade of “C” is required for all certification courses.
Grade Requirement
The minimum passing grade within the major is C (a grade of C- is not acceptable).
Students must take two semesters of a same foreign language.
For detailed course descriptions click here.
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