Aging & Gerontology

Whether you want to work in healthcare, counseling, education, or social work, there's no better time to explore Human Development. These professions (and just about all others) need individuals who understand people, and that's exactly what HDEV offers its graduates. 

Below is some additional information on both courses relevant to Child Development and programs you can add to your degree that will prepare you for your career.  

Courses Tailored to Aging and Gerontology

Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirements, upper-division standing, ANTH 120 or HDEV 180 or PSY 100 or SOC 100. Not open for credit to students with credit in HDEV 400.

Exploration of social, cultural and individual aspects of death experience examined from historical, biological, legal, religious and ethical perspectives. Deathwork, the dying experience, survivorship, ritual and grief examined in light of life-span, cultural and gender diversity.

Prerequisites: HDEV 307 with a “C” or better and HDEV 357 with a “C” or better.

This course provides a framework for understanding families, work and their changing relationship. It examines historical transformations in Western and non-Western societies in the nature of work and how these changes have helped to reshape family forms, relationships and processes.

Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirements, ANTH 120 or HDEV 180 or PSY 100 or SOC 100 with a “C” or better.

Biological, psychological and sociocultural aspects in the development of the individual from late adolescence or youth until death. Relevant topics and theoretical issues are treated in an interdisciplinary manner.

Prerequisites: HDEV 320 with a “C” or better; or HDEV 310 with a “C” or better; or consent of instructor.

Psychological, social, and cultural transformations associated with the use of digital communication and media devices. We will examine in light of generational change, individual age, and other variables such as identity, cognition, communication, community, civics, human rights, and legacy.

Prerequisite(s): HDEV 357 or GERN 400 or ANTH 454 or PSY 365 with a “C” or better; or consent of the instructor.

This course explores research on health, happiness and well-being in later life. Students examine theories of successful aging from different disciplinary perspectives and explore how sociocultural factors shape people’s perceptions, expectations, and experiences of aging.

In addition, there are programs you can look into that would complement your degree.

Related Minors/Certificates

  • Geriatric Psychologist
  • Geriatric Care Manager
  • Grief Counselor
  • Health Educator
  • Human Resources Coordinator
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Policy Advisor