Degree Requirements

The bachelor's degree program in applied gerontology prepares students to work with older people in a wide variety of settings, including long-term care and retirement facilities, senior centers, government offices on aging at all levels, home health care agencies, adult day care programs, adult protective service agencies, and others. The bachelor's degree is an individualized, career-oriented course of study that can accommodate both full- and part time students, students with or without professional experience, and incoming freshmen and transfer students. In all, 128 semester  are required for the degree, including 42  of advanced work. Students receive 6 semester  of credit for an internship in an agency or facility serving older people. Students in social work who wish to work primarily with older clients may obtain a B.S.W. degree with a double major in social work and applied gerontology. The requirements for this degree include 42 semester  in social work and related courses, and 24 semester  in gerontology. Students may also earn a double degree (B.S.W./B.S.) in social work and applied gerontology if they choose to do so. A minimum of 158 semester  is required for the double degree.

University of North Texas Core Curriculum

Students must meet all requirements and competencies of the UNT Core Curriculum. Detailed information concerning the Core Curriculum is presented in the UNT Undergraduate Catalogue.

Competency 1: Reading and Critical Thinking
Competency 2: Computer Use
Competency 3: Oral Presentation
Requirement 1: Written and Information Access
Requirement 2: Literature
Requirement 3: Political Science
Requirement 4: American History
Requirement 5: Economics
Requirement 6: Physical and Life Science
Requirement 7: Mathematics
Requirement 8: Wellness Skills
Requirement 9: Visual and Performing Arts
Requirement 10: Understanding Ideas and Values

Professional Development Areas (Minimum of 42 hours)

Students take a minimum of 12 semester  in each of three different fields, one of which must be applied gerontology. In conjunction with the major advisor, students select the second and third professional development areas in fields that complement the applied gerontology program. Five courses in applied gerontology are required.

AGER 3480 Psy. of Adult Development and Aging (3 hrs)
AGER 4550 Sociology of Aging(3 hrs)
AGER 4780 Aging Programs and Services (3 hrs)
AGER 4840/50 Studies in Aging Field Practicum (6 hrs)

Other courses in applied gerontology that students may
select include the following:

AGER 2250 Images of Aging in Film & Literature (3 hrs)
AGER 4020 Psychology of Death and Dying (3 hrs)
AGER 4060 Leisure and Aging (3 hrs)
AGER 4250 Topics in Gerontology (3 hrs)
AGER 4450 The Family in Later Life (3 hrs)
AGER 4500 Case Management with Older Adults (3 hrs)
AGER 4560 Minority Aging (3 hrs)
AGER 4700 Women in Later Life (3 hrs)
AGER 4750 Sexuality and Aging (3 hrs)
AGER 4800 The Social Context of Aging (3 hrs)

Occupational Specialization (24-36 hours)

This portion of the degree may include a variety of course from different fields, including business administration, health promotion, psychology, public administration, recreation, social work, sociology, and many others.

Electives

With approval of the major advisor, students may select a sufficient number of electives to fulfill the 128-semester hours requirement for the degree.