Gerontology

Mission:

We develop knowledge and inspire future leaders to positively influence the aging process and to advocate for older adults, their caregivers, and the communities in which they live.

General Information

Overview of Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science in Gerontology

The Bachelor of Science in Gerontology requires completion of 120 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.0. Admission into the program requires a 2.50 GPA. The Bachelor of Science in Gerontology can be completed online with an Administration or Healthy Aging concentration or with certain minors. 

Double Major in Gerontology

Due to the multidisciplinary nature of Gerontology, a double major may be applicable to many programs. A double major requires 45 credit hours, applicable courses may be double counted with the student's other major.

Double Degree in Gerontology

Students must complete all general education, college requirements and major requirements for two programs with a minimum of 150 credit hours. Students will receive two diplomas and must meet the University Double Degree requirements outlined in the catalog.

Required Credit Hours

Bachelor of Science in Gerontology – 120 credit hours
Certificate in Gerontology – 18 credit hours (15 credit hours of coursework, 3 credit hours of practicum)
Minor in Gerontology – 18 credit hours (at least 9 credits must be upper division)

Residency Requirement

Bachelor of Science in Gerontology

Thirty out of the last thirty-six credit hours must be taken within the University of Nebraska System. 

Twenty-one credit hours of Gerontology Core and Gerontology Electives must be taken at UNO or UNL.

Transfer Credit Policy

Transfer courses from other institutions must be a C- or higher. Transfer coursework will only be accepted from regionally accredited institutions.

Bachelor of Science in Gerontology:

Sixty-four credit hours from regionally accredited two-year institutions may be applied toward the degree.

Twelve credit hours of military training can be applied to the degree.

Unacceptable Credits

Gerontology coursework from UNO, UNL and other institutions over 10 years old will be reviewed on an individual basis. Depending on current course content and updated research, older courses may not be applicable to the program.

Credit from technical programs such as Certificate Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Medical Assistant (MA) do not apply to Gerontology programs. Clinical hours from Nursing programs (RN, BSN & LPN) do not apply. Students with these types of transfer credits should consider the Gerontology concentration in the Division of Continuing Studies as an alternative.

Quality of Work

A 2.5 GPA is required for admission to the Gerontology program.

A 2.5 GPA is required to enroll in a practicum.

Bachelor of Science in Gerontology:

All Gerontology coursework must be completed with a C- or higher. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to be in good academic standing with the University.

Minor or Certificate in Gerontology:

All Gerontology courses must be completed with a C- or higher and a combined C (2.0) average.

Completion of Incomplete Grade

Coursework must be completed by the end of the following semester, per university guidelines.

Repeating Courses

Allowed with no limit.

Administration of the Program

The Bachelor of Science is available on the UNO campus only (or online). The minor is available online and on the UNL and UNO campuses.

The UNO Department of Gerontology administers the Certificate in Gerontology program for all campuses of the University of Nebraska under an agreement approved by the Board of Regents in 1977. Students at UNL, UNO, UNK, and UNMC are thus able to earn the certificate as part of their academic work at the University of Nebraska.

In addition to undergraduate and graduate courses, the Department of Gerontology conducts research, community service, and provides educational programming for the community.

Student Group: Sigma Phi Omega

Academic Advising

Academic advising is provided for all students. The program recommends advising each semester to ensure degree completion.  The academic advisor assists students with degree planning, course scheduling, addressing any questions or concerns regarding major/minor/certificate, academic performance, and/or policies and procedures.  To contact an advisor, visit CPACS 210A, email hford@unomaha.edu or call 402.554.2114.

Fast Track Program

The Department of Gerontology has developed a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame. With Fast Track, students may count up to nine (9) graduate hours toward the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate degree program.

Program Specifics:

  • This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing any of the following:
    • BS in gerontology
    • Double-major with gerontology as either the primary or secondary major
    • BMS with a concentration in gerontology
  • Students must have completed no fewer than 60 undergraduate hours

  • Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

  • Students must complete the Fast Track Approval form and obtain all signatures and submit to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course

  • Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for the graduate courses

  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduate coursework to remain in good academic standing

  • Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all rights and privileges granted to undergraduate status including financial aid

  • Near the end of the undergraduate program, formal application to the graduate program is required. The application fee will be waived, and the applicant will need to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code.
    • Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program
    • The admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree

Contact Information

Department of Gerontology
211 CPACS
402.554.2272
unogero@unomaha.edu

Gerontology Department Website

Admission Requirements

All undergraduate Gerontology programs require a 2.50 GPA to be admitted. Students should consult with their academic advisor on the best program to fit their needs. To set up an appointment, students should contact the academic advisor directly.

Degrees Offered

Double Major in Gerontology

Students who choose a double major in gerontology will earn one diploma and will complete all general education, college requirements and major requirements for one program, while completing only Gerontology major coursework for their second major.

Minors Offered

Certificates Offered

Gerontology is the study of the physical, psychological, and social aspects of aging. It also includes the built environment such as homes, buildings, streets, open spaces, and infrastructure. The field of aging is multidisciplinary. Because of this, the gerontology degree allows students to have flexibility with coursework and is tailored to each student’s needs and goals. Students will choose a concentration within the major including pre-health, administration, or healthy aging. Students will complete a practicum in the community, providing students with invaluable real-world experience to prepare them to work with aging adults and their families.  A degree in Gerontology can also easily be integrated with majors and minors in other disciplines to expand into many various career opportunities.

  • Adult Day Program Director
  • Aging Services Administrator
  • Program Specialist/Director
  • Social Services Coordinator
  • Life Enrichment Coordinator
  • Activity Director
  • Information and Referral Specialist
  • Volunteer coordinator/manager
  • Geriatric Case Manager
  • Long Term Care Administrator
  • Adult Protective Services worker
  • Advocate/Ombudsman
  • Research/Data Analysis
  • Professional programs including nursing, medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, law, interior design, etc.