Human Services Gerontology
Metropolitan State has responded to the need for education in the field of gerontology (53 credits) by a concentration to address the social, psychological and physical aspects of aging. Students interested in gerontology as a career should also take courses in sociology, psychology, counseling, group work and grant writing, and complete an internship to gain practical experience. Other related areas are human resource development and the social sciences.
Interpersonal sensitivity-knowing one's value system and cultural and sexual identity and how they affect interactions with people of different cultures, gender, lifestyles and age levels-is necessary for students selecting gerontology as a vocational area.
Acceptance to the Program
To be eligible for acceptance to the Human Services BHS major, students must submit a College of Health, Community and Professional Services Undergraduate Program Declaration Form. Consult with an advisor before submitting declaration form or enrolling in courses toward the major.
Prerequisites
- PSYC 100 General Psychology (or two psychology courses) and
- SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology (or two sociology courses)
- In addition to the human services major requirements, students must complete the university's General education and liberal studies requirements
Required Core Courses (20 credits)
- HSER 355 Introduction to Human Service: History and Trends
- HSER 353 Social Casework Methods
- HSER 346 Counseling and Interviewing Skills
- HSER 395 Human Services and Diversity
- HSER 455 Capstone Seminars in Human Services
Practica (5 credits)
Experiential (practica) experience is a vital component of the human services degree program. Every student is required to complete a practicum experience.
- HSER 320 Human Services Pre-Practicum Group Seminar
- HSER 331 Human Services Group Practicum and Seminar
Human Services Degree Requirements
The degree programs consist of a minimum of 120 credits with at least 48 credits in human services, of which 40 credits must be upper division Metropolitan State University course work or competency demonstration. The degree programs have the following components:
- General education and liberal studies (including general psychology and introduction to sociology as prerequisites for program admission)
- Required core courses (20 credits)
- Other required human services coursework, depending upon the concentration
- Practica in human services organization(s)
- Minor course (if desired); and
- Other electives
Human Services Gerontology Requirements (28 credits)
In addition to the prerequisites, core courses and practica, this concentration requires the following.
- HSG 374 Aging in America: A Personal Challenge
- HSG 376 Mental Health and Aging
- HSG 377 Physical Health and Aging
- HSG 378 Thanatology: The Study of Death and Dying
- HSG 380 Aging: Planning and Policy Making or
- HSDS 308 Aging and Disabilities
- HSG 383 Selected Topics in Gerontology or
- HSG 384 Civic Engagement: Focus in Later Life
