Master of Liberal Studies

Concentration in Gerontology

Did you know that people over the age of 80 are the fastest growing segment of our society today? Individuals who have studied gerontology (study of aging) are in high demand in the 21st century. Careers may include areas as diverse as wellness, rehabilitation, marketing, interior design, health care, policy development, government, and law. With a graduate degree, you should be in a leadership role to advance the broad understanding of the diverse and complex issues, challenges, and opportunities that face individuals and society in aging.

Gerontology Program of Study

The Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) allows students to customize their programs of study according to their individual needs and areas of interest. The student seeking a MLS with an emphasis in gerontology develops a specific 18 credit hour plan with the approval of the Coordinator of Gerontology. A required 3 hour culminating course can be taken as a research paper or project, the development of an original creative work, an internship, or other special project. Listed below are courses offered in Gerontology that may be taken in concert with other aging-related courses at FHSU for the core in gerontology. The courses with a star (*) are offered through the Virtual College, and courses with a (#) are offered on campus. Please contact Dr. Liane Connelly, Coordinator of Gerontology at (785) 728-4511 or e-mail at: gerontology@fhsu.edu to discuss other pertinent courses for this program of study.

Courses in Gerontology

PSY 420 (3) Psychology of Aging *#(occasionally offered, not regularly scheduled)

SOC 644 (3) Sociology of Aging *#

BIOL 335 (3) Physiology of Aging *#

SLP 665 (2) Communication and Aging*(Spring)

HHP 874 (2) Independent Study: Nutrition and Aging*#

HHP 874 (2) Independent Study: Exercise Testing and Prescription *#

IDS 880 (3) Health Care Systems in the 21st Century*
SOC 620 Spirituality & Aging: The Empowering Relationship

SOC 474/774 Practicum in Long Term Care I*

SLP 414/714 Practicum in Long Term Care II*
SLP 664 Hearing Loss in older Adults*

Other Select Courses/Topic areas that may be useful for specific interests in aging

Marketing

Healthcare systems/administration

Art therapy

Courses in sociology related to the older adult

Grant writing courses

Wellness courses and the older adult

Education of the older adult/teaching strategies

Leadership courses

Policy development courses

Topics or readings courses to allow for creative activities such as attendance at a conference on aging or additional reading in a particular area of aging

Graduate Certificate in Gerontology

Individuals with a bachelor's or master's degree who desire additional knowledge in the area of aging may obtain the certificate in gerontology. Guidelines for the program include 12 hours minimum at the graduate level. Students must file for the certificate program prior to completing 6 hours in the program. At least nine hours must be selected from the list below:

SOC 644 Sociology of Aging (3)

BIOL 355 Physiology of Aging (3)

SLP 665 Communication and Aging (2)

IDS 880 Healthcare in the 21st Century (3)