Gerontology Minor

The gerontology minor is a program open to all undergraduates in a multidisciplinary field that is professionally diverse and rapidly growing.

Students from any major at Cornell University who complete the 12 required credits can achieve an undergraduate gerontology minor. One of two (three-credit) core courses and nine additional credits must be taken to complete the minor.

older woman in a pink hat poses with young woman

 

An experiential learning opportunity is strongly recommended as it allows students to apply the substantive content presented in the classroom to work in the world beyond the university.

To apply to the minor, please complete the online gerontology minor registration form. You may download the registration form PDF for your records.

For more information contact:

Corinna Loeckenhoff, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Gerontology Minor, cel72@cornell.edu, 607-255-2260

Marie Cope, Gerontology Minor Administrator, mtc223@cornell.edu,607-351-2110

Ithaca College Courses

If interested in exploring coursework at Ithaca College, please see the college’s gerontology course listings. If you are would like to take an Ithaca College course for credit at Cornell and in the Gerontology Minor, please contact Corinna Loeckenhoff.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Students are encouraged to take advantage of “experiential learning” opportunities in order to apply the substantive content presented in the classroom to work beyond the university.  In the past, gerontology minor students have taken advantage of placements in Ithaca (i.e., local health care facilities, senior centers, retirement communities and Office for the Aging), in New York City (Weill Cornell), in Washington, D.C. (Cornell in Washington) and in other countries (Cornell Abroad Program).  The Cornell Elderly Partnership and Project Generations also offer opportunities to connect with local elders.  Undergraduates may also become involved in research projects.

Gerontology Certificate: late 1980s-2010

Prior to the approval of the gerontology minor in Fall 2010, the College of Human Ecology offered a gerontology certificate. More than 170 students received certificates during that time.