The request to create GRNT 4353/5353
Date: November 20, 2015
To: College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
From: Office of Academic Affairs
Approved On: October 26, 2015
Approved by: Undergraduate Course and Curriculum Committee
, Approved by: Graduate Council
Implementation Date: Fall 2015
Note: Deletions are strikethroughs. Insertions are underlined.
Catalog Copy
GRNT 4353. Environments for Aging. (3) Cross-listed with GRNT 5353. Students will be introduced to the values and practices of a broad spectrum of housing alternatives for an aging population, which include traditional and household models of long term care, therapeutic environments for individuals with dementia, Naturally Occuring Retirement Communities (NORCS), as well as co-housing and intentional community options.
GRNT 5353. Environments for Aging. (3) Cross-listed with GRNT 4353. With roots in environmental psychology, this course explores the ways in which older adults experience and interact with their physical environment at both the macro and micro levels. Students will be introduced to the values and practices of a broad spectrum of housing alternatives for an aging population, which include traditional and household models of long term care, therapeutic environments for individuals with dementia, Naturally Occuring Retirement Communities (NORCS), as well as co-housing and intentional community options.
Gerontology, Minor |
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The interdisciplinary program in Gerontology is designed to provide students with academic and field experiences in the area of aging. An understanding of the basic processes of aging and of its social consequences is valuable not only for students who wish to pursue careers directly related to gerontology but also for students interested in traditional careers in other areas and interested in their own aging. As the number of older persons in our society continues to increase, it will be important for people in every occupation and profession to have a basic understanding of the aging process. The goal of the program is to provide students with that basic understanding.
Gerontology is both an interdisciplinary and a multidisciplinary field. Invariably, the best research, training, and service programs in gerontology have developed when professionals from a variety of traditional academic disciplines have been afforded the opportunity to work together, each contributing a unique expertise while benefiting from the expertise of others. The minor in Gerontology is built around a core sequence of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary courses that are taught from a variety of different academic disciplines. This approach is designed to bring together information from multidisciplinary sources, integrate theoretical and applied concepts in gerontology, and communicate to students the need for an integrated approach to meeting the needs of older persons.
A Minor in Gerontology can be useful in combination with a broad range of majors. With the aging population growing rapidly in the U.S. and globally, there are consequences that translate into diverse career options. Projections indicate opportunities in city planning, administration, management, recreation, counseling, physical therapy, social work, program development, research, long-term care administration and healthcare, for example.
Program Requirements
The Minor in Gerontology is awarded only to students completing an undergraduate major at UNC Charlotte. A total of 18 hours in gerontology courses with an overall GPA of 2.5 in those courses is required. Students must earn a C or above in courses that are counted toward the minor.
Required Courses
- GRNT 2100 – Aging and the Lifecourse (3) or
- SOCY 2100 – Aging and the Lifecourse (3)
- GRNT 3600 – Senior Seminar and Field Experience in Aging (3) *
Note:
*Participation in a preliminary orientation session a semester in advance is required to receive a permit for this class. Students must be declared minors who have completed GRNT 2100, two primary electives, and one secondary elective (at a minimum), and should take this course as close to graduation as possible.
Primary Electives
Select at least two of the following:
- GRNT 2124 – Psychology of Adult Development and Aging (3) or
- PSYC 2124 – Psychology of Adult Development and Aging (3)
- GRNT 3115 – Health and the Aging Process (3) or
- HLTH 3115 – Health and the Aging Process (3)
- GRNT 4110 – Sociology of Aging (3) or
- SOCY 4110 – Sociology of Aging (3)
- GRNT 4250 – Aging Programs and Services (3)
Secondary Elective Courses
Secondary elective courses may be chosen from the following list of approved courses related to gerontology in consultation with the Gerontology Undergraduate Coordinator. Other appropriate courses may be chosen as electives in consultation with the Gerontology Undergraduate Coordinator.
- ANTH 3132 – Aging and Culture (3) or
- GRNT 3132 – Aging and Culture (3)
- GRNT 3267 – Sociology of Dying, Death and Bereavement (3) or
- SOCY 3267 – Sociology of Dying, Death, and Bereavement (3)
- GRNT 3800 – Independent Study in Gerontology (1-8) (total of 3 credits can be counted toward minor)
- GRNT 4050 – Topics in Gerontology (1-4)
- GRNT 4134 – Families and Aging (3) or
- SOCY 4134 – Families and Aging (3)
- GRNT 4150 – Older Individual and Society (3) or
- SOCY 4150 – Older Individual and Society (3)
- GRNT 4260 – Women: Middle Age and Beyond (3) or
- HLTH 4260 – Women: Middle Age and Beyond (3) or
- WGST 4260 – Women: Middle Age and Beyond (3)
- GRNT 4270 – Intergenerational Relationships and Programs (3)
- GRNT 4280 – The Experience of Dementia (3)
- GRNT 4353 – Environments for Aging (3)
- LBST 1102 – The Arts and Society: Film (3) (Sections 425/426 – Aging and the LIfecourse in Film)
- PHIL 3230 – Healthcare Ethics (3)
- PSYC 3125 – Older Worker and Retirement (3)
- SOCY 4130 – Sociology of Health and Illness (3)
- SOWK 4101 – Social Work Practice with Older Adults (3)
Notes:
Because this is designed to be an interdisciplinary minor, no more than three courses in the student’s major may count toward the minor.
Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from UNC Charlotte may be readmitted to pursue a Minor in Gerontology, just as they may be readmitted to pursue a second major. (For further information on readmission, see the Admission to the University section of this Catalog.)
Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from an institution other than UNC Charlotte may not receive a Minor in Gerontology from UNC Charlotte (unless they earn a second baccalaureate degree from UNC Charlotte). Such students may request a letter from the program and/or a transcript notation that acknowledges completion of courses specified for the minor but indicates that the minor can only be awarded upon completion of a degree.
The Gerontology Program offers both a Master’s degree and a graduate certificate program in Gerontology. See the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog for more details.
Gerontology, Graduate Certificate |
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The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology is designed to provide graduate education in Gerontology for those who already have a graduate degree in another field, those currently completing a graduate degree in another field, who are interested in working with older adults, and others seeking a credential to work in the aging field. It requires completion of a set of core and elective courses related to the study of aging. Applications for admission to the Graduate Certificate Program in Gerontology are considered as they are received and admissions are ongoing. Students are admitted to the Graduate School in a special category for certificate students.
Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to a certificate program, applicants must provide:
- Official transcripts of all baccalaureate and graduate work attempted.
- Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s professional and personal qualifications. These letters may be waived if the student is already enrolled in a Master’s or doctoral program.
- An essay describing the applicant’s relevant experience and objectives in undertaking graduate study in Gerontology.
Degree Requirements
The Graduate Certificate Program requires completion of a minimum of 15 credit hours of graduate coursework related to aging and older adults.
Core Course
Elective Courses
Primary Electives
Select at least one course from each of the following groups:
- GRNT 6275 – Health Promotion, Nutrition, and Wellness for Older Adults (3)
- NURS 6275 – Health Promotion, Nutrition, and Wellness for Older Adults (3)
- KNES 5232 – Physiology of Human Aging (3)
- GRNT 6124 – Psychology of Aging (3)
- PSYC 6124 – Psychology of Aging (3)
- GRNT 6130 – Sociology of Aging: Theories and Research (3)
- SOCY 6130 – Sociology of Aging: Theories and Research (3)
- GRNT 6400 – Practicum (3) (Students who do not have experience working with older adults are expected to complete a practicum)
Secondary Electives
Select 1-2 of the following:
- CSLG 7681 – Grief and Loss Counseling (3)
- EIST 6101 – Learning Principles in Instructional Systems Technology (3)
- GRNT 5050 – Topics in Gerontology (1-4)
- GRNT 5134 – Families and Aging (3)
- GRNT 5150 – Older Individual and Society (3)
- GRNT 5250 – Aging Programs and Services (3)
- GRNT 5260 – Women: Middle Age and Beyond (3)
- GRNT 5270 – Intergenerational Relationships & Programs (3)
- GRNT 5280 – The Experience of Dementia (3)
- GRNT 5353 – Environments for Aging (3)
- GRNT 6050 – Topics in Gerontology (3)
- GRNT 6210 – Aging and Public Policy (3)
- GRNT 6211 – Administration of Aging Programs (3)
- KNES 5232 – Physiology of Human Aging (3)
- MPAD 6210 – Aging and Public Policy (3)
- MPAD 6211 – Administration of Aging Programs (3)
- MPAD 6128 – Foundations of Public Policy (3)
- MPAD 6172 – Administration of the Healthcare Systems in the United States (3)
- NURS 6115 – Health Policy and Planning in the U.S (3)
Note:
Secondary electives may also be chosen from other appropriate courses as offered with the approval of the Gerontology Graduate Program Director.
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit is not accepted toward a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology program.
Gerontology, M.A. |
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The Master of Arts in Gerontology is designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills to fill a wide variety of positions in the developing field of aging. Interdisciplinary Gerontology courses integrate materials from various disciplines. Multidisciplinary Gerontology courses are also included, requiring students to study aging from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. The core of essential materials included in the required courses are augmented by the selection of elective courses in an individually designed program for each student. Students work with their advisor to develop a program that will best prepare them to meet their goals.
Potential students are encouraged to apply to begin the program in the fall semester, although applications are reviewed throughout the year. The program can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis with all required courses and a selection of electives offered in the evening. Some courses may require prerequisites and it is the responsibility of the candidate to meet any prerequisites (e.g., statistics is a required prerequisite for GRNT 6201). Students will work in conjunction with their advisor and graduate committee to design and implement their individual program.
Additional Admission Requirements
- Grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 overall and 3.0 in courses in Gerontology
- Satisfactory GRE or MAT scores (A standardized test score is waived for a student who completes the Graduate Certificate Program in Gerontology with grades of all B or above)
- Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s personal and professional qualifications
- An essay is required describing the applicant’s relevant experience and objectives in undertaking graduate study in Gerontology
Degree Requirements
The Gerontology Program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of graduate coursework.
Core Courses (21 credit hours)
- GRNT 6124 – Psychology of Aging (3)
- or PSYC 6124 – Psychology of Aging (3)
- GRNT 6130 – Sociology of Aging: Theories and Research (3)
- or SOCY 6130 – Sociology of Aging: Theories and Research (3)
- GRNT 6201 – Research and Methods in Aging I (3)
- GRNT 6202 – Research and Methods in Aging II (3)
- GRNT 6400 – Practicum (3)
- GRNT 6600 – Current Issues in Gerontology (3)
- GRNT 6275 – Health Promotion, Nutrition, and Wellness for Older Adults (3)
- or NURS 6275 – Health Promotion, Nutrition, and Wellness for Older Adults (3)
- or KNES 5232 – Physiology of Human Aging (3)
Thesis/Applied Project
Select one of the following:
Elective Courses
- CSLG 7681 – Grief and Loss Counseling (3)
- EIST 6101 – Learning Principles in Instructional Systems Technology (3)
- GRNT 5050 – Topics in Gerontology (1-4)
- GRNT 5134 – Families and Aging (3)
- GRNT 5150 – Older Individual and Society (3)
- GRNT 5250 – Aging Programs and Services (3)
- GRNT 5260 – Women: Middle Age and Beyond (3)
- GRNT 5270 – Intergenerational Relationships & Programs (3)
- GRNT 5280 – The Experience of Dementia (3)
- GRNT 5353 – Environments for Aging (3)
- GRNT 6050 – Topics in Gerontology (3)
- GRNT 6210 – Aging and Public Policy (3) or
- MPAD 6210 – Aging and Public Policy (3)
- GRNT 6211 – Administration of Aging Programs (3) or
- MPAD 6211 – Administration of Aging Programs (3)
- GRNT 6800 – Independent Research in Gerontology (3) (may be repeated; up to 6 credits may be counted towards M.A. electives)
- MPAD 6128 – Foundations of Public Policy (3)
- MPAD 6172 – Administration of the Healthcare Systems in the United States (3)
- NURS 6115 – Health Policy and Planning in the U.S (3)
Note:
Other electives may be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor.