The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Gerontology entails 36 credit hours of required coursework. In this program the course of study is intended to provide students with a liberal education in gerontology and some exposure to the various career opportunities in the field of aging. This degree is especially appropriate for students who plan to pursue graduate or professional work in gerontology, allied health or a related field, or who plan to work with older adults in careers such as case management, social services, or activity therapy.
The State of Florida has identified common course prerequisites for the Bachelor's degree in Gerontology. Those students seeking the major, complete STA X122 (Social Science Statistics) at the lower level prior to entering the university. If this course is not taken at the community college, it must be completed before the degree is granted. The following course must be completed with a grade of C or better (not C-): STA X122 (Social Science Statistics) (Acceptable substitutes for STA X122 are: QMB X150 or QMB X100, STA X022, X014, X040, X023, or X024.)
*These courses are School capstone experience courses and do not qualify to meet the FKL capstone exit requirement.
Major Elective Courses - 18 Hours
B.A. students complete 18 additional elective hours, which may include additional field placement. Students should meet frequently with the departmental advisor to plan courses and field work that will prepare the student for their career goals.
Additional Major Requirements
Major Grade Requirement
A grade of lower than "C-" in Gerontology courses will not be counted toward fulfilling the requirements for the major.
Research Opportunities
All undergraduate students in any degree program can participate in undergraduate research. There are a number of options to receive academic credit for a mentored research experience and to have the experience show on the official transcript. Students who wish to enroll in an undergraduate research course should consult with their academic advisor to understand how the credit will apply towards the degree requirements. If no credit is needed, students may be eligible to enroll in the 0-credit IDS 2912 or IDS 4914 courses. These courses will not impact degree credits or GPA but will show on an official transcript and document the experience. The Office for Undergraduate Research will assist students in understanding the various course options.
Additional Major Information
Major Advising
Contact the undergraduate advisor as early as possible in your career at the University of South Florida. Students should plan to meet frequently with the advisor to plan courses and field work that will prepare the student for career goals.
Director: C.L. McEvoy; Professors: W. E. Haley, K. Hyer, C. L. McEvoy, V. Molinari; B.J. Small; Associate Professors: R. Andel, D.J. Dobbs, J.D. Edwards, H. Meng; Assistant Professors: A. Gamaldo, S. Scott; Instructor: B. Stanback; Courtesy and Adjunct Professors: H. Caywood, Jr., M. J. Etten, G. Holder, H. Osman, J. Smith, P. Stiles, L. Volicer; Professors Emeriti: J. Garcia, W.P. Mangum, L. Polivka, S. L. Reynolds, S. V. Saxon.
More About this Major
Research Opportunities
There are research opportunities associated with this major.