Examine the physical, mental and social changes in people as they age and the societal implications of aging.

Gerontology is a multidisciplinary field that combines biological, medical, psychological, social and policy perspectives to understand the process of aging and promote the well-being of people as they get older. It is different from geriatrics, the medical specialty focusing on the unique health needs of older adults. 

By 2040, one in five Americans will be over age 65. As people live longer, understanding the social, economic and political challenges of aging is more important than ever. 

The gerontology minor is open to all undergraduates.

Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research

This program is offered through the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research.

Students helping seniors at an event
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Overview

Students from any major at any college are eligible to minor in gerontology. 

The minor consists of 12 credits: One of two core courses (3 credits), and 9 credits through additional courses.

To apply to the minor, please complete the Gerontology Minor Registration Form.

Courses

At least one of these two core courses are required:

  • HD 2180 Human Development: Adulthood and Aging
  • HD/SOC 2510 Social Gerontology: Aging and the Life Course

*A student can take both of these courses, which will count towards the required 12 credits.

  • DEA 2500 The Environment and Social Behavior (3 credits)
  • DEA 3770 Enabling Design: The Intersection of Age, Ability, and Design (3 credits)
  • DEA 4500 Policy Meets Design: High-Impact Facilities of the 21st Century (3 credits)
  • DEA 5700 Designing Age Friendly Environments (3 credits)
  • DEA 6420 Design Immersion-Caring Place: Design for Palliative Care (1.5 credits)
  • DEA 6760 Universal Design: Ergonomics and Accessibility (3 credits)
  • EDUC 2200 Introduction to Adult Learning (4 credits)
  • EDUC 4200 Adult Language Learners and Marginalization (3 credits)
  • FSAD 4660 Textiles, Apparel, and Innovation (3 credits)
  • HD 3290 Self-Regulation Across the Life Span (3 credits)*
  • HD 3490 Positive Psychology (3 credits)
  • HD 3570/SOC 3670 Social Inequalities in Physical and Mental Health (3 credits)
  • HD 4120 Social Policy for an Aging Society (3 credits)
  • HD 4180 Psychology of Aging / Aging: Contemporary Issues (3 credits)
  • HD 4190 Midlife Development (3 credits)
  • HD 4220 Research in Emotion and Cognition (3 credits)
  • HD 4280 Research on Healthy Aging (4 credits)
  • HD/PSYCH 4530 Affective Science (3 credits)
  • HD/SOC 4570 Health and Social Behavior (3 credits)
  • HD 4590 Transitions Across the Life Span (3 credits)
  • HD 6190 Community and Residential Services in Geriatric and Palliative Care (1.5 credits)
  • HD 6290 The Structure and Dynamics of Self-Regulation (3 credits)*
  • NS 1220 Nutrition and the Life Cycle (3 credits)
  • NS 4410 Nutrition and Disease (3 credits)
  • NS 4500 Public Health Nutrition (3 credits)
  • PAM 2350 The U.S. Health Care System (3 credits)
  • PAM 3280 Fundamentals of Population Health (3 credits)
  • PAM 3460/4460 Economics of Social Security (3 credits)
  • PAM 3780 Sick Around the World? Comparing Health Care Systems Around the World (3 credits)
  • PAM 5500/Hotel 5503 Operations and Planning of Senior Living and Related Facilities (2 credits)
  • PAM 5520 Health Care Services: Consumer and Ethical Perspectives (3 to 4 credits)
  • PAM 5760 Long Term Care and Lifestyle Alternatives (1 credit)
  • PSYCH 4310/ BIONB 4210/6310 Effects of Aging on Sensory Perception (3 to 4 credits)
  • PUBPOL/PAM 3230 Public Policy for an Aging Society (3 credits)
  • PUBPOL 5500/ HADM 6033 Introduction to Senior Living and Related Programs (2 credits)

*if a student takes both HD 3290 and HD 6290, only one will count towards the required 12 credits.

Other courses may be considered to count towards the 12 credits needed. Contact cel72 [at] cornell.edu (Corinna Loeckenhoff), director of the Gerontology Minor for consideration.

Classes taken through Ithaca College’s Gerontology Institute may also count toward the 12 credits. See the list of Aging Studies courses offered at Ithaca College and conact Corinna Loeckenhoff if you're interested.

Experiential learning opportunities

Students are encouraged to take advantage of experiential learning opportunities that applies the substantive content presented in the classroom to work beyond the university.  

Gerontology minor students have taken advantage of placements in Ithaca (local health care facilities, senior centers, retirement communities and Office for the Aging), New York City (Weill Cornell), 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.

Administration

Director of the gerontology minor: cel72 [at] cornell.edu (Corinna Loeckenhoff), Janet and Gordon Lankton Professor of Developmental Psychology

Gerontology minor administrator: mtc223 [at] cornell.edu (Marie Cope)