Program Overview

The minor opens up the world of public policy development for employment in fields related to aging or that work with aging populations. This also includes social, biological, and cultural aspects of aging, and the end of life. You will learn about the complex interaction of individual perspective, socio-cultural contexts, and the physical realities of the human body through the latter part of the life course.

Why Study Aging and Adult Life at Grand Valley?

• As a liberal arts school, the Grand Valley campus and community actively engages in social issues and service, which creates unique opportunities for sociology students.
• Improve your interactions with older people; it can prepare you to make sound plans for your own later life.
• Understand what public policy development is needed for the elderly and prepare you for employment in the field of aging.
• The Colloquium Speakers Series brings experts and community activists to campus to talk about important and controversial issues. Students and the wider GVSU community can join the discourse throughout the year.
• Prepare you for a world that is rapidly aging. A projected one in five Americans will be over the age of 65 by 2030.

Helpful Links

• Scholarships
• Financial Aid
• Course Catalog
• Sociology Programs

For More Information

Department of Sociology

Anna Hammersmith, department coordinator
2151 Au Sable Hall
hammeran@gvsu.edu
(616) 331-2164

Admissions Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

Location & Format

Undergraduate students in this minor study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.

Format:

• Face To Face

Coursework

You are required to complete a total of 21 hours for the minor. At least three credit hours (one course) must be completed in each category:

• Aging
• End of life
• Health care institutions and policy

Topics of study include therapeutic recreation, perspectives on aging, cultural impact, death and dying, care management, politics, and more. See catalog for details.

Career Options

This minor is designed to appeal to students whose major academic preparation is in sociology, psychology, social work, business, education, nursing, public administration, biology, economics, political science, health sciences, or recreation.