The Gerontology Minor is for 3rd and 4th year SFU undergraduate students who want to add a degree in aging to their academic careers. It’s a great choice for anyone who expects to work or volunteer with seniors or who simply enjoys older adults. The interdisciplinary courses look at how individuals, families, and communities are impacted by the process of aging.
Who Can Apply for a Gerontology Minor?
If you are an SFU student who has completed at least 60 credits towards an undergraduate degree with a 2.0 or higher cumulative grade point average (GPA) you are eligible to declare a minor in Gerontology.
Benefits of a Gerontology Minor
• complements many areas of study including Health Sciences; Social Sciences; Kinesiology; Criminology
• you receive enrollment priority in Gero courses
• you can use the minor courses as prerequisite requirements to SFU’s MA in Gerontology if you wish to pursue studies in aging at the graduate level
• you may be eligible to apply for Gerontology awards & scholarships
• Gero 300 (Intro to Gerontology) counts towards Breadth course requirements
• many courses are available online and/or in class at the Harbour Centre campus
• you receive notices of upcoming public lectures and gerontology related events
Program Requirements
At least 15 credit hours (5 courses):
Gero 101-3 + 15 elective credits
or
Gero 300-3 + 12 elective credits
You cannot take both Gero 101 and Gero 300 for credit because they overlap in content, so you have to take one or the other.
Elective courses include any Gerontology courses and a maximum of 6 credits from aging courses offered by other departments.
Those intending to apply for admission to the post baccalaureate diploma in gerontology or to the master’s program should contact the advisor before selecting courses.
How to Declare a Gerontology Minor
To declare a minor in Gerontology email Student Advisor Anne Marie Barrett at geradmin@sfu.ca with the request and attach an advising transcript. The Gerontology minor will be added to your student plan and you will receive a confirmation email within two weeks.
Gerontology Minor Graduation Requirements
To receive the Gerontology Minor credential you must have completed at least 15 credits with a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Students must also satisfy Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Minor requirements.