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Academic Programs: Gerontology Concentration
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Family and Child Studies

Academic Programs: Undergraduate

Gerontology Concentration

Office: University Hall, Room 4144
Phone Number: (973) 655-4171
Email: deptfcst@mail.montclair.edu

Overview:

The concentration requirements for this program emphasize the study of the family. Through this lens, students learn about family development, relationships, dynamics, functioning, health, and resource management. They examine the various cultural, community, and socioeconomic contexts in which families function and study interventions used to support families across the lifespan with a strong emphasis on gerontology. This interdisciplinary program is unique in that students take several service-learning courses and complete a part time internship enabling them to work with older adults in a variety of community settings. Students who complete this concentration are prepared to work in careers in aging at a time when our society is challenged to provide services for a diverse and growing population of older adults. Job opportunities for gerontology students are in community service agencies, senior living facilities, long term care facilities, community recreation programs and senior citizen centers. This degree also provides students with the educational background they need to pursue graduate study in a variety of areas.

Course Requirements:

The course requirements listed below apply to those students admitted on or after Fall 2012. Anyone admitted prior to this term should refer to their Analysis of Academic Progress on WESS or see your academic advisor for your official program of study.
A. Family and Child Studies Core Courses                                                                                                                                                              18 Credits
Number Name Hours
FCST 200 Introduction to Family Studies 3
FCST 304 Research in Methods for Studying Families and Children 3
FCST 315 Field Experiences in Family and Child Services 3
FCST 348 Family Development over the Life Course 3
FCST 418 Working with Diverse Families and Children 3
FCST 445 Poverty and Families 3
 
B. Family and Child Studies Elective                                                                                                                                                                        3 Credits
Select an additional 3 credits of any courses in the Family and Child Studies Department starting with the alpha code FCST
 
C. Gerontology Required Courses                                                                                                                                                                             26 Credits
Number Name Hours
FCST 201 Older Adults and Their Families: An Introduction to Gerontology 3
FCST 305 Death and Bereavement in the Family 3
FCST 325 Adult Development and Aging 3
FCST 340 Aging and Social Policy 3
FCST 360 Families in Later Life 3
FCST 400 Senior Seminar 3
FCST 409 Internship 8
 
D. Required Collateral Courses                                                                                                                                                                                 10 Credits
Number Name Hours
BIOL 110 The Biology of Human Life 4
PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology 3
 
Choose one of the following:
 
HLTH 440 Health Aspects of Aging 3
PEMJ 340 Fitness and the Aging Process 3
SOCI 309 Sociology of Health and Illness 3
 
E. Elective Collateral                                                                                                                                                                                               2 - 3 Credits
Number Name Hours
ANTH 350 Anthropology of Aging and the Aged 3
MUTH 100 Introduction to Music Therapy 2
PALG 322 Wills, Trusts and Probate Law 3
PALG 413 Elder Law 3
PSYC 268 Psychological Aspects of Aging 3
PSYC 302 Health Psychology (Service-Learning Section) 3
 
MAJOR AND CONCENTRATION TOTAL: 59-60 credits