BS Four-Year Degree Plan: Gerontology

The following is a sample schedule for this major – your actual schedule may vary.

Meet with your advisor before scheduling your classes. Review the class schedule for course availability.

Missouri State is committed to helping you graduate in four years.

The following degree plan, last reviewed 06-10-2021, is based on the 2021-22 catalog and Missouri State general education requirements.

First semester (fall)

Courses Hours
GEP 101 First-Year Foundations 2
ENG 110 Writing I 3
General Education - Quantitative Literacy 3
BIO 101 Biology in Your World
or BMS 100 Essentials in Human Biology
or BMS 110 Introduction to Human Biology
3
BIO 111 Laboratory for Biology in Your World
or BMS 111 Introduction to Human Biology Laboratory
1
PSY 121 Introductory Psychology 3
Total hours 15

Second semester (spring)

Courses Hours
HST 121 Survey of the History of the United States to 1877
or HST 122 Survey of the History of the United States since 1877
3
Humanities - General Education 3
SOC 150 Introduction to Society 3
COM 115 Fundamentals of Public Speaking 3
PLS 101 American Democracy and Citizenship 3
General elective 1
Total hours 16

Third semester (fall)

Courses Hours
Cultural Competence - General Education 3
Physical Sciences - General Education 3-5
GER 375 Social Forces and Aging 3
The Arts - General Education 3
General elective 3
Total hours 15-17

Fourth semester (spring)

Courses Hours
GER 351 Psychology of Adulthood and Aging 3
GER 309 Identity and Aging in Literature and Film 3
Written Communication and Integrative and Applied Learning - General Education 3
Public Issues - General Education 3
General elective 3
Total hours 15

Fifth semester (fall)

Courses Hours
Gerontology Elective 3
GER 470 Community Resources for Older Adults 3
BMS 260 Biology of Aging 3
Statistics - General Education 3
General elective 3
General elective 1
Total hours 15-16

Sixth semester (spring)

Courses Hours
Gerontology Elective 3
COM 390 Communication and Aging 3
PSY foundation course work - Research Methods 3
Gerontology - Health Related 3
General elective 3
Total hours 15

Seventh semester (fall)

Courses Hours
GER 480 Policies and Older Adults 3
Gerontology Elective 3
General elective 3
General elective 3
General elective 3
Total hours 15

Eighth semester (spring)

Courses Hours
GER 598 Supervised Practicum in Gerontology 6-9
GER 599 Seminar in Gerontology 3
GEN 499 University Exit Examination 0
Total hours 9-12

Tips for success

  • The gerontology major does not require a minor. Many students choose to add a minor in psychology, sociology, health services, hospitality leadership or business. You're encouraged to use general electives to complete a major or minor in another area of interest.
  • Meet with a gerontology advisor as soon as possible when deciding on a dual major option. They can help you develop a plan to maximize the use of your credit hours.
  • No application is needed for admission to the gerontology program.
  • A total of 120 completed credit hours is required for graduation.
  • Involvement in the Gerontology Club will help you learn more about the field, the major and the practicum.