Education for Students
Gerontology Minor and Certificate of Completion
The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) recognizes the Gerontology
Minor at Stockton University as a Program of Merit. This distinctive honor indicates
that our program meets or exceeds the national practice and guidelines for gerontology
education established by AGHE. The designation assures the public of the quality of
the programs and our graduates and clarifies for employers the knowledge and skills
imparted to students who graduate with a minor in gerontology.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts dramatic job growth for the next 30 years
in fields relating to aging. Thus, coursework in Gerontology can be useful for students
from a wide variety of majors.
Visit the site below that demonstrates the wide array of disciplines and careers that will grow as a result of the growth of the older adult education:
Careers in Aging - from the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education
Stockton’s interdisciplinary academic program in Gerontology offers a variety of 4-credit courses on aging, with topics such as Aging & Health, Adult Development & Aging, Spirituality & Aging, and many others. Two credentials are available for students who complete a 20-credit sequence of required and elective courses. Matriculated students may earn a Gerontology Minor in conjunction with any major. Nonmatriculated students who come to Stockton just to complete the program to enhance their job performance and/or credentials in this growing field can earn a Certificate of Completion in Gerontology.
The gerontology program was established in 1978, and we have graduated over 700 students,
the most prolific program in New Jersey.
Visit Stockton's Social and Behavioral Sciences Gerontology Minor
Visit Stockton Student Web Services for course schedules
How to Declare Your GERO Minor
1) Get a "Declaration of Major" form HERE or from the Center for Academic Advising (CC-242).
2) Get the form signed by a faculty member in the GERO minor, preferably the GERO
Coordinator.
3) Bring the signed form to the Center for Academic Advising.
Non-matriculated student wishing to obtain the GERO Certificate of Completion should
contact the Gerontology Coordinator by calling (609) 652-4512 and asking to be connected
with the coordinator for further information.
Some examples of recent student research into aging:
Diverse Benefits of Guided Autobiography (GAB) for Older Adults (PSYC Project for Distinction)
TimeSlipsTM in Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment (PSYC Project for Distinction).
Yoga for Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy Resulting from Chemotherapy
Music Therapy and Cognitive Enhancement in Traumatic Brain Injury
Meditation and Improving Cognition
Games and Cognitive Health
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Positive Thinking and Cognitive Maintenance
Music Therapy and Cognitive Enhancement
G.E.R.O.S. Student Organization
(Gerontology Education & Experience Related Opportunities for Students)
The aim of G.E.R.O.S. provides many volunteer service opportunities as well as opportunities
to network with others interested in the field of Gerontology. The club works closely
with SCOSA on a variety of projects each year. Every year, GEROS club members work
alongside SCOSA to promote and raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk in
Atlantic City. New ideas for community service projects and volunteer opportunities
are always welcome as we like to have new service opportunities. Email the faculty
advisor Professor Christine Gayda-Chelder for more information.
Sigma Phi Omega –Gerontology Honor Society
Lambda Gamma is Stockton’s chapter of Sigma Phi Omega (SPO), the national academic
honor and professional society in gerontology. SPO was established in 1980 to recognize
the excellence of those who study gerontology/aging, as well as to serve as a link
between gerontology educators, alumni, and local professionals and the outstanding
service of professionals who work with or on behalf of older persons.
The goals of SPO are achieved primarily through the activities of local chapters,
and secondarily through efforts of the national office and officers. Local chapters,
such as Lambda Gamma serve as links within their respective communities to promote
interaction between gerontology educators, students, alumni, and local professionals.
The chapters provide opportunities for personal and professional interaction, sharing
of concerns, discussion of issues, service activities, and so forth. SPO is managed
by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE). AGHE is an organization
within the Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
Membership is open to all students majoring or minoring in gerontology or related
fields, as well as to faculty and professionals. Students must be in at least their
second term of enrollment, with a minimum GPA of 3.3 for undergraduates and 3.5 for
graduate students. Application forms can be found here (https://www.sigmaphiomega.org/become-a-member/).
For more information please contact Christine Ferri.
