Gerontology courses at URI are offered at both undergraduate and graduate levels in several academic disciplines, including Human Development and Family Studies, Nursing, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Kinesiology, Physical Therapy, Adult Education, Sociology, and Political Science. We also offer Continuing Education workshops for currently practicing health care and human service professionals.
It is important to take courses that fulfill degree requirements from the beginning. Students who wish to specialize in aging are advised to contact the Program in Gerontology early in their university studies to ensure maximum flexibility and opportunities.
Undergraduate Major
Students wanting intensive coursework in aging can major in Human Development and Family Science and select the Health and Aging Services concentration in consultation with their advisor.
Undergraduate Minor
The program in gerontology is a University-wide, interdisciplinary program that promotes study, teaching, and research on aging and older adults. It also maintains relationships with state and local agencies serving Rhode Island’s older population. This affords opportunities for research, internships, and field experiences to students interested in aging and health.
In addition to fulfilling all the basic requirements for a minor (see Minor Fields of Study), students who declare a minor in gerontology must take HDF 314, at least two courses from the foundation courses list, and additional courses from the electives list in order to reach the requirements of 18 credits. Students may also enroll in a directed study or special problems course that focuses on a topic relevant to older adults and aging. Other courses may be used in consultation with academic advisors.
- Foundation courses: HDF/PSC 405, HDF/SOC 431, HDF 440; SOC 438.
- Elective courses: BPS 205G; CMD 280G; HDF 201, 421, 450, 480; KIN 375G, 381, 420, 464; NFS 210, 395; NUR 360; PHP 207G, 505, 509; PSY 232, 432; WRT 306.
Several of the courses have prerequisites not included in this program; students are responsible for completing these prerequisites prior to enrolling in the course. Interested students should contact Dr. Skye Leedahl at skyeleedahl@uri.edu.
Graduate Certificates
- Students enrolled in the Master’s programs in Nursing, Human Development and Family Science, and Adult Education can qualify for the Graduate Certificate, awarded by the Program in Gerontology. This requires 9 credits of coursework in Gerontology and 6 credits of research as part of the Master’s program of study. In addition, the College of Nursing offers a Master of Science degree with a gerontological nursing area of emphasis, the Adult-Gerontological NP/CNS.
- The Graduate Certificate in Geriatrics and Gerontology provides an important, academic step beyond continuing education for professionals who already possess a bachelor’s or advanced degree and can lead to further graduate training in a health or human service discipline at URI. Learn more »
Continuing Education
Health care and human service professionals interested in continuing education may enroll in workshops and other programs offered by the Rhode Island Geriatric Education Center.Gerontology courses at URI are offered at both undergraduate and graduate levels in several academic disciplines, including Human Development and Family Studies, Nursing, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Kinesiology, Physical Therapy, Adult Education, Sociology, and Political Science. We also offer Continuing Education workshops for currently practicing health care and human service professionals.