Stark State College’s human and social services gerontology major offers you knowledge and understanding of the normal but highly variable process of aging and implementing programs and services for the elderly. Prepare to enter the workforce with courses and training related to community resources, human behavior, interviewing skills, cultural sensitivity and ethical awareness with a focus on gerontology.
Major code: 1003 Health and Public Services Division Human Services and Justice Studies Department
The catalog in force is assigned to students based on the academic year they first applied to the college, and changes only when students change their major or request the change in writing. Refer to Policy No. 3357:15-13-28.
2026-27 Catalog
Effective Summer 2026
Some courses listed within the program may require a prerequisite or co-requisite.
Pre/Co-requisites will be listed within each course hyperlink below.
Refer to Policy No. 3357:15-13-04 and 3357:15-13-05
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | ||
| GER121 | Introduction to Gerontology | 3 |
| GER122 | Psychological Aspect of Aging | 3 |
| HJS250 | Human Services and Justice Studies Practicum and Seminar | 3 |
| SWK121 | Introduction to Social Welfare | 3 |
| SWK124 | Methods in Practice I | 3 |
| SWK125 | Substance Abuse | 3 |
| SWK126 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment | 3 |
| SWK130 | Methods in Practice II | 3 |
| SWK224 | Poverty in the United States | 3 |
| SWK230 | Social Services for the Elderly | 3 |
| Non-technical | ||
| SSC101 | Student Success Seminar | 1 |
| BIO127 | Human Biology | 4 |
| BUS122 | Basic Economics | 3 |
| COM121 | Effective Speaking | 3 |
| ENG124 | College Composition | 3 |
| ITD122 | Computer Applications for Professionals | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| Statistics 1 | ||
| PSC121 | United States Government and Politics | 3 |
| PSY121 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC121 | Sociology | 3 |
| Select one of the following Sociology electives: | 3 | |
| Dynamics of the Family | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Juvenile Delinquency | ||
| Diversity in American Society | ||
| Total Hours | 62 | |
- 1
MTH124 Statistics should only be taken by students planning to transfer to a four-year institution.
Students are required to follow the program curriculum in effect when they begin taking technical courses, not when students are accepted to the College or program.
Full-time Student Advising Notes
Academic Advising
Students should make an appointment to see their advisor before registering for classes each semester. They should have prepared a completed registration form, including courses they wish to take, prior to this meeting.
Course Sequence
The semester-by-semester listing below provides the normal scheduling option for full-time associate degree students who plan to finish in two years.
| First Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SSC101 | Student Success Seminar | 1 |
| COM121 | Effective Speaking | 3 |
| ENG124 | College Composition | 3 |
| GER121 | Introduction to Gerontology | 3 |
| SOC121 | Sociology | 3 |
| SWK121 | Introduction to Social Welfare | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| BIO127 | Human Biology | 4 |
| ITD122 | Computer Applications for Professionals | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| Statistics 1 | ||
| SWK124 | Methods in Practice I | 3 |
| SWK224 | Poverty in the United States | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| PSY121 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Select one of the following Sociology electives: | 3 | |
| Dynamics of the Family | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Juvenile Delinquency | ||
| Diversity in American Society | ||
| SWK125 | Substance Abuse | 3 |
| SWK126 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment | 3 |
| SWK130 | Methods in Practice II | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| BUS122 | Basic Economics | 3 |
| GER122 | Psychological Aspect of Aging | 3 |
| HJS250 | Human Services and Justice Studies Practicum and Seminar | 3 |
| PSC121 | United States Government and Politics | 3 |
| SWK230 | Social Services for the Elderly | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 62 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate knowledge of social work theory and the behavioral sciences, NASW (National Association of Social Workers) ethics, human and social services programs, and community resources.
- Demonstrate the ability to provide the following client services: intake and screening, assessment and referral, case management and outreach, documentation of observations and interventions, record keeping, and termination.
- Demonstrate work readiness skills and professional behavior.
- Demonstrate an awareness of personal biases and value systems that can impact the helping relationship.
- Demonstrate employment skills and professionalism through sound work habits, responsibility, and sensitivity to the unique needs of individuals, families, and diverse groups.
- Demonstrate awareness of issues related to aging, the aging process, and skills that facilitate working with older adults.