Topics in Aging – Health Interventions: Improving the Physical Function and Independence Among Older Adults is an innovative, interactive, interesting, and intriguing course. Students will have the opportunity to discuss important issues about physical function and independence among older adults with colleagues, students from other disciplines, and guest conversationalists who are faculty experts in their respective fields of study. Class attendance and participation is critically important, preparation for each session required, a field (observation) experience part of the deal, and the preparation of an intervention grant proposal a great learning experience. For more information contact David Oliver, oliverd@missouri.edu.  

Gerontology Minor

Although aging-related curriculum at the University of Missouri is limited, a sufficient number of courses are available to students to complement their respective areas of study. Graduate students have the option of pursuing a graduate Gerontology Minor. Twenty-three courses in more than 10 disciplines can be supplemented by independent and topics courses.

Mentoring from experienced researchers on interdisciplinary research teams contributes to the learning curve of students specializing in aging studies. More than 40 teams are located throughout the university. Students are encouraged to contact the Interdisciplinary Center on Aging for help connecting with these productive groups of scholars.

The graduate minor in gerontology consists of nine to 15 hours of aging-related course work approved as a graduate minor by the student's department/discipline. The MU Interdisciplinary Center on Aging will collaborate and provide assistance to both the student and his or her adviser.

The plan of study for the gerontology minor must be submitted to the Graduate School at least one term before the conferral of the minor. The minor will be conferred when the major degree is conferred, and once a student officially graduates, the notation of the designated minor will appear on the student’s official transcript.

For more information, contact David Oliver.