Psychology
Gerontology
If you have questions about the gerontology emphasis, please do not hesitate to contact one of the co-chairs or affiliated faculty.
If you have already declared the emphasis, you may have been assigned a gerontology advisor and should be able to access that person's name in WING.
Catalog quicklinks:
- Overview
- Emphasis requirements
- Certificate Checklist
A note is included at the bottom of the course list that highlights if one of your courses is gerontology focused and not included in the curriculum, you can reach out to the gerontology co-chairs about possible substitution.
FAQ
How do I deal prerequisites?
Many of the gerontology emphasis course option have prerequisites. With some exceptions that are noted in the “Emphasis Checklist,” most courses allow declared gerontology emphasis students the ability to enroll. In other words, the faculty support the emphasis and allow gero students into their class.
Last modified: 10/29/2025
Can I count these classes towards the major and emphasis?
Yes, courses you complete for your emphasis can also count towards your major or minor. For example, if you are taking PSY 434 Clinical Neuropsychology to complete a psychology requirement, it will also count for your emphasis supportive credit. If you are a student completing a CLS program option, the emphasis is a great way to complete those credits outside of your department at the 300/400 level.
Last modified: 10/29/2025
Do you need an internship?
No, you are not required to have an internship for the Gerontology Emphasis. However, if you have completed an internship or volunteer experience through your major that focuses on aging/aging issues, it may qualify as credits towards completing your emphasis. Please contact one of the emphasis coordinators for approval. We also strongly encourage hands-on experiences with older adults and the field of Gerontology. There is no substitute for personal experiences and interactions.
Last modified: 10/29/2025
Does my CNA job count for credit?
Your CNA job is an experience that will provide you with great context and content to draw from in gerontology courses. However, you will not be able to count your job as credits towards your emphasis.
Last modified: 10/29/2025
Are there any Gerontology student orgs?
Relevant Campus Organizations
- Dementia Awareness in Healthcare
- Gerontology Club (Currently on hiatus, could be restarted with student energy and interest)
The Gerontological Society of America has two organizations for students interested in the study of aging:
- Emerging Scholar and Professional Organization (ESPO)
- Sigma Phi Omega (SPO)
We hope to build a local chapter at UWL.
Last modified: 06/01/2026
What career paths are there?
There are many careers that benefit from a background or foundation in gerontology. Below are a few ideas to give you a sense of the range.
Working directly with older adults
- Program development and implementation
- Medical/health care
- Counseling individuals and their families
- Business advising (legal, financial, housing)
Working indirectly with older adults
- Research on aging and aging issues
- Planning community-based services
- Teaching about aging
- Advocating on older adults behalf
- Designing and marketing products for older adults
- Advising businesses about older workers
Last modified: 06/01/2026
Undergraduate research
How to get involved/What counts?
You can get involved by seeking out faculty that is already doing work with older adults. Or you can seek out faculty that is doing work you find interesting with possible applications to aging.
If you are working with a faculty member who is not affiliated with the Gerontology Emphasis, you should contact the co-chairs for approval on your research project if you want to apply credits toward the emphasis.
Funding and Publishing Opportunities
Gerontology faculty
- Associate Professor
- Graff Main Hall
- esrinivasan@uwlax.edu
- 608.785.6882
- Lecturer (SS)
- L3 Wittich Hall
- vpande@uwlax.edu
- 608.785.6833