Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Gerontology FAC’s Page. Here are a few answers to well. . . frequently asked questions within the field of Gerontology. We hope some of your questions are answered on this page. If not, please contact the Gerontology program assistant 422-1410 or come to JFSB 1041.

Q: What is the purpose of undergraduate training in gerontology?

A: BYU currently offers both an undergraduate certificate and a minor within the field of Gerontology. The purpose is to supplement students’ training in their major field. Giving students these opportunities to learn about the aging process and older adults enhances their career opportunities.

Q: Why is studying gerontology important or useful?

A: Our society is rapidly aging, with an increasing proportion of the population being over the age of 65. This growth of the older population is expected to increase dramatically over the next 25 years. Consequently, there is a growing need for professionals to be trained to work with older persons.

Q: Can a person from any major apply to participate in the gerontology program?

A: Yes. Gerontology is multidisciplinary, meaning that professionals from a variety of disciplines study gerontology and work with older people. There are currently students from 12 different majors pursuing either a minor or certificate in gerontology.

Q: What is the difference between a Gerontology Certificate and a Gerontology Minor?

A: The main difference is that the minor shows up on your official transcript, whereas the certificate doesn’t. Students submit a completed minor form to their college advisement center, so they keep track of your classes and award you the minor when you have met the requirements. Minor students must also inform the Gerontology assistant so that their certificate that is included in the minor may be mailed out to them at the time of graduation.

Choosing between a certificate and a minor depends largely on your career goals. Some gerontologists believe that a certificate looks more applied and usable in the professional world, whereas a minor might look better if you plan to apply to graduate school.

The requirements are the same, with both requiring 15 credit hours, however, the paperwork is different. We now urge students to apply for both a minor and a certificate.

Q: How do I apply for a gerontology certificate?

A: First, visit with Stacie Nichols, the Gerontology Secretary in 1041 JFSB to fill out a form. If you are interested and your major is within the Health Sciences, RMYL, Sociology, or MFHD, you will take your form to the respective gerontology advisor. If your major is anything besides those four, you will see Dr. Call the Gerontology Program Director. Dr. Heiner is the gerontology advisor for Health Sciences, Dr. Gray is the advisor for RMYL, Dr. Call is the advisor for Sociology, and Dr. Miller is the advisor for MFHD. Each one of them are experts in the field and can explain the program to you and help you fill out the gerontology form. After both of you sign it, submit a copy of the form to the gerontology assistant in 1041 JFSB. If you don’t submit a copy to the office, you will not be officially enrolled in the gerontology program.

Q: Why is good communication with the gerontology program essential?

A: When you graduate and meet all of the certificate requirements, the gerontology program will give you a Certificate of Completion (This Certificate is automatically included in the minor). Because the certificate is kept track of and administered through the gerontology office (1041 JFSB), if students do not notify us of the classes they have taken and the changes in their gerontology schedule, the department has no way of knowing whether or not the minor and/or certificate have been completed. Therefore, the certificate will not be awarded. If changes are made as to classes chosen for the certificate or minor, please contact the Gerontology assistant. Also contact and update the Gerontology office 422-1410 if any changes are made to your (both Gerontology minor and certificate students) address or phone number, so that the assistant may be able to keep in contact if the department has any questions. This is also beneficial to the students to have two-way communication. That way both parties are in the know and able to help one another along the student’s undergraduate degree.

Q: How do I apply for a gerontology minor?

A: If you are a student in the College of Health and Human Performance or the College of Home, Family, and Social Science, you can go to your advisement center. The advisement centers have gerontology minor forms for you to fill out. When you have finished filling out the form, meet with Dr. Vaughn Call to have the form signed and discuss your Gerontology aspirations. Then submit it to the FHSS advisement center.

If you have any questions about applying for either a minor or a certificate, please call 422-1410 or visit 1041 JFSB. The gerontology assistant will be able to answer your questions.

Q: What is expected in regards to the internship requirements?

A: All certificate and minor undergraduates are required to complete a three credit internship that focuses on working with older populations and the older aging processes. Internships with students working primarily with children, adolescents, young adults, or young families do not meet these requirements.

If you are a Health Sciences, RMYL, Sociology, or MFHD major, speak with your gerontology advisor about the specific expectations and requirements. If you have another major, please come and speak with Dr. Vaughn Call, the director. He will work with you in arranging a suitable internship within your major. If your major doesn’t have an internship program, arrangements will be made to do an internship through the School of Family Life Internship Office.

Best wishes in your Gerontology Endeavors!