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An introduction to social gerontology and human development in later life; emphasis is on important elements of aging, such as socialization, family interaction, retirement, physical and psychological aging, and perceptions of older persons in contemporary society.

This course is designed to introduce the student to community resources for older adults, to identify the organizations and individuals in the public and private sectors that help support aging in place, and to examine the impact of the efforts on older adults at the national, state and local levels.

Prereq: Completion of GERO 2000. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

An interdisciplinary survey of literature in the field of thanatology, with an emphasis on working with the older patient and his or her family. (Cross-listed with PHHB 3070).

This course will introduce undergraduate students to basic methodologies used in social and gerontological research. Students will explore the fundamentals of research methods, including learning how to formulate a research question, discuss and distinguish between multiple methods of data collection, perform various techniques used in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and identify the ethics involved in social research. This course is intended for students in gerontology and in other fields who are interested in a humanistic approach to understanding significant issues which affect the lives of older people.

The Biological Bases of Aging Course provides a survey of the primary topics in the biology of aging field for undergraduate students. This a required course for the Gerontology major. By the end of the course, students will understand major theories, biological methods, and seminal research studies in the biology of aging field. Furthermore, students will learn how to critically analyze and interpret primary research about biological aging. This course provides preparation for students considering graduate school in gerontology or biology, geriatric nursing and social work, geriatric medicine, neuroscience, psychology, and exercise science. (Cross-listed with BIOL 3500, NEUR 3500)

Prereq: Sophomore/Junior/Senior Standing. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

This course covers biological aging topics at an advanced level, and is designed for undergraduate and graduate students who have some prior knowledge about biology or aging. The course will be interdisciplinary in nature and focus on topics relevant to gerontology, biology, psychology, and exercise science. Students will learn how to think critically about primary research in the biology of aging. Furthermore, they will apply their knowledge of the biology of aging field by creating a handbook of healthy aging for older adults. (Cross-listed with GERO 8056, NEUR 4050).

Role of leisure services as related to understanding and working with elders. Emphasis on recreation programming as a mode of intervention. Analysis and study of the phases of aging, with reference to psychomotor, affective, and cognitive changes; introduction to the theories of aging and how they relate to the lifestyle of this population; recreational therapy intervention, activity adaptation and program design; leisure education and issues and trends. (Cross-listed with GERO 8426, RLS 4420, RLS 8426).

The focus of this course is on the major social and psychological changes that occur as a function of aging. Both normal and abnormal patterns of developmental change are examined, along with their implications for behavior. (Cross-listed with PSYC 4460, GERO 8466).

Prereq: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior.

The goal of this courses is to survey the mental health needs of older adults. Consideration is given to identifying both positive mental health and pathological conditions. Treatment interventions effective with older adults and their families are also discussed. (Cross-listed with GERO 8476, PSYC 4470, PSYC 8476).

Prereq: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior

An investigation of the broad range of policy issues, theoretical concerns and practical management strategies influencing the design, organization and delivery of long-term care services. (Cross-listed with GERO 8516, PA 4510, PA 8516).

The senior housing course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the various housing options available to older adults including aging in place to hospice. At the end of the course students will have a working knowledge of the needs of older adults and how this is used in making decisions about housing. (Cross-listed with GERO 8526).

Prereq: Sophomore/Junior/Senior Standing

This course emphasizes health promotion for older adults. Special health needs of older Americans are compared and contrasted with health needs for other age groups. Prevention or delaying of chronic diseases and disorders are emphasized. (Cross-listed with GERO 8556, PHHB 4550, PHHB 8556, WGST 4550).

This course is designed to give students a broad overview of theories, models, issues and approaches related to the administration of services and programs for older adults. (Cross-listed with GERO 8606).

Prereq: Sophomore/Junior/Senior Standing

This course is designed to provide the student with knowledge of the differing status, attitudes, and experiences of older adults who identify as members of minority groups in the U.S. This course examines various social policies, service systems, and practice models in terms of their relevance and effectiveness in meeting the needs of an increasing and diverse aging population. (Cross-listed with GERO 8696, SOWK 4040, SOWK 8046).

Section 001	Open
Class Number	9567 ?
Type	LEC
Enrolled	8
Class Max	15
Seats Available	7
Credit Hours	3
Course Attribute	Open Nebraska (Low Cost Materials)
Course Attribute	Includes Service Learning Component
Note	Students can participate in the class either in the classroom or remotely (via Zoom).
Date Jan 12, 2026 - May 08, 2026 Time 4:15PM - 6:55PM Days R Location CPACS Building

Section 820	Open
Class Number	12309 ?
Type	LEC
Enrolled	0
Class Max	5
Seats Available	5
Credit Hours	3
Course Attribute	Fully Remote
Course Attribute	Includes Service Learning Component
Date Jan 12, 2026 - May 08, 2026 Time 4:15PM - 6:55PM Days R Location CPACS Building

This course provides the opportunity to students to share field experiences; to obtain guidance concerning various relationships with agency, staff and clients; and to develop a broadly based perspective of the field of aging.

Prereq: Nine hours in gerontology and permission. Students must be enrolled in the GERO program and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

This course covers biological aging topics at an advanced level, and is designed for undergraduate and graduate students who have some prior knowledge about biology or aging. The course will be interdisciplinary in nature and focus on topics relevant to gerontology, biology, psychology, and exercise science. Students will learn how to think critically about primary research in the biology of aging. Furthermore, they will apply their knowledge of the biology of aging field by creating a handbook of healthy aging for older adults. (Cross-listed with GERO 4050, NEUR 4050).

Prereq: Junior or senior standing for undergraduate students or graduate level standing

Role of leisure services as related to understanding and working with elders. Emphasis on recreation programming as a mode of intervention. Analysis and study of the phases of aging, with reference to psychomotor, affective, and cognitive changes; introduction to the theories of aging and how they relate to the lifestyle of this population; recreational therapy intervention, activity adaptation and program design; leisure education and issues and trends. (Cross-listed with GERO 4420, RLS 4420, RLS 8426).

The focus of this course is on the major social and psychological changes that occur as a function of aging. Both normal and abnormal patterns of developmental change are examined, along with their implications for behavior. (Cross-listed with GERO 4460, PSYC 4460)

The goal of this courses is to survey the mental health needs of older adults. Consideration is given to identifying both positive mental health and pathological conditions. Treatment interventions effective with older adults and their families are also discussed. (Cross-listed with GERO 4470, PSYC 4470, PSYC 8476).

The purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of the role of the political process in the emergence of public policy towards older adults in the United States, particularly during the past century.

An investigation of the broad range of policy issues, theoretical concerns and practical management strategies influencing the design, organization and delivery of long-term care services. (Cross-listed with GERO 4510, PA 4510, PA 8516).

The senior housing course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the various housing options available to older adults including aging in place to hospice. At the end of the course students will have a working knowledge of the needs of older adults and how this is used in making decisions about housing. (Cross-listed with GERO 4520.)

Prereq: Graduate student

This course emphasizes health promotion for older adults. Special health needs of older Americans are compared and contrasted with health needs for other age groups. Prevention or delaying of chronic diseases and disorders are emphasized. (Cross-listed with GERO 4550, PHHB 4550, PHHB 8556, WGST 4550).

This course is designed to give students a broad overview of theories, models, issues and approaches related to the administration of services and programs for older adults. (Cross-listed with GERO 4600).

This course is designed to provide the student with knowledge of the differing status, attitudes, and experiences of older adults who identify as members of minority groups in the U.S. This course examines various social policies, service systems, and practice models in terms of their relevance and effectiveness in meeting the needs of an increasing and diverse aging population. (Cross-listed with GERO 4690, SOWK 4040, SOWK 8046).

An examination of theory and research relevant to interaction with the older, terminally ill person, focusing on communication with widows and other survivors as well as the dying patient. (Cross-listed with PHHB 8730).

Prereq: Graduate Students

Special studies designed around the interests and needs of the individual student in such areas as the psychology, sociology, economics, biology, or politics of aging, as well as operation of various service systems. This independent study may include a literature review or a field project in which experience is gained in the community, identifying and analyzing needs and services related to older people.

Prereq: Instructor permission

This course provides the opportunity to students to share field experiences; to obtain guidance concerning various relationships with agency, staff and clients; and to develop a broadly based perspective of the field of aging.

Prereq: Nine hours in gerontology and permission. Students must be enrolled in the certificate or degree program (MA, PhD) as well as have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Not open to non-degree students.

Independent research project required of all students working toward the Master of Arts degree. The thesis is written under the supervision of the thesis adviser and the thesis committee.

Prereq: Permission from adviser.

An overview of social gerontology with an emphasis on the interplay between social, psychological and physical elements in later life. Restricted to graduate students only; required of gerontology students. (Cross-listed with SOC 9110).

Prereq: Graduate.

This course provides doctoral students pursuing the PhD in Human Sciences with a specialization in gerontology to complete a dissertation research plan. The course learning activities will focus on the completion of an approved dissertation.

Prereq: Admittance to the PhD in Human Sciences with a specialization in gerontology. Not open to non-degree graduate students.