The first of the massive baby boom generation turned sixty in 2006, and the proportion of the U.S. population that is older will continue to increase dramatically well into the foreseeable future. But Montana and other nearby states are aging more rapidly than almost any of the other states. According to the Center for the Rocky Mountain West, by 2025 Montana will rank fourth in the nation with regard to the proportion of the population 65 or older. The U.S. Department of Labor reports there has been and will continue to be huge growth in career opportunities in gerontology.

While the need for those with a firm grounding in gerontology is most obvious in the health and social sciences, an understanding of the aged and the aging process will be useful in all disciplines. The Minor in Gerontology will enhance the education and career prospects of students in fields as diverse as the arts, business, communication studies, education, law, political science, public administration, and recreation management, as well as many others.

Advisors

Communication Studies:
Stephen Yoshimura, PhD
243-4951
stephen.yoshimura@umontana.edu

Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences:
Meghann Schroeder
243-6105
meghann1.schroeder@umontana.edu

Integrative Physiology & Athletic Training
Public & Community Health Sciences:
Stephanie Domitrovich, MS, ATC
243-6264
stephanie.domitrovich@umontana.edu

Montana State University College of Nursing:
Dale Mayer, PhD, RN
243-5609
dmayer@montana.edu

Pharmacy Practice:
Gayle Hudgins, PharmD, BCGP
214-2488
gayle.hudgins@umontana.edu

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science:
Sue Ostertag, PT, DPT, NCS
243-2678
susan.ostertag@umontana.edu

Pre-Health Sciences:
Jason Granvold
243-2293
jason.granvold@umontana.edu

Pre-Nursing:
Jessiah Mayer
243-6092
Jessiah.mayer@umontana.edu

Psychology:
Daniel Denis, PhD
243-4521
daniel.denis@umontana.edu

Social Work:
Heidi Holzer
243-4941
heidi.holzer@umontana.edu

Sociology:
Gayle Hudgins, PharmD, BCGP
214-2488
gayle.hudgins@umontana.edu

If your discipline is not listed, please contact Gayle Hudgins for assistance.

Gerontology Minor Coordinator:
Gayle Hudgins, PharmD, BCGP
College of Health
32 Campus Drive
Missoula, Montana 59812
(406) 214-2488
gayle.hudgins@umontana.edu