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Degree Earned
Bachelor of Arts: Interdisciplinary Studies - Adulthood and Aging

Demographic trends indicate a continued increase in the proportion of older adults in the United States, and this increase appears to be especially pronounced in the State of Maine.

As such, there is a growing need for scholars and professionals to promote health and psychosocial well-being in the second half of life.

As an interdisciplinary major, Adulthood and Aging addresses a broad array of issues of concern to professionals working with aging populations. Specific topics include: the biology of aging, psychosocial development in the second half of life, the philosophy of aging, and relevant research and critical thinking skills. Students should develop competencies in the domains of ethics, advocacy, mental health, positive aging, public policy, and program/service development.

Students successfully completing our interdisciplinary program will be well prepared for employment in a variety of applied settings, including business, government agencies, retirement communities, and assisted living centers. This interdisciplinary program can be effectively integrated with other undergraduate majors and minors and provides a strong foundation for graduate study in gerontology and related fields.

Required Courses (20 credits)

BIO 150N	Human Anatomy & Physiology	4
BIO 390 or PSY 396	Field Experience	4
PSY 226	Adulthood & Aging	4
PSY 230	Death & Dying	4
REH 110	Introduction to Disability Studies	4

Electives (20 credits)

CHY 130	GOB for Health Sciences	4
GEO 325	Geography of Health and Disease	4
HEA 120	Emergency Medical Response / Principles & Practice	4
PHI 204	Biomedical Ethics	4
PSY 315	Physiological Psychology	4
REH 120	Introduction to Social Services	4
REH 212	Rehabilitation and Families	4

Total Credits Required for Major 40 credits

NOTE: At the discretion of the program coordinator, a course with a clear focus on aging-related themes may serve as an elective in this program. Psychology majors cannot double count any more than 8 credits worth of courses. It is the student’s responsibility to learn about and take prerequisite courses for required or elective courses.

WORLD LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT

For specific information about world language requirements and expectations, see the General Education Requirements in the Academic Programs section of this catalog.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

For specific information about general education requirements and expectations, see the General Education Requirements in the Academic Programs section of this catalog.

MINIMUM TOTAL OF CREDITS FOR THE DEGREE: 128

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Learning Goals, Assessment, and Requirements

Learning Goals:

Understanding older adulthood as a normative life stage.
Appreciating the uniqueness of every aging individual in the United States.
Understanding the difference between normal and pathological aging.
Applying relevant theory and research to foster the psychosocial well-being of aging individuals.
Appreciating the ethical, legal, and public policy issues relevant to the aging process.

Learning Outcomes:

Students will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in the field of aging studies.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the application of both quantitative and qualitative methods to an issue of significant concern to aging individuals or communities.
Students will be able to make a public policy statement, backed by research, taking an informed position on an issue relevant to aging in the United States.
Students will display an appreciation for ethical issues relevant to the aging process.
Students will demonstrate expertise in at least one specialty area in the field of aging studies.

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University of Maine at Farmington 2019-2020 Catalog