Rapid and significant growth of the older population is a global phenomenon; virtually every nation in the world has become, or is in the process of becoming, an aging society. The aging of society has an impact on every aspect of our lives and on all of our social institutions. A minor in gerontology requires 19 hours of coursework and includes a capstone course that provides you the opportunity to apply what you have learned in the classroom in an organization or agency that works on behalf of older adults.