Gerontology Certificate Program

The College of Health Sciences and Professions and the College of Arts and Sciences jointly sponsor the undergraduate gerontology certificate program for students in any major program who want to gain knowledge and skills for a career that involves working with older populations. Since the knowledge and research associated with aging span a variety of disciplines, coursework in a number of established departments facilitates student learning opportunities. Health care, social services, recreation, mental health, education, administration, and business are examples of service areas that now employ large numbers of persons working with and for the aging population.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program:

• Students will be able to identify normative and pathological aspects of biological/physiological aging in adulthood.
• Students will be able to describe the challenges and advantages faced by rural older adults.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

If interested in the certificate, students should contact their college’s student services office. Once admitted to the certificate program, each semester on the DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) Report, students will be able to track progress in the certificate program. The gerontology certificate will be awarded upon graduation after successful completion of the certificate requirements and a notation of the certificate will be recorded on the student’s permanent record (transcript). For more information on course offerings or other concerns, contact the coordinator of the gerontology certificate program.

Change of Program Policy

If interested in the certificate, students should contact their college’s student services office. Once admitted to the certificate program, each semester on the DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) Report, students will be able to track progress in the certificate program. The gerontology certificate will be awarded upon graduation after successful completion of the certificate requirements and a notation of the certificate will be recorded on the student’s permanent record (transcript). For more information on course offerings or other concerns, contact the coordinator of the gerontology certificate program.

External Transfer Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Health care, social services, recreation, mental health, education, administration, and business are examples of service areas that now employ large numbers of persons working with and for the aging population.

Requirements

Certificate Hours Requirement

The gerontology certificate program requires a minimum of 15 hours and a 2.7 GPA.

Core Requirements Part I

Complete one of the following courses:

• CFS 2720 - Aging and Family Relations in Modern SocietyCredit Hours: 3
• or
• PSY 3420 - Psychology of Adulthood and AgingCredit Hours: 3

Core Requirements Part II

Complete the following courses:

• CFS 4660 - Transitions in Development: Middle and Later LifeCredit Hours: 3
• CFS 4070 - Interprofessional GerontologyCredit Hours: 3

Related Requirements

Complete 6 credit hours from the following courses:

• CARS 3220 - Thinking About Death: Belief and PracticeCredit Hours: 3
• CFS 3800 - Death, Dying and BereavementCredit Hours: 3
• HSLS 3000 - Aging and Disorders of CommunicationCredit Hours: 3
• HLTH 2250 - Long-Term Care Administration ICredit Hours: 3
• HLTH 2901 - Health Aspects of AgingCredit Hours: 3
• HLTH 3250 - Long Term Care Administration Core of KnowledgeCredit Hours: 3
• HLTH 4050 - Principles of Nursing Home AdministrationCredit Hours: 3
• HLTH 4060 - Principles of Nursing Home Administration AlternativesCredit Hours: 3
• IHS 4245 - Vulnerable Populations in HealthcareCredit Hours: 3
• IHS 4246 - Identifying Abuse in a Healthcare SettingCredit Hours: 3
• NUTR 2100 - Lifespan NutritionCredit Hours: 4
• REC 2750 - Inclusive RecreationCredit Hours: 3
• SOC 3400 - Population and SocietyCredit Hours: 3