Gerontology, Certificate
Department: Family and Human Services
Coordinator: Deborah Altus, Professor
Description
This certificate is constructed around the premise that a broader understanding of Gerontology is critical to meet the needs of an aging society. The certificate is also based on the premise that Gerontology is, by its nature, an interdisciplinary course of study requiring education in bio-psycho-social issues. Expanded career opportunities in gerontology are forecast in many areas, including healthcare, the helping professions, public policy, and more. As a result, this certificate is open to all students across the university and includes courses from several disciplines. This certificate will prepare students to meet increasing workforce needs of an aging society and/or to pursue graduate study in Gerontology or related fields.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students obtaining the Gerontology Certificate, upon graduation, will be able to:
- Describe physiological, psychological, and social changes that are associated with aging.
- Identify societal changes that are associated with an aging population.
- Identify ways in which aging is intersected by race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, and other important social variables.
- Use evidence-based information, effective logic and accurate vocabulary to communicate about Gerontology.
Study Plan
To obtain the certificate, students will complete 18 credit hours of coursework. In addition to 15 credit hours of required coursework, students must complete three credit hours of elective coursework. Some courses may require completion of prerequisites. The list of electives may be modified as new courses with Gerontology content become available. Students wishing to obtain elective credit for a directed study or internship course must obtain prior approval from the coordinator.
Certificate Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HS 131 | Human Development | 3 |
| HS 372 | Death & Dying | 3 |
| HS 378 | Issues in Aging | 3 |
| BI 260 | Biology of Aging | 3 |
| PY 212 | Psychology of Adulthood and Aging 1 | 3 |
| or PY 326 | Health Psychology | |
| Elective Course (Select one course from the list below) | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
- 1
Prerequisite: PY 100
Elective Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AL 101 | Foundations of Healthcare | 3 |
| AL 366 | Legal & Regulatory Issues for the Health Care Professional | 3 |
| AL 420 | Current Issues in Health Care | 3 |
| AN 312 | Medical Anthropology 1 | 3 |
| AR 291/391 | Art Therapy 2 | 3 |
| CN 306 | Health Communication | 3 |
| CN 351 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| HS 301 | Working with Trauma | 3 |
| HS 371 | Mental Health and Aging | 3 |
| HS 390 | Special Topics (Strategies in Lifespan Resilience) | 1-6 |
| HS 390 | Special Topics (Disability Studies) | 1-6 |
| HS 411 | Family Issues | 3 |
| LG 220 | Wills & Estate Administration 3 | 3 |
| LG 320 | Elder Law 3 | 3 |
| KN 248 | Wellness Concepts and Applications | 3 |
| NU 335 | Special Topics/Nursing ( Interdisciplinary Community Health) 4 | 3 |
| NU 335 | Special Topics/Nursing (Palliative Care) 4 | 3 |
| PO 305 | Public Policy | 3 |
| PY 326 | Health Psychology 2 | 3 |
| SO 326 | Aging and Society 5 | 3 |
| SW 360 | Geriatric Social Work Practice | 3 |
| An internship or practicum in a setting approved by the coordinator | 3 | |
| A directed study course approved by the coordinator | 3 | |
- 1
Prerequisite: AN 112 or AN 116
- 2
Prerequisite: PY 100
- 3
Prerequisite: LG 100 or LG 200 or consent
- 4
Prerequisite: Requires Consent
- 5
Prerequisite: SO 100