Certificate in Gerontology

The Certificate in Gerontology provides students with an understanding of the social and personal impact of the aging process with an emphasis on the knowledge and skills necessary to help improve the quality of life for older adults.The Certificate is offered for professional and family caregivers, program administrators and policy makers as they grapple with the challenges of providing long term care. The certificate is also ideal for students pursuing a degree in human development or human services who would like to specialize in gerontology.

A gerontology certificate is advantageous to many professionals:
• Nurses, nursing assistants and physicians who provide care for the aging population
• Social workers who plan to work with older adults and their families in residential care, long-term care, hospitals, clinics, and community settings
• Occupational, recreation and physical therapists who help to optimize the older population’s ability to function well in their daily living and working environments
• Adult children of aging parents, older adults and general public who have a growing need for understanding the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of aging

The certificate courses offer a solid understanding of age-related social, physical, and emotional issues facing older adults.

To acquire the CG, a student must complete six courses with a grade of "C" or higher; three Required Intro Courses and three Required Advanced Courses. The Intro Course GERO 101 must be completed prior to enrollment in an Advanced Course.

Certificate Courses

Required Intro Courses

• HUSV 201 – Introduction to Counseling. (3 credits)
• HUSV 203 – Introduction to Human Services. (3 credits)
• GERO 101 – Introduction to Gerontology. (3 credits)

Required Advanced Courses

• GERO 276 – Mental Health Work with the Elderly. (3 credits)
• GERO 331 – Process of Living & Dying. (3 credits)
• GERO 351 – Social Gerontology. (3 credits)