Gerontology Certificate

Certificate in Gerontology
(18 credits)

The IDEAL program is now offering a Certificate in Gerontology.  A great option for those working in the Human Services field to become more marketable in the area of gerontology.

Required Courses (18 credits):                                      

HUSV 201 – Introduction to Counseling. (3 credits)
Concepts of individual helping relationships are discussed especially from a communications viewpoint. Interviewing skills are further developed with an emphasis on the role of the mental health practitioner.
                                                                                              
HUSV 203 - Introduction to Human Services. (3 credits) 
This course is an introduction to human services with a focus on the United States. A historical background of human ser-vices will be provided as well as a background in community organization and theory. A contemporary theoretical approach to human services will be provided through the use of studies.
                                                   
GERO 101 – Introduction to Gerontology. (3 credits)  
An interdisciplinary overview of the implications of aging in American society. This course is designed to acquaint the student who is contemplating a career in gerontology, with the physical, psychological, social, economic and cultural dimensions of the total experience of growing older.
                                              
GERO 276 – Mental Health Work with the Elderly. (3 credits)    
This course provides an overview of the key ingredients necessary for a successful old age, with an emphasis on mental health needs of older persons. Common emotional problems facing older persons are considered. Both functional and organic brain disorders, the major mental disorders of late life are also discussed. The course will review a variety of treatment principles and skills supportive of positive mental health among the elderly.
Prerequisites: Gerontology 101 or Mental Health 101.

GERO 331 – Process of Living & Dying. (3 credits)  
A seminar based on the premise that death and dying are closely related to life and living.
This course explores the processes of death and dying, its effect on family members, cultural attitudes toward death, and various professional and paraprofessional roles available to deal with these issues.

GERO 351 – Social Gerontology. (3 credits)  
This course deals with societal aspects of aging and focuses upon socio-cultural factors that contribute to patterns of aging in the USA. Topics covered include the cultural meaning of aging; the socialization process of aging; the population dimension of aging; human ecology of the aged; social stratification among the aged; deviance and crime among the aged; social power of the aged; and social change and the aged.
Prerequisites: Gerontology 101 or Sociology 101.