Gerontology Certificate Requirements

This certificate program is a special course of study in gerontology that compliments graduate degree programs in various departments and colleges throughout the University. There is a combined graduate certificate program with Kent State University. Combined, the two universities offer a diverse range of graduate courses with aging-related content and join faculty that are nationally and internationally recognized scholars in gerontology. The graduate certificate is to be received with either a master’s or doctoral degree. Individuals who already hold a graduate degree may also pursue the certificate. The program represents a concentration involving current knowledge and research in gerontology. It adds another dimension to the knowledge and skills a student is able to offer in the many professions that are becoming specialized in research and service to adults and older adults. This course of study coordinates multidisciplinary training of personnel in adult development and aging and helps to meet the critical shortage of trained individuals in the field of gerontology.

The graduate curriculum committee of the Institute for Life-Span Development and Gerontology will oversee this certificate program and certify, through the director of the Institute, that all requirements of the certificate have been completed. B.S./M.D. students may complete Practicum/Internship and electives from courses available from the Institute or the Office of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, NEOUCOM.

Admission

To participate in the program at the graduate level, a student must:

  • Obtain admittance to the Graduate School.
  • Submit an application to the program countersigned by the student’s major academic advisor.
  • Participate in an interview with the Director or designated faculty member of the Institute for Life-Span Development and Gerontology.
  • Consult with the director or a designated faculty member to formulate a program of study.
  • Receive written notification for admission from the director of the Institute for Life-Span Development and Gerontology.

Program

Minimum: 18 credits

Core:

  • ----:--- Research Methods Course 3 credits*
  • 3006:680 Interdisciplinary Seminar in Life-Span Development and Gerontology 3 credits*
  • 3006:695 Practicum in Life Span-Development and Gerontology 3 credits*

Electives:**

  • 3006:686 Retirement Specialist 2 credits*
  • 3006:690 Workshop – Women: Middle and Later Years 2 credits*
  • 3006:690 Workshop – Aging: Process and Intervention 2 credits*
  • 3700:580 Policy Problems: Aging (Offered every other year) 3 credits*
  • 3750:620 Psychology Core II: Developmental, Perceptual, Cognitive 2 credits*
  • 3750:727 Psychology of Adulthood and Aging 4 credits*
  • 3850:681 Cross Cultural Perspectives in Aging 3 credits*
  • 3850:678 Social Gerontology 3 credits*
  • 5400:541 Educational Gerontology Seminar 3 credits*
  • 5400:661 Current Issues in Higher Education: Life-Span and Community Education 3 credits*
  • 6500:683 Health Services Systems Management (with permission) 3 credits*
  • 7400:541 Family Relationships in Middle and Later Years 3 credits*
  • 7700:624 Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders 3 credits*
  • 7750:550 Social Needs and Services for Later Adulthood and Aging 3 credits*

*From student’s home department.

**Select a minimum of two courses. A student is required to take one of the electives outside the major or degree department. One credit workshop may be included as an elective, with permission.