Programs

Mission & Goals

Certificate Program

Certificate in Gerontology - Graduate Level

The certificate in gerontology is offered through the College of Applied Sciences. The program is interdisciplinary and includes courses in counseling, gerontology, interior design, marketing, nursing, physical therapy, and nutrition. Courses in other disciplines will be available periodically.

Program Focus - The focus of the certificate program is to prepare professionals:

• to promote a long, healthy, disease free and vibrant lifestyle among the aging individuals they serve ,
  
• to access their own health and well-being and make needed lifestyle changes and
  
• to make positive contributions to their communities.

Hours Required: The certificate program requires 15 credit hours (5 courses).
3 hours - GERN 510 Healthy and Integrative Aging
9 hours - Selected from specific courses in gerontology, health Sciences, psychology, nursing, nutrition or philosophy
3 hours - GERN 688 Research Practicum

Program Format: Courses are online and require 2-4. Face to face group meetings with the instructor per semester. In addition there are on line interactions with the instructor and among class members.

Student Well Being: Students are encouraged to assess their own health and well being and to make needed life style changes. This is considered to be essential as they assist those they work with to reach toward a higher quality of life in all areas of health. This includes a healthy body, healthy attitudes, healthy emotional adjustments, healthy social engagements and healthy thinking.

Program Outcomes - Upon completion of the Certificate program you will:

1. Be knowledgeable about the field of gerontology and the current research
   
2. Have further developed your writing skills
   
3. Be familiar with agencies, organizations and programs (public and private) that offer services and fund projects, which impact the aging population.
   
4. Know the local, internet & statewide resources on aging
   
5. Be able to make a strong contribution to your local community in the aging area.
   
6. Have enhanced the quality of your own life in all areas.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must submit an application with the application fee and a resume or letter stating their experience with or interest in aging populations. An undergraduate transcript with a 2.75 GPA or higher on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework must be submitted. Applicants who already have a Master's Degree from an accredited college are exempt from the 2.75 GPA requirement.

Computer Requirement: Applicants must own or have access to a personal computer and printer with at least: Windows 95/98 (or MAC OS 9.0) operating system, 266 MHz processor, (Pentium II or better processor), CD ROM drive (*X or higher), 33.6 or 56K Modem or better, Microsoft Word processing and an Internet service provider account.