Minor and Certificate in Gerontology

A minor and an academic certificate in Gerontology may be obtained through the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Offered by the Center on Aging, this program provides students and practitioners with knowledge and skills necessary for work in the aging field. The minor and certificate in Gerontology may be pursued by students enrolled in any undergraduate program in the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. The certificate is also available to students in other colleges, and to individuals possessing a baccalaureate degree. It therefore makes available to those already involved in work with the elderly and/or possessing professional degrees the opportunity to acquire basic information and professional skills important to gerontology careers.

The minor and certificate in Gerontology certifies the successful completion of at least 21 credit hours of required and elective courses. A grade point average of at least 2.0 (C) is required for the certificate to be awarded. All courses applied to the minor must be completed with a grade of C- or better. The program includes the five required courses noted below and at least two electives.

Required Core Courses:

GRNT 204 Biomedical Aspects of Aging

GRNT 300 Introduction to Gerontology

An individually planned field experience will be required (GRNT 498). This experience will be under the direct supervision of experienced personnel in an approved agency or institution dealing with the special concerns of older persons.

Elective Courses:

COMM 260 Family Communication

ECON 466 Health Economics

PSY 306 Psychology and Health

PHIL 417 Medical Ethics

PHIL 316 Philosophical Issues in Death and Dying

SOC 467 Sociology of Death and Dying

GRNT 498 Professional Experience in Gerontology

GRNT 940 Independent Study

For further information about the Center on Aging, or the minor or certificate in Gerontology, contact the Director of the Center. The Center on Aging is located in Columbine Hall, Room 4037, (719) 262-4179.