Gerontology Certificate
Sanford Center for Aging
Students select the gerontology certificate program to acquire a deeper understanding of the field of aging; providing a foundation for professional development in many careers. The gerontology certificate program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum, and provides a broad base of knowledge as it is applied to the aging process. The program covers the biological, communicative, physiological, psychological, social, and health aspects of aging and includes a minimum of 135 hours of service learning experience with older adults.
NOTE: Students who are only enrolled in this program (not degree-seeking) are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid.
24-Unit Gerontology Certificate: Requirements - Catalog Year 2022-23
Required Courses: 18 Units
| Option | Course # | Title | Units | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choose one Introductory, Multidisciplinary Course | GERO 201 |
Introduction to Aging Studies (30 hours service learning) (formerly Topics and Careers in Aging) CO10 |
3 | X | X | |
| GERO/CHS 337 | Aging: An Interdisciplinary Approach | 3 | X | X | ||
| Choose one Sociology of Aging | GERO 440 | Perspectives on Aging (30 hours service learning) | 3 | X | ||
| GERO 431 |
A Life Course Perspective on Aging and Society (30 hours service learning) |
3 | X | |||
| Psychology of Aging | GERO/PSY 335 (formerly 442) | Psychology of Aging | 3 | X | ||
| Choose one Biological, Physiological, and Health Aspects of Aging | GERO/NURS 430 | Aging and Health | 3 | X | ||
| SPA 421 | Communication and Aging (20 hours service learning) | 3 | X | |||
| Choose one Integration Course | CHS 470 | Introduction to Public Health and Aging CO13 | 3 | X | X | |
| PSC 401Q | Generational Politics and Policy | 3 | X (odd years) | |||
| HDFS 456 | Death and Dying: Family and Lifespan Perspectives | 3 | TBD | TBD | TBD | |
| SOC 484 | Sociology of Death and Dying CO12 | 3 | X | |||
| Choose one Practicum/Field Experience | GERO 499 | Gerontology Field Experience (135 hours service learning) CO14 |
3 | X | X | X |
| OTHER | Field experience course in other academic departments (e.g., PSY 447) (with approval from GAP Director) | 3 |
Elective Courses: 6 Units
NOTE: Any course listed above that was not taken as a "core" course may be used as an elective.
| Option | Title | Units | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY 448 | Geropsychology: Independent Study | 1-3 | X | X | |
| GERO 485 | Selected Topics in Gerontology | 3 | X | X | |
| SW 461 | Social Services in Death, Dying and Bereavement | 3 | X |
X | |
| SW 465 | Social Service Programs and Services for Older Adults | 3 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| CAS/SW/GERO 437 |
Aging and Addiction | 3 | X | X |
NOTE: With prior approval from the GAP Director, other courses may be accepted as elective if over half of the content pertains to aging. Some Required and Elective courses may also be scheduled in Summer and/or Wintermester - contact the Gerontology Academic Program (gap@unr.edu).