Gerontology Certificate
Sanford Center for Aging
Students may select the gerontology certificate program to acquire a specialization in the field of aging that provides a foundation for professional development in many careers. The gerontology certificate program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum, provides a broad base of knowledge as it is applied to the aging process, examines issues of concern to the older adult in today's society, and includes a practice component where students must apply theoretical knowledge in a community setting serving older adults. 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 enrolled in this program solely are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid.
24-Unit Gerontology Certificate Requirements (Catalog Year 2020-21)
Required Courses: 18 Units
| Option | Course # | Title | Units | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choose one Introductory, Multidisciplinary Course | GERO 201 |
Topics and Careers in Aging (30 hours service learning) |
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 | 3 | X | X | |
| PSC 401Q | Generational Politics and Policy | 3 | X (odd years) | |||
| HDFS 456 | Death and Dying: Family and Lifespan Perspectives | 3 | X (even years) |
|||
| 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 | x (even years) |
||
| CHS 495 | Special Problems in Public Health (with approval from GAP Director; topic must be aging-related) | 1-3 | x | x | |
| CAS/SW/GERO 437 |
Aging and Addiction | 3 | X | X | |
| PSY/SOC 276 | Aging in Modern American Society (offered through TMCC) | 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).