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College of Arts and Sciences

Department ofPsychology

Emphasis in Gerontology

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Gerontology Certificate Program

Director: Patricia M. Simone

Gerontology is the study of adults over 65 and of the aging process. Majors from any field may enhance their credentials and their ability to work with this population through the gerontology certificate program. Students examine influences on the roles and quality of life of aged adults as well as physical and psychological aspects of aging. Courses investigate perceptions about aging and aged adults in various societies and how the experiences of older people differ according to culture, ethnicity, class, and gender. Students complete a practicum that gives them experience working with aged adults. Completion of the gerontology certificate program is noted with a certificate acknowledging their achievement.

Requirements for the Certificate

Students must complete the following requirements to receive a certificate in gerontology:

  • One lower-division course from the following: SOCI 1 (Principles of Sociology), ANTH 3 (Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology), PSYC 1 or PSYC 2 (General Psychology I or II), or PHSC 21 (Health and Aging)
  • Four upper-division courses from the following (one must be ANTH 172 or PSYC 196): ANTH 172 (Anthropology of Aging), PSYC 196 (Psychology of Aging), PSYC 117 (Health Psychology), PSYC 119 (Psychology of Death, Dying, and Loss), SOCI 172 or PHSC 172 (Management of Health Care Organizations), SOCI 138 (Populations of India, China, and the United States), SOCI 148 (Stakeholder Diversity in Contemporary American Organizations), TESP 157 (Ethics in the Health Professions), or any gerontology-related course with approval of the director
  • A gerontology-related practicum approved by the director (typically completed during your senior year)

After Graduation

While gerontological specialists devote most of their professional time working for or with older people, the roles that gerontological specialists carry out are diverse. Examples of jobs in traditional fields: clinical psychologists, counselors, educators and researchers, lawyers, long-term care administrators, nurses, physicians, recreation therapists, rehabilitation therapists, social workers, marketing specialists, managers, program planners.

For more information, contact Dr. Patti Simone at 408-554-4577 or by email.