Gerontology is the study of aging. The number of adults over 65 years old is expected to increase dramatically in the near future. In fact, by 2030, it's estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will be over the age of 65 years. Since aging brings people specific challenges and opportunities that require specialized services and care, individuals with a background in gerontology are needed in every profession: medical, social, financial, administrative, residential, and hospitality services. The Gerontology Certificate provides students with a strong foundation in gerontology, preparing them to work with and advocate for older adults. The program is structured so students are able to individualize their courses of study to fit their career needs. Also, the certificate can be completed online. (The requirements for both the Gerontology Minor and Certificate are the same, the equivalent of 20 credits. Typically, degree-seeking students choose the minor and non-degree-seeking students choose the certificate.)
Contact Information
gerontology@css.edu
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the Gerontology Certificate, the student will demonstrate:
- Mastery of the biopsychosocial content area of gerontology.
- Ability to communicate about gerontological matters with appropriate application of terms and concepts.
- Competency in accessing gerontological research findings and integrating these findings with other scholarly information and personal observations.
Requirements
Students must achieve the following program requirements for all courses listed under Program Requirements and Program Required Courses for the Gerontology Certificate.
Program Requirements
Certificate Credits: 16-20
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Minimum Grade: C-
Program Required Courses
Course List
Code |
Title |
Credits |
GER 3316 | Health and Functioning in Late Life | 4 |
GER 3315 | Psychosocial Aspects of Aging | 4 |
| 8 |
| Biology of Aging | |
| Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation | |
| Mental Health and Aging | |
| Topics in Gerontology | |
| Research in Gerontology | |
| U.S. Healthcare System | |
| Nutrition for Health and Wellness | |
| Introduction to Counseling | |
| American Social Welfare Policy | |
| Social Work and Healthcare | |
| Religious Perspectives on Living, Dying and Grieving | |
| Religious Perspectives on Healthcare Ethics |
| Catholic Benedictine Perspectives |
| |
| 0-4 |
| Gerontology Fieldwork Project | |
| Professional Application of Gerontology 1 | |
Total Credits | 16-20 |