Social Work, Gerontology, Certificate

(Code 460-601)

The Social Work Program offers three certificates, the Social Work—Child Welfare Certificate, the Social Work—Gerontology Certificate and the Social Work - Mental Health and Well-Being Certificate.

Gerontology Certificate

A certificate in gerontology is a great addition to a major. In an aging society, social workers with a focus in gerontology are highly desirable within the industry. If students are interested in the improved care and quality of life for older adults, this is an excellent choice. Students will examine the psychological, social, and health aspects associated with aging. Students will also enhance their understanding of how to effectively work with older adults in various settings such as hospitals, senior centers, or long-term care facilities.

Requirements:

This certificate requires 12 credits of course work. This certificate is open only to majors within the College of Education and Human Sciences.  The student must complete, at a grade level of C or above, the required Social Work course within the certificate program and nine additional credits from the list of electives for the certificate program (see the following). 

Required Course
SW 315Aging and the Aged3
Electives (Choose nine credits)9
Human Nutrition
Communication Changes and Disorders of the Older Adult
Health Economics
Overview of the U.S. Health Care System
Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Aging
Wellness: Food for Fitness
Navigating Health Care
Body, Mind, Spirit Wellness
Ethics of Health Care
Human Development
Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
Psychology of Religion
Sociology of Family
Social Gerontology
Death and Bereavement
Other courses as approved by the student’s advisor and department chair.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes: 

  • Examine the psychological, social, and health aspects associated with aging.
  • Enhance their understanding of how to effectively work with older adults in various settings such as hospitals, senior centers, or long-term care facilities.
  • Improve the care and quality of life for older adults.