Gerontology, Certificate

This certificate program is a special course of study in gerontology that complements graduate degree programs in various departments and colleges throughout the University. This Gerontology Certificate is a combined graduate certificate program with Kent State University. Combined, the two universities offer a diverse range of graduate courses with aging-related content and joint faculty that are nationally and internationally recognized scholars in gerontology. The graduate certificate is to be received with either a master’s or doctoral degree. Individuals who already hold a graduate degree may also pursue the certificate. The program represents a concentration involving current knowledge and research in gerontology. It adds another dimension to the knowledge and skills a student is able to offer in the many professions that are becoming specialized in research and service to adults and older adults. This course of study coordinates multidisciplinary training of personnel in adult development and aging and helps to meet the critical shortage of trained individuals in the field of gerontology.

The graduate curriculum committee of the Institute for Life-Span Development and Gerontology will oversee this certificate program and certify, through the Director of the Institute, that all requirements of the certificate have been completed.

B.S./M.D. students may complete Practicum/Internship and electives from courses available from the Institute or the Office of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED).

Admission

To participate in the program at the graduate level, a student must:

  • Obtain admittance to the Graduate School.
  • Submit an application to the program countersigned by the student’s major academic advisor.
  • Participate in an interview with the Director or designated faculty member of the Institute for Life-Span Development and Gerontology.
  • Consult with the director or a designated faculty member to formulate a program of study.
  • Receive written notification for admission from the director of the Institute for Life-Span Development and Gerontology.

Program

Core6
ILSD 680Interdisciplinary Seminar in Life-Span Development & Gerontology3
ILSD 695Practicum in Life-Span Development & Gerontology3
Electives9
Select a minimum of three courses: 1
ILSD 690Workshop: Life-Span Development & Gerontology1
PSYC 727Psychology of Adulthood & Aging with permission; at Cleveland State; counts as Psychosocial requirement4
CHFD 541Family Relationships in Middle and Later Years counts as psychosocial requirement3
LAWX 682Elder Law3
SLPA 714Gerontological Issues in Audiology with permission3
SOWK 680Aging & Social Work Practice with permission; counts as psychosocial requirement3
SOWK 681Aging: Policies & Programs with permission3
PSYC 780Graduate Seminar in Psychology with permission4
PSYC 728Social and Emotional Development Across the Lifespan with permission; counts as psychosocial requirement4
PSYC 630Core III: Individual Differences with permission2
PSYC 729Brain and Behavior in Adulthood with permission; counts as biological aging requirement4
PSYC 730Health Psychology in Later Life with permission; offered at Cleveland State4
PSYC 732Cognitive Aging with permission; offered at Cleveland State4
PSYC 733Mental Health and Aging with permission; offered at Cleveland State4
PSYC 734Diversity Across the Lifespan with permission4
CHFD 602Family in Lifespan Perspective counts as psychosocial requirement3
COUN 647Career Development & Counseling Across the Life-Span3
COUN 648Individual & Family Development Across the Life-Span3
HRM 652Managing People in Organizations3
SLPA 631Cognitive Communicative Issues in Special Language with permission3
SLPA 632Dysphagia with permission3
LAWX 646Health Law3
1

Students are required to take 3 credits in Biology of Aging, Physiology of Aging, or Equivalent. Students are required to take 3 credits in Psychosocial Gerontology or Equivalent (e.g., Adult Development & Aging, Psychology of Aging, Sociology of Aging and the Life Course).

2

Students can also take courses offered at Kent State University. Check with the Director of the Institute for available course offerings.