Psychology: Gerontology Certificate requirements

This certificate program is a special course of study in gerontology that complements undergraduate degree programs in various departments and colleges throughout the University. Individuals who already hold an undergraduate degree may also pursue this 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 undergraduate 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 for the certificate have been completed.

B.S./M.D. students may complete the Practicum/Internship and electives from courses available from the institute or the Office of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, at NEOUCOM.

Admission

To participate in the program, a student must:

  • Obtain admittance to The University of Akron as an undergraduate or postbaccalaureate student.

  • Submit an application to the program countersigned by the student’s major academic adviser.

  • Participate in an interview with the Director or a 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 of admission from the Director of the Institute for Life-Span Development and Gerontology.

Program

Minimum: 20 credits.

  • Core Credits
    3006:450 Interdisciplinary Seminar in Gerontology 2 credits
    3006:495 Practicum/Internship (within Institute or in individual departments) 3 credits
    3100:392 Biology of Aging 3 credits
    3750:475 Psychology of Adulthood and Aging 4 credits
    3850:343 The Sociology of Aging 3 credits

  • Electives (must be outside of student’s major degree department)
    3006:486 Retirement Specialist 2 credits
    3006:490 Workshop Women: Middle and Later Years 2 credits
    3006:490 Workshop Aging: Process and Intervention 2 credits
    3006:485-001 Special Topics Long Term Care: Case Management/Patient Services 3 credits
    3006:485-003 Special Topics Long Term Care: Health and Nutrition 3 credits
    2040:244/344 Death and Dying 2 credits
    3850:365 Special Topics in Sociology: Death and Dying 3 credits
    5400:400 Post Secondary Learner 3 credits
    6500:480 Introduction to Health Care Management 3 credits
    7400:441 Family Relationships in Middle and Later Years 3 credits
    7700:110 Introduction to Disorders of Communication 3 credits
    7750:450 Social Needs and Services: Aging 3 credits

  • For students in a course sequence for Nursing Home Administration, the following courses are required:
    3006:485 ST: Long Term Care Administration 3 credits
    3006:485 ST: Long Term Care Case Management and Patient Services 3 credits
    3006:485 ST: Long Term Care Health and Nutrition 3 credits
    3006:485 ST: Long Term Care Administrator-in-Training Experience 3 credits

Many courses have prerequisites; contact your adviser or the Institute director.

PSYCHOLOGY UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM

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