Requirements for this certificate include a set of courses in gerontology offered in various departments and colleges in the university and a research project on gerontology. Research training outside of coursework . Most of the current developmental students are planning a career in research or teaching. The core of research training lies, of course, in the actual conducting of research with faculty experienced in research, and students are expected to be involved in research with the faculty throughout their training. The faculty serve as models of how to conduct research and guide students' research activities.
Students gradually take on more responsibility in their research.
There are also opportunities for students to acquire a wide range of research and training experiences though collaboration with faculty associated with various departments, colleges, and interdisciplinary centers across the university who have developmental interests. There is also a joint Law and Psychology program in which one developmental graduate student is currently enrolled. Similarly, students have opportunities to receive research training in the Pediatrics department in the Medical School and the Center for Emotions in Clinical Psychology. Their research training enables students to be well prepared by the time they enter the job market. The graduates have shown a great deal of promise as evidenced by their publications, receipt of national and university awards and job placement.