Students may pursue the certificate by itself or integrate their certificate studies with an M.A. degree program. Students enrolled in the M.A. degree program in applied gerontology are not eligible to receive the applied gerontology certificate. This course introduces the student to the gerontology specialty area. The course provides the student with an overview of the psychological, sociological, political, and physiological processes related to aging and the elderly. This course includes an examination of basic theoretical perspectives, problems, and the future of gerontology.
Students participate in seminars designed to examine contemporary issues in gerontology.
The professional seminar supplements the core and elective courses in the area of gerontology by focusing on issues of current and special interest. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs. Graduate students may apply a maximum of 3 credit hours of these seminars as electives to meet the credit-hour requirements for graduation. This course may not be completed by directed study. This course focuses on the economic issues relevant to middle-aged and older adults.