Gerontological Studies Undergraduate Certificate
Opportunities and challenges of human aging intersect with most academic and professional disciplines. Older adults receive a range of health, social, economic and other support services (e.g. through government programs, medical centers, senior centers, long-term care facilities, not-for-profit agencies) in order to age successfully at home or elsewhere.
The proportion of older adults in the US population will grow substantially in coming decades. The 15 credit hour Undergraduate Certificate in Gerontological Studies (UCGS) is designed to prepare students for entry level, service-oriented positions in this growing marketplace.
The UCGS adds a tangible credential for future work with and for older adults, and it can be pursued with any major area of study with proper planning. Please contact the Gerontology Program Coordinator to learn more and for an advising appointment.
General Requirements
The certificate is 15 credit hours. All students must take SOC 2170/GERON 2170: Aging in America: Concepts & Controversies (3-credit hours). An additional 9 credit hours of GERON elective courses must include at least 6 credit hours at the 3000-level or above. Students will complete a capstone (minimum of 3 credit hours) that entails an internship or practicum in an aging setting, or research or readings resulting in an aging-related paper or project.
Substitutions or alternative courses may be included with approval of the Program Coordinator for Gerontology. At least 9 of the 15 hours required for the certificate must be taken at UMSL. Students must achieve a grade of C- or higher in the required course, elective courses, and the capstone to qualify for this minor.
| Required Course | ||
| SOC/GERON 2170 | Aging in America: Concepts & Controversies | 3 |
| Electives | 9 | |
| Select 9 hours from the list below. At least 6 hours must be at the 3000-level or above. | ||
Any GERON courses | ||
| Lifespan Developmental Psychology (MOTR PSYC 200) | ||
| Human Behavior in the Social Environment | ||
| Diversity and Social Justice | ||
| Capstone | ||
| Complete at least 3 hours from the following courses. This course must be approved, in advance, by the Gerontology Program Coordinator. 1 | 3 | |
| Directed Readings | ||
| Selected Projects in Field Placement | ||
| Special Study | ||
| Internship in Sociology | ||
| Supervised Field Experience in Social Work I | ||
| Supervised Field Experience in Social Work II | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
- 1
Capstone course is distinct from the electives.
Other UMSL courses and courses from other UM campuses, through ICCS or other formats, may be included as electives with prior approval of the program coordinator.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, certificate earners will be able to:
- Employ lifespan/life course perspective and biological, psychological, and sociological theories to examine human development and aging.
- Distinguish factors related to aging outcomes through critical thinking and empirical research.
- Adhere to ethical principles to guide work with and on behalf of older persons.
- Engage collaboratively with others to promote integrated approaches to aging in practice.