Program Overview

Gerontological Studies Undergraduate Certificate

The Undergraduate Certificate in Gerontological Studies (UCGS) is designed to prepare students for entry-level, service-oriented positions in the growing marketplace of aging services. This 15-credit hour certificate program can be pursued with any major area of study with proper planning.

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 certificate.

Required Course

Electives

• Select 9 hours from the list below. At least 6 hours must be at the 3000-level or above.
• Any GERON courses
• PSYCH 2268 | Lifespan Developmental Psychology (MOTR PSYC 200)
• SOC WK 3510 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment
• SOC WK/GS 3700 | 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.
• GERON 4490 | Directed Readings
• PSYCH 3295 | Selected Projects in Field Placement
• SOC 4350 | Special Study
• SOC 4385 | Internship in Sociology
• SOC WK 4800 | Supervised Field Experience in Social Work I
• SOC WK 4850 | Supervised Field Experience in Social Work II

Total Hours

• 15

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.