Program Overview

Introduction to the Gerontology Certificate Program

The Gerontology Certificate Program at Utah State University is administered by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the aging process and the skills necessary to work with older adults.

Program Overview

• Stackable and Flexible: The Gerontology Certificate can be pursued independently or alongside a degree.
• Open to All Students: The certificate is available to any currently enrolled USU student.
• Academic Credit: Upon completion, the certificate becomes part of the student's academic record.
• Accessible Options: The program is available for on-campus, online, and distance education students.

Opportunities and Careers

A Gerontology Certificate can open doors to new opportunities in the growing field of aging services. It can serve as a required qualification for certain positions, give candidates a competitive advantage, and lead to higher starting salaries. The demand for certified professionals in gerontology is increasing.

Career Paths

The Gerontology Certificate prepares students for diverse career paths, including:

• Healthcare Services: Hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospice, and home health care.
• Program Management: Program planning, evaluation, management, and administration.
• Social Services: Advocacy, education, training, research, legal services, and social work.
• Senior Wellness: Mental health services, geropsychiatry, counseling, music therapy, leisure, and recreation.

Certificate Requirements

Coursework for Certificate

• Required Courses (9 credits):
  • HDFS 1500 - Human Development Across the Lifespan (BSS) (3 credits)
  • HDFS 3540 - Adult Development and Aging (3 credits)
  • HDFS 4240 - Social and Family Gerontology (3 credits)
  • OR NDFS 3080 - Community Nutrition (Prerequisite: NDFS 1020) (3 credits)
• Practicum (3 credits): HDFS 4970 - Gerontology Practicum, applying classroom learning in a hands-on setting with 150 hours working with older adults.
• Integration Paper (1 credit): HDFS 4940 - Gerontology Integration, an 8-10 page paper integrating academic knowledge and practical experience.
• Elective Courses (6 credits): Students can choose from a range of approved courses across various departments, including but not limited to:
  • BIOL 3100 - Bioethics (CI) 3 credits
  • FIN 5070 - Retirement Planning 3 credits
  • FIN 5080 - Estate Planning 3 credits
  • HDFS 3350 - Family Finance (DSS) 3 credits
  • HEP 3600 - Introduction to Community and Public Health (CI) 3 credits
  • NDFS 2020 - Nutrition Throughout the Life Cycle 3 credits
  • NDFS 3040 - Nutrition Assessment 3 credits
  • NDFS 5200 - Nutritional Epidemiology 3 credits
  • PHIL 1120 - Social Ethics (BHU) 3 credits
  • PHIL 3500 - Healthcare Ethics (DHA) 3 credits
  • PUBH 3120 - Family and Community Health 3 credits
  • REH 1010 - Disability and Society (BSS) 3 credits
  • SOC 3200 - Population and Society (DSS) 3 credits
  • SOC 3330 - Medical Sociology (DSS) 3 credits
  • SOC 5460 - Sociology of Health 3 credits
  • SPED 1010 - Disability and Society (BSS) 3 credits
  • SW 4525 - Aging in the 21st Century 3 credits

Certificate Timeline

• Apply to USU (if not a current student).
• Complete coursework (required and electives).
• Write and submit the Integrative Paper (HDFS 4940, 1 credit).
• Apply for the Practicum (HDFS 4970, 3 credits).
• Apply for Graduation, submitting the Graduation Application at the beginning of the graduating semester.

Additional Resources

Practical Experience

• HDFS 4970 - Gerontology Practicum (3 credits): 150 hours working with or on behalf of older adults.
• Practicum application deadlines vary; ensure background checks and required materials are approved at least 6 weeks before the desired practicum semester.

Integrative Paper

• HDFS 4940 - Gerontology Integration (1 credit): An 8-10 page paper integrating academic knowledge and practical experience, worked on one-on-one with a Gerontology Certificate Faculty Mentor.

Graduation Application

• Apply for Graduation through the Registrar's office, with deadlines as follows:
  • Fall: October 31
  • Spring: February 28
  • Summer: July 15
• After graduation, check the transcript to ensure the certificate is recorded.