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Certificate in Gerontology

Master of Arts

The Master of Arts degree in Gerontology is available for those who wish to pursue an academic degree in the social and behavioral aspects of aging and prepare to work with the aging population and aging programs. The curriculum includes both traditional classroom learning and hands-on internship experiences that meet the personnel needs of both public and private agencies. The gerontology curriculum interfaces with other graduate programs, allowing students to develop multidisciplinary skills to enhance their careers in gerontology.
The Master of Arts in Gerontology is 36 credit hours and includes the 12 core credit hours in gerontology. The core courses are:

  • SOWK 8321 - Biology & Psychology of Aging
  • GERO/SOC/SOWK 5301 - Social Gerontology
  • SOWK 8329 - Aging & Social Policy I
  • SOWK 8193 & 8293 - Resources & Services for Older Adults

Additional required courses:

  • SOWK 8371 - Graduate Statistics
  • SOWK 8159 & 8259 - Evaluation Research

Students are will complete 3 hours of elective credit. Approved electives are:

  • SOWK 8191/8211: Social Work Practice with Older Adults
  • SOWK 8159/8259: Evaluation Research
  • SOWK 8305: Management & Community Practice I
  • SOWK 8306: Management & Community Practice II
  • SOWK 8309: Intergenerational Family Therapy
  • SOWK 8340: Aging & Social Policy II
  • SOWK 8346: Family in Late Life
  • SOWK 8380: Assessment & Case Management
  • HSAD 5123: The Health Care System
  • HSAD 5143: Management of Health Care Organizations
  • PADM 7336: Nonprofit Organization Management
  • SOWK 8218 & 8191: Loss & Grief

Field Work OR Thesis OR Research Project

  • Fieldwork courses (GERO8310, GERO8320) are a practical application and expansion of knowledge and skills learned in other courses. In consultation with their advisor, students arrange to work under professional supervision in an agency or institution that provides an appropriate learning context and experience. These courses are usually taken after all core courses are completed and are graded credit/no credit. With their advisor’s approval, students may choose to take six hours of thesis (GERO8630) in lieu of fieldwork. These students complete and orally defend a written thesis on a subject chosen in consultation with their advisor. Thesis hours are usually graded credit/no credit. Conditional students must earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA on the first 12 hours, including at least six core hours. Thesis or Fieldwork or Research Project will be completed in conjunction with the Evaluation Research course.
    Admission Process

    The certificate in applied gerontology is not a terminal degree, and students may elect to continue for the MA after qualifying for the certificate.  Upon completion of 12 hours towards the Certificate in Gerontology, participants who wish to continue on for the MA degree should submit:

    • GRE, MAT or similar examination scores
    • Two letters of reference, recommending them to the MA program
    • A letter of intent, detailing their interest and commitment to the field of aging
    Updated 12.14.2010