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GERONTOLOGY
Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate
Gerontology is an innovative field for persons who work with older adults. Graduates work in a variety of settings, such as nursing homes, adult day care programs, senior centers, senior housing, and a variety of agencies which serve the needs of older adults.
People also study Gerontology to prepare for their own, or family members aging. Coursework on physical, sensory, psychological and social change, and on community resources, helps individuals to approach aging with a more positive attitude.
The degree program prepares atudents for an entry level position in the field of Activities with older adults, or for advanced study at a four year institution in a related field such as Recreation Therapy, Psychology, Rehabilitation or Social Work. This program is also suitable for those who are already employed in agencies which serve older adults. Nurses, Medical Assistants, Clergy, and others who need continuing education credits may be able to use Gerontology courses to meet their requirements.
The certificate program serves two purposes:
1) It is for students who have already earned a degree in another field. Specific Gerontology courses are aimed at familiarizing students with special problems and needs of older adults, and community resources available to meet those needs.
2) For both degree and certificate students who plan to work in Activities with older adults, the Recreation course (HUG 201) and the externship (HUS 201), together with other required courses, prepare students for national certification education requirements. Other students may choose a different type of externship experience, based on their interests and goals.
Gerontology students come from many backgrounds and interests. Some are already working with older adults, while other students come straight from high school. Many are returning to the workforce after a "parenting break", while others are planning a second career as they near retirement. Whatever their background, students enjoy spending time with older adults, and share an interest in improving their lives.
GERONTOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
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ENG 101 |
English Composition I |
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HUG 101 |
Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Aging |
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HUS 101 |
Community Resources in Human Services |
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PSY 101 |
General Psychology |
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A Modern Language Course | |
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ENG 102 |
English Composition II |
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A Modern Language Course - Second Semester |
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MAT |
MAT 117 or higher |
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SOC 101 |
Principles of Sociology |
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CIS |
Any 3-credit computer course |
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PSY 105 |
Group Dynamics | |
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SECOND YEAR
First Semester | |
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ENG 128 |
The Dynamics of Communication |
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HIS |
Any History Course |
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SOC 206 |
Minorities in American Life OR SOC 218 Women and Work |
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PSY 208 |
Abnormal Psychology |
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BIO 105 |
Anatomy and Physiology I* | |
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GOV |
Any Government Course |
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PSY 212 |
Psychology of Aging |
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FIA |
Any Music or Art Course |
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ENG 209 |
World Literature I** |
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BIO 106 |
Anatomy and Physiology II*** |
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*or BIO 102, BIO 107 or any laboratory science.
**Any English 200 level course can be taken.
***BIO 118 Biology of Women or any 4-credit science elective course can be taken instead of this course.
(BIO 105 and BIO 106 are a two-semester sequence)
Courses in the Gerontology Degree & Certificate programs fulfill academic requirements toward certification by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP). Students are encouraged to also take the Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals (MEPAP) offered by NCCAP.
In order to transfer to certain B.A. programs, you will need to take particular Biology, History & Government courses. Please consult the Gerontology Director to plan your courses if you are considering transferring after you earn your Associate Degree. | |
GERONTOLOGY CERTIFICATE
This certificate is for students who have, or who are simultaneously earning, a college degree of at least an Associates level. They are expected to have taken an introductory English course such as ENG 101, and Introductory Psychology and Sociology courses, or to obtain the permission of the program coordinator and professors of related courses.
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HUG 101 |
Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Aging |
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HUS 101 |
Community Resources in Human Services | |
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PSY 105 |
Group Dynamics |
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PSY 212 |
Psychology of Aging | |
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SECOND YEAR
First Semester | |
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SOC |
A Sociology Elective Course* |
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BIO |
A BIO Course From The List Below** | |
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Elective (choose from list below)*** |
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HUS 201 |
Externship in Human Services |
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* SOC 206, SOC 218 or a topics course (SOC 270) can be taken
** Choose from: BIO 107, BIO 118, BIO 102, BIO 110, or BIO 105 & BIO 106.
(BIO 105 and 106 are a two semester sequence)
*** Choose from: Any CIS 3-credit computer course, BUS 105 or 107, HUG 201 (which together with the externship equals the NCCAP MEPAP credits can be obtained through the Assessment of Prior Learning Program), or another related course approved by the Gerontology coordinator
Courses in the Gerontology program meet requirements toward certification by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP). Students are also encouraged to take the basic course Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals (MEPAP) offered by the NCCAP. | |
For more information, please contact Professor Toby Max
or visit her page. |