Gerontology Undergraduate Certificate
Degree Requirements
Students who wish to earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Gerontology must complete four courses (12 semester hours), including an approved internship that will expose the student directly to older people and their families. The internship must be approved by the program director during the semester prior to placement. Three semester hours of internship are required; six semester hours of internship may be accepted. If six hours of internship are completed, then the student does not need to complete an elective.
The internship may be waived for students who are currently employed in the field of aging or those who can provide documentation of substantial work experience in the field. Waiver of the internship requirement must be approved by the Gerontology Program Director and the student’s academic advisor. Students in professional programs may be able to substitute clinical or field placements for the internship with permission of the Gerontology Program Director and the student’s academic advisor. Substitutions will be approved only if the placement provides opportunities to interact with and provide services for older individuals and their families.
Approved courses are offered in various departments as well as in Gerontology (GRN). Students are encouraged to pursue the Gerontology Certificate in conjunction with degree programs. Some approved courses may not carry the GRN designation. Students need to work with their academic advisors and the Gerontology program director or associate director to develop a plan of study for the Gerontology Certificate.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses for the Undergraduate Certificate | ||
| Required Courses | 3 | |
| Social Gerontology - W | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Health Disparities Life Span | ||
| Health Disparities Life Span | ||
| Internship (3 hrs Required) | 3 | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Gender and Aging | ||
| Special Topics - | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Directed Studies | ||
| Personal Health | ||
| Seasons of Life | ||
| Adults in Society | ||
| Intro to Nutrition | ||
| Public Policy and Aging | ||
| Life Span Development | ||
| Cognition | ||
| Perception | ||
| Adult Development and Aging- | ||
| Comparative Evolutionary Psy | ||
| Recreational Therapy Interventions with Older Adults | ||
| Sociology of Aging and Family | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Program Enhancement
Research opportunities, service learning, and scholarships may be available for students in Gerontology. Contact the Program Director for details. Membership in Sigma Phi Omega Gerontology Honor Society and the Gerontology Club are also available to qualified students.
Application for the Certificate
Printed certificates are not sent automatically to students. The certificate application is available at the Gerontology website: https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/artsandsci/syansw/gerontologyprogram/.
An exit interview may be required. Contact the program director at least 6 weeks prior to completion of requirements for the certificate.