Gerontology Certificate
This interdisciplinary certificate is designed for currently enrolled students and continuing education students to meet the growing demand for professionals who understand the opportunities, concerns, and needs associated with our aging population. The program will provide students with a foundation in the biopsychosocial aspects of aging, the difference between aging and disease, and the consequences of ageism. The Gerontology Certificate prepares students to understand the social and economic promise of an aging population to meet the diverse needs of older adults in our state in medical and health services, social and community services, and business.
The Gerontology Certificate can prepare students for work in nonprofit organizations, for-profit social service companies, government agencies, and offices in health care facilities, particularly those serving older adults.
All courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better. Up to 12 credits from the Gerontology Certificate may be applied toward the minor in gerontology with permission of the program coordinator. Courses may be double counted as per university guidelines.
Applicants for the Gerontology Certificate Program can complete the admission process online on the CCSU Undergraduate Application section. Current CCSU students can add the certificate with permission from the Gerontology Program Coordinator using the Undergraduate Change of Major form.
Admission Policy:
Applicants for the Gerontology Certificate Program must complete the online application using the CCSU application portal (not the common application) on the University Office of Admissions website.
Required items:
• Submit an online application form that is on the Admissions Office webpage
• High school transcripts • College transcripts
• Non-refundable application fee
Admission to the Gerontology Certificate program is separate from bachelor’s degree programs. Students can apply to the Gerontology Certificate program using the above criteria. They can then use the reactivation form to apply to the University if they wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Requirements (12 credits)
Required Course (3 credits)
Electives (9 credits; no more than 2 courses from a single designator)
| EXS 215 | Physiological Aspects of the Human Performance of the Aging | 3 |
| GERO 491 | Independent Reading and Research in Gerontology | 1-3 |
| GERO 495 | Internship in Gerontology | 4 |
| GERO 498 | Special Topics in Gerontology | 3 |
| NRSE 270 | Gerontological Nursing | 3 |
| PSY 241 | Introduction to Health Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 364 | Adult Development & Aging | 3 |
| PSY 380 | Psychology of Dying and Death | 3 |
| SOC 340 | Aging in American Society | 4 |
| SOC 440 | Death and Dying: Sociological Implications | 4 |
| SOC 441 | Sociology of the Aging Body | 4 |
| SOC 461/WGSS 461 | Intimacy and Aging | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: 12