Aging Studies Certificate
This program is available at the following locations:
- Corvallis
- Ecampus
This certificate is available as a standalone program.
The Certificate in Aging Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of aging. Gerontology, also called aging studies, involves physiological, sociological, and psychological processes. Education in aging studies and research is relevant to many disciplines. Career opportunities in gerontology are extremely diverse and include positions in community services, health sciences, nutrition and dietetics, housing, health and physical education, pharmacy, counseling, health care administration, business, public policy, and many other areas.
Recognizing the diversity of relevant disciplines and career opportunities, the Certificate in Aging Studies offers coursework through multiple schools/departments. The program is administered through the School of Human Development and Family Sciences.
In addition to aging studies courses, seminars, field study, research, and projects in gerontology can be offered through the Gerontology Program. Field study, research, and projects in gerontology may also be available through other schools/departments. Students register for field study, research, or projects credit in the school or department that best meets their needs for supervision given the nature of the experience.
Contact Information
Carolyn Aldwin, Director
Gerontology Program
Waldo Hall 437
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-5102
541-737-2024
Email: carolyn.aldwin@oregonstate.edu
Website: http://health.oregonstate.edu/sbhs/gerontology
Major Code: C450
Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:
- Translate and apply relevant theory and research to practice with aging individuals, their families and communities.
- Describe the ecological contexts in which aging individuals and their families develop.
- Demonstrate a value for diversity in practice with aging individuals, families and communities.
- Critically evaluate public policy and practice with relevance to aging individual and family wellbeing.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| HDFS 314 | ADULT DEVELOPMENT AND AGING | 4 |
| H 225 | +*SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH | 4 |
| Field Study or Field Projects | ||
| Select 3-6 credits of an approved field experience or research field project in any department 1 | 3-6 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select 13-16 credits from at least two subject codes of the following: | 13-16 | |
| *INTRODUCTION TO THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN DISEASE | ||
| ECONOMIC ISSUES IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE | ||
| ADVANCED TOPICS IN HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT | ||
| REIMBURSEMENT MECHANISMS | ||
| ^PLANNING AND EVALUATING HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAMS | ||
| *HUMAN SEXUALITY | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN SERVICES | ||
| FAMILY VIOLENCE AND NEGLECT | ||
| ^PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND PROPOSAL WRITING | ||
| PROFESSIONAL HELPING SKILLS | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO THE ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS | ||
| APPLIED MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY | ||
| PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AGING, AND CHRONIC DISEASE | ||
| NUTRITION ACROSS THE LIFESPAN | ||
| COMMUNITY NUTRITION | ||
| *BIOMEDICAL ETHICS | ||
| HUMAN LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT | ||
| DEATH AND DYING | ||
| SOCIOLOGY OF AGING | ||
| Total Hours | 27 | |
- *
Baccalaureate Core Course (BCC)
- ^
Writing Intensive Course (WIC)
- +
Core Education course. Applies only to students admitted to an OSU undergraduate degree from Summer 2025 onwards
- 1
Additional information about the Field Study or Field Projects in any department is detailed below
Field Study or Field Projects in Aging Studies
In addition to aging studies courses, seminars, field study (310/410), research (401), and projects (406) in aging studies are offered through the Program on Gerontology.
- 3-6 credits of an approved field experience or an approved research field project are required. No more than 6 credits of field study will count toward certificate completion.
- Field Experience or Internships involve professional level work experience in an agency or organization that serves older adults. To be considered for a field placement, at least half of the student's time must be spent working with or for older individuals.
- 9 credits of aging studies coursework must be completed prior to beginning field study. Exceptions may be approved by the Gerontology Program Director.
- Specific requirements for field study are cooperatively developed by the faculty supervisor, student, and a community agency. The type of field study selected should reflect the student's career interests, as well as the student's competencies and the community agency's needs.
- Field study in aging studies must be approved by the Program on Gerontology if it is to be used to meet certificate requirements. Approval forms are available from the Program on Gerontology.
Additional Requirements
- A grade of "C" or better in all aging studies courses. Overall GPA of 2.5.
- Certificate requirements fulfilled within five years following graduation. Students who have not completed certificate requirements upon receipt of the degree may continue as special, postbaccalaureate, or graduate students.
Major Code: C450