Gerontology Certificate
This program is available at the following locations:
- Corvallis
- Ecampus
This certificate is available as a standalone program.
The Gerontology Certificate offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of aging. Gerontology, also called aging studies, involves physiological, sociological, and psychological processes. Education in gerontology 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 Gerontology Certificate offers course work through multiple schools/departments. The program is administered through the School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences.
In addition to gerontology 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
Program on Gerontology
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: C437
Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:
- Understand the methods by which public health identifies potential causes of population health status, and identifies potential targets for intervention.
- Describe the fundamental roles of public health and how those roles are operationalized in public health organization, funding, workforce, and regulations.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ecological contexts in which individuals and families develop.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Courses | ||
HDFS 314 | ADULT DEVELOPMENT AND AGING | 4 |
Field Study or Field Projects | ||
Any department ++ | 3-6 | |
Electives | ||
Select 18-23 credits from at least two subject codes of the following: 1 | 18-23 | |
*INTRODUCTION TO THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM | ||
*SOCIAL AND INDIVIDUAL HEALTH DETERMINANTS | ||
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 | ||
^PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND PROPOSAL WRITING | ||
PROFESSIONAL HELPING SKILLS | ||
TOPICS IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND FAMILY SCIENCES | ||
APPLIED MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY | ||
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AGING, AND CHRONIC DISEASE | ||
ISSUES IN NUTRITION AND HEALTH | ||
NUTRITION ACROSS THE LIFESPAN | ||
COMMUNITY NUTRITION | ||
*BIOMEDICAL ETHICS | ||
HUMAN LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT | ||
DEATH AND DYING | ||
Total Hours | 27 |
- *
Baccalaureate Core Course (BCC)
- ^
Writing Intensive Course (WIC)
- 1
Courses must be taken from a minimum of two different subject codes (H, HDFS, KIN, NUTR, PHL, PSY or SOC)
Field study or field projects in Gerontology — Any Department ++
In addition to gerontology courses, seminars, field study (310/410), research (401), and projects (406) in gerontology are offered through the Gerontology Program.
- 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 gerontology course work 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 gerontology 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 gerontology 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: C437