Gerontology (Post Bachelor's)

Kent State University and The University of Akron together offer a graduate-level Certificate in Gerontology, which may be received in conjunction with degrees from either institution at the specialist’s, master’s or doctoral levels. Students thus receive basic preparation in their selected discipline or major while concurrently obtaining specialized training in gerontology through the certificate program. Coursework completed at either institution may be applied to the certificate program. The two universities are located within a 15-minute drive from each other.

To be eligible for the Graduate Gerontology Certificate Program, a student must be matriculated in a graduate degree program or hold a graduate degree from an accredited institution. Students may be admitted with non-degree status, but they must complete a graduate degree program prior to being awarded the certificate.

The 18 credit hour certificate program is flexible with minimal required courses beyond those needed to complete degree requirements. Students can tailor the courses taken toward completion of the certificate to meet their unique professional interests. A thesis or dissertation may be applied toward certificate requirements if it involves an aging-related topic. Students can also apply a practicum/internship course within their degree program as a capstone experience in the certificate program. At least 12 of the required hours are to carry 600-level (University of Akron), 60000-level (Kent State University) or above designation. A maximum of 3 credit hours is transferable from outside the university. Certificate completion is acknowledged by special notation on student transcripts. 

CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS (18 credits)
Course		Title	Credits
BSCI	50020	Biology of Aging	3
GERO	61191	Interdisciplinary Seminar	3
		Research Methods	3
		Research or Practicum	3
		Electives	3
Choose from the following*:			3
GERO	54030	Adult Development and Aging (3)
PSYC	60610	Psychology of Aging (3)
SOC	52010	Social Gerontology (3)
TOTAL			18

*Meets the psychosocial requirement of the certificate.

The certificate program is based on the recommended standards of excellence established by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. The faculty at both Kent State University and The University of Akron are nationally and internationally recognized scholars in gerontology. Many are Fellows of the Gerontological Society of America (http://www.geron.org). Faculty are available to assist students with course selection, research projects and other matters of interest in the field of gerontology.

Additional information and application materials are available from our Web sites: http://www.kent.edu/ehhs/gero/index.cfm or http://www3.uakron.edu/ilsdg/. Interested students should contact one of the certificate directors:

Gregory Smith, Ed.D., Director
Human Development Center
Kent State University
100 Nixson Hall
Kent, OH 44242-0001
330-672-2994
Fax: 330-672-2194
gsmith2@kent.edu

Harvey L. Sterns, Ph.D., Director
Institute for Life-Span Development and Gerontology
The University of Akron
Arts & Sciences Building, Suite 340
Akron, OH 44325-4307
330-972-7243
Fax: 330-972-5174
hsterns@uakron.edu