Gerontology Certificate

Purpose:

The Gerontology Certificate Program addresses the needs of students with career interests in the rapidly expanding field of aging. Completion of the certificate program better prepares our graduates for challenging positions in planning, program development and direct service delivery in a wide variety of gerontology and geriatric settings. As the number of older persons in our society increases, professionals will require knowledge about the psychosocial, biological and health, social policy, economic, and service delivery aspects of aging.

Description:

The gerontology certificate program, administered through the Department of Social Work's Aging, Family and Intergenerational Studies Programs, is an 18 credit-hour course of study. The program, which is committed to excellence, was developed in relation to the standards and guidelines established by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE). Maximum time allowed for completion of the certificate is five years.

Curriculum Requirements:

The core curriculum (four courses required)

  • GERN/SOCI 280 Social Gerontology
  • GERN 305 Programs and Services for the Elderly (prerequisite: GERN/SOCI 280)
  • GERN 400 Skills and Techniques in Gerontological Assessment (prerequisite: GERN/SOCI 280)
  • GERN 495 Field Experience/Seminar (the capstone course in the minor) (prerequisites: GERN/SOCI 280, GERN 305 and 400, Major Elective and approval of the gerontology minor adviser)

Elective Courses (two courses required)

  • Major Elective (a course supporting the student's major or related field of study with 50% of the course content in gerontology)
  • Elective (must be a course in which the content is at least 50% gerontology).

[One course from the student's previous degree can be counted toward one of the two electives required in the program if meets criteria as determined by the minor adviser]

Requirements for Admission to the Gerontology Certificate Program:

  • An Associates degree or Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Currently employed, ideally in the field of aging

Application Instructions:

Submit the following to Outreach & Engagement at:

Outreach & Engagement
James Madison University
Attn: Certificate Program Application
MSC 6906
Harrisonburg, VA 22807

  • Official transcript showing completion of associates or bachelors degree
  • A completed Non-degree Seeking Application form and the $45 application fee (complete on-line at www.jmu.edu/outreach: click on "Apply Online Now")

Submit the following to:

R. Ann Myers
Department of Social Work
MSC 4303
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA 22807

  • Professional Resume
  • Personal Statement (2-3 pages double spaced) describing the applicant's background, educational goals and how the applicant would benefit from completion of the certificate program
  • Two letters of reference from persons familiar with the applicant's experience in the field of aging and/or ability in working with older persons (one must be from a current supervisor)

For additional information or to pursue admission to the gerontology certificate program, contact: R. Ann Myers, Gerontology adviser, 540-568-6980, myersra@jmu.edu