Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Gerontology Certificate


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Program: Certificate
Gerontology Program
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders  
College of Arts and Sciences

Modular Clinic Classroom Bldg 111 ~ 260-481-6410 


A certificate in Gerontology is available to all Purdue University Fort Wayne students earning undergraduate degrees. It is also available as a stand-alone program. The multidisciplinary program provides basic academic courses on aging, as well as applied courses on health and social issues involving older adults. A practicum component involves applied work in a setting serving older individuals. The Gerontology Certificate is comprised of 18 credits.  The required 3 credit introductory course provides a foundation in biological, psychological, social, and applied aspects of aging.  An additional 12 credits are chosen by the student from a variety of disciplinary courses relevant to gerontology.  The final 3 credit requirement is a practicum that involves applied work in a setting serving older individuals.  The certificate can be earned and awarded independent of other degree(s).


Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this certificate, students will:

  • demonstrate knowledge of gerontology including but not limited to biological, social, and psychological issues that impact older adults and those who work with and care for them.
  • demonstrate knowledge of the basic study of aging in several disciplines, complementary areas such as nutrition and medical ethics, and applications dealing with health and social issues involving older adults.
  • demonstrate the ability to apply gerontological knowledge, through a practicum experience in which the student works with, or on behalf of, older adults in a campus, community, or agency setting that serves this population. 

Declaring this Certificate:

Program Requirements:

  • Meet all regular Purdue Fort Wayne admission requirements
  • A minimum GPA of 2.00 or higher is required for graduation
  • A grade of C- or higher in each course required for the certificate
  • At least 9 credits must be earned as resident credit
  • To be entered into the program, you must meet with one of the Gerontology advisors who will approve your program of study

To earn the Gerontology certificate, you must fulfill the following requirements in addition to those noted above:

Program Required Course: Credits 3


Practicum in an Approved Gerontological Setting: Credits 3


Approval by a Gerontology advisor is required.  The setting must involve, or relate to, individuals 60 years of age or older.  You may choose either a practicum or internship course offered by a department, or the gerontology program practicum course (GERN 49400) if you are an interdisciplinary student or are pursuing only the Gerontology Certificate.  Approved courses are indicated below.  Note that some of these courses may be taken only by those majoring in the sponsoring discipline.

Total Credits: 18


Student Responsibility


You are responsible for satisfying the graduation requirements specified for your selected program.  Thus, it is essential that you develop a thorough understanding of the required courses, academic policies and procedures governing your academic career.  All requests for exceptions to specific requirements must be made in writing and may be granted only by written approval from the appropriate chair or dean.

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