Gerontology Certificate

Program: Certificate in Gerontology
College of Arts and Sciences

Classroom-Medical Building 135 ~ 260-481-5451 ~ www.ipfw.edu/gerontology/

The student learning outcomes for the degree are as follows:

• Students will demonstrate knowledge of gerontology including but not limited to biological, social, and psychological issues that impact on older adults and those who work with and care for them.
• Students will 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.
• Students will 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. 

A certificate in gerontology is available to all IPFW 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 introductory course (3 credits) 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.

To earn the certificate, you must:

• meet all regular IPFW admission requirements (refer to Part 8 of the undergraduate Bulletin); and
• complete the following 18 credits with a grade of C or better in each course.

To be entered into the program, you must meet with the gerontology program director.  The program of study must be approved by the gerontology program director.  All prerequisites must be satisfied before enrolling in any of the courses listed below.