Graduate Certificate in Gerontology

The certificate program in gerontology is designed to expand students' marketability and skills in their chosen profession by providing a broad educational base concerning factors related to the aging of individuals and society. The program was developed on the premise that students and professionals in a variety of disciplines and professions have the greatest potential to meet the pressing needs of the aged and our changing society, provided they are given the requisite training in the application of gerontological knowledge.

All certificate courses must be taken at Webster University. Students may pursue the certificate by itself or integrate their certificate studies with an MA degree program. Students enrolled in the MA degree program in gerontology are not eligible to receive the gerontology certificate.

The 18 credit hours required for the graduate certificate in gerontology include the following courses:

• GERN 5000 Gerontology (Requisite Course)
• GERN 5600 Economic Issues for Older Adults
• GERN 5620 Physiology of Aging
• GERN 5630 Psychology of Aging
• GERN 5640 Management of Programs for Older Adults
• GERN 5670 Social Science Perspectives in Gerontology

Students seeking the gerontology certificate should consult the Admission, Enrollment, Academic Policies, and Graduate Certificates sections of this catalog for information regarding application, admission, registration, and the academic policies of Webster University.

Course Descriptions

GERN 5000 Gerontology (3)

This course introduces the student to the gerontology specialty area. The course provides the student with an overview of the psychological, sociological, political, and physiological processes related to aging and the elderly. This course includes an examination of basic theoretical perspectives, problems, and the future of gerontology.

GERN 5600 Economic Issues for Older Adults (3)

This course focuses on the economic issues relevant to middle-aged and older adults. The student examines topics related to pre- and post-retirement planning, such as financial planning, housing options, and legal concerns. Particular emphasis is placed on what gerontology specialists can do to assist middle-aged and older adults in facing later life transitions. The course includes an examination of the economic impact of the older adult on society.

GERN 5620 Physiology of Aging (3)

This course provides the student with an overview of the changes that occur in the human body as a function of age. All of the major systems within the human body are discussed, ranging from the cardiovascular system to the central nervous system. This course focuses on normal, age-related physiological changes; however, age-related dysfunctional changes are discussed. Additional emphasis is placed on the implications of physiological change on the psychological functioning of the aging individual.

GERN 5630 Psychology of Aging (3)

This course provides the student with an introduction and analysis of current knowledge and concerns related to psychological aging. It addresses the theoretical and empirical foundations relevant to the psychological study of the later part of the life span. The course is taught from an interdisciplinary perspective and focuses on topics related to perceptual, cognitive, personality, and interpersonal social development. Issues related to psychological adjustment and the topic of death and dying are examined.

GERN 5640 Management of Programs for Older Adults (3)

The student examines the theory and practices relevant to the management and administration of organizations. Particular focus is placed on organizations providing services for the elderly. The economic, political, legal, and social issues that affect these organizations are studied in the context of the effect these issues have on the administration of services. Identification of deficiencies in current programs and the proposing of alternative modes of care for the elderly are explored.

GERN 5670 Social Science Perspectives in Gerontology (3)

The realities of the lives of older adults, viewed from a cross-cultural perspective with a concern for social issues and problems, will be the focus of this course. Ageism, homelessness, poverty, the structure of family, the meaning of community, and the role of government will all be examined. Using the tools of anthropology and sociology, we will explore variations among older adults that emerge from ethnicity, sex and gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, and geographic origin. We will seek an understanding of the meanings that various cultures give to their aging populations and to the social consequences of those meanings.