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• CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
  

Certificate Program

General

This program is designed for persons working in the field of aging as well as those interested in obtaining employment in the aging field. Completion of the certificate program will enable participants to assume greater responsibility by broadening their knowledge and skill in this specialty area more specifically, the program is designed to provide the following:

1. A broad knowledge base in the bio-social aspects of aging
2. Practical knowledge and skills in the application of this information towards services for older people
3. Knowledge of government programs and program planning and evaluation techniques
4. Knowledge of programs and services operating in local areas as well as gaps which exist in local programming
5. Knowledge and skills needed to function in an advocacy capacity to improve services to the elderly

Certificate Requirements

• Complete 18 semester units of course work with a grade point average of 2.0 or better.
• Complete course work within four years after admission to the program.
• Petition the College of Extended Studies for the Certificate upon completion of 18 semester units.

To be admitted to the program, students are expected to show by previous course work and/or experience some evidence of potential for completing the academic program. Previous courses in gerontology taken at SDSU or at other universities will be considered for credit towards certification on an individual basis, but not to exceed nine units.

The Department of Gerontology is responsible for the coordination of the Certificate Program in conjunction with the College of Extended Studies. Admission applications may be obtained from the College of Extended Studies. Applications may be submitted prior to entering the program or before the completion of nine semester units of coursework.

Students are required to submit an Open University Registration Form each semester to the College of Extended Studies. Students accepted into the program will be assigned to an advisor by the Department of Gerontology.

Required Courses

A minimum of 12 semester units must be selected from the following four areas:

1. Introduction to Gerontology
   Gerontology 101. Introduction to Human Aging (3)
   
2. Psychological Aspects to Aging
   Psychology 350. Abnormal Psychology (3)
   
3. Sociological Aspects of Aging
   Gerontology 250. Intergenerational issues and the Elderly (3)
   Gerontology 350. Social Policy and Aging (3)
   
4. Practicum
   Gerontology 400A or 400B. Practicum in Gerontology (3) Cr/NC

Elective Courses

A minimum of 6 semester units selected from the following:

Gerontology 360	Minority and Ethnic Aging (3)
Gerontology 370	Images of Aging in Contemporary Society (3)
Gerontology 402	The Aging Network (3)
Gerontology 499	Special Study (1-3)
Gerontology 520	An Inside look at Aging Programs-Program Analysis (3)
Gerontology 596	Advanced Special Topics in Gerontology (1-4)
Women's Studies 310	Women in Cross-Cultural Perspective (3)

Admission to the Certificate Program

Interested studends should call the College of Extended Studies at (619) 594-5152.

PLEASE NOTE- Course and graduation requirements for all SDSU programs change periodically. While every attempt is made to present the most current requirements on this web site, it is imperative for all current and prospective students to check the printed registrar-maintained catalogs for the current requirements. Copies are available in the bookstore and may be borrowed from department staff.

last updated: 6/20/08