Gerontology Graduate Certificate
Position yourself for a career in a rapidly growing field. Gerontology is an emerging area with job opportunities in areas related to health promotion, education, research, inter-generational activities, senior centers, and retirement communities. Students enrolled in the online Gerontology Graduate Certificate program will gain knowledge of the physical, mental and social changes associated with aging; investigate societal changes due to an aging population; apply obtained knowledge to policies and programs; and improve their career options.
Two major tracks for working in the field of gerontology are available:
Direct Service: involves working directly with older persons in such areas as health promotion programs, inter-generational activities for older persons, senior centers, or retirement communities. Direct care to frail elderly, counseling older persons and their families, and assisting persons with financial and personal preparation for retirement are also areas of direct service that need trained professionals.
Education and Research: Gerontologists can also work in education and research. This can include evaluating community-based services; conducting research on the aging process and social and developmental aspects of aging; teaching students, professionals, and older adults and their families about aging; aging policy development; and program planning and administration.
Graduate certificates are an excellent way to earn credentials and decide if a full master’s program is right for you. Credits offered in this program can be transferred into the full online M.S. in Human Development and Family Science: Gerontology option.
Gerontology Brochure.pdf
Sample Plan of Study
Required Core Courses:
- HDFS 722 Applied Research in Gerontology (3 CREDITS)
- HDFS 723 Perspectives in Gerontology (3 CREDITS)
- HDFS 729 Professional Seminar in Gerontology (3 CREDITS)
- HDFS 786 Advanced Human Development III: Middle through late Adulthood (3 CREDITS)
- HNES 652 Nutrition, Health, and Aging (3 CREDITS)
Elective Courses: (6 CREDITS)
- HDFS 760 Aging Policy (3 CREDITS)
- HDFS 682 Family Dynamics of Aging (3 CREDITS)
- HDFS 665 Aging and the Environment (3 CREDITS)
- Or from electives approved by your committee.
Total Credits: 21
Graduate Faculty
For information about graduate faculty for this program as well as their current research interests, visit the Gerontology graduate certificate bulletin page.
Admission
Apply for admission
View Getting Started Guide
For current admission requirements, visit the Gerontology graduate certificate bulletin page.
Tuition and Fees
View Great Plains IDEA tuition and fee information.
Contact Information
NDSU Department of Human Development and Family Science
Phone: 701-231-8269
Email: Joel.Hektner@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/hdfs/
NDSU Distance & Continuing Education
Phone: 1-800-726-1724 or 701-231-7015
Email: ndsu.dce@ndsu.edu
NDSU Graduate School
Phone: 701-231-7033
Email: ndsu.grad.school@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/