Certificate in Health Issues for the Aging Adult

This program is no longer accepting new applications.

As part of its ongoing curriculum review and refresh to better serve its students, UMUC has eliminated some of its undergraduate certificate programs. Current students have been contacted to ensure timely completion of the program or to discuss alternative programs of interest.

If you are enrolled in this program, please use the curriculum requirements below to track your success as you complete your certificate. Contact your academic advisor if you have any questions.

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The certificate in health issues for the aging adult is designed for students who seek the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively work with older adults in a variety of roles. The certificate integrates gerontological knowledge and skills from the fields of health/biology, sociology, psychology, and policy/services and provides the opportunity to apply these skills to work with older adults. Coursework may help students seeking a bachelor's degree in a variety of areas to integrate gerontology knowledge with their major area of academic study or prepare students who are vocationally oriented and not seeking a higher education degree to improve work skills. Through a practicum or Co-op experience, students work with professionals to apply knowledge acquired through coursework to practical experience with aging individuals or aging issues in different settings that address the needs of older adults (e.g., assisted living centers, retirement communities, nursing homes, hospitals, senior centers, companies producing products and services for seniors, or area agencies on aging).

Note: Courses may be applied to only one certificate; some prerequisites may need to be fulfilled before beginning certificate courses.

A required course:

  • GERO 100 Introduction to Gerontology (3)

A course on the sociocultural aspects of aging chosen from the following: 3

A psychology course chosen from the following: 3

A life health and science course or courses totaling 3 credits chosen from the following: 3

A required practicum experience: 3

  • GERO 486A Internship in Gerontology Through Co-op

A course specific to the student's academic goals chosen from the following: 3

  • GERO 306 Programs, Services, and Policies
  • BEHS 380 End of Life: Issues and Perspectives

Total credits for certificate in Health Issues for the Aging Adult: 18

Courses of Interest

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