Gerontology Certificate

Overview

Gerontologists generally work in direct services to older adults, administration of service, research, or education. Undergraduate course work in gerontology, coupled with the student’s major, prepares students for various entry-level positions in these areas. As 72 million baby boomers pass the age of 65 during the next three decades, U.S. Labor Department statistics forecast that jobs in fields related to aging will continue to remain abundant for the foreseeable future. This will be especially true in New Jersey because of the state’s older-than-average population, and even more so in southern New Jersey, because of its growing popularity as a retirement destination. Professional disciplines such as social work, physical and occupational therapy, psychology, nursing, financial management, and health care administration, are just a few careers that can be enhanced from the study of aging. 

Introduction

The Gerontology Minor (GERO) is affiliated with the Stockton Center on Successful Aging (SCOSA) and was designated as a Program of Merit by the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) in 2012. Matriculated students who complete the 20-credit sequence of required and elective courses can earn a Gerontology Minor in conjunction with any major at the University.  Students who do not wish to earn a degree from Stockton can receive a Certificate of Completion in Gerontology with the same 20-credit sequence. Additional continuing education workshops and seminars on aging are periodically offered by the Stockton Center on Successful Aging. 

Program Organization

Requirements and curriculum for the minor (and certificate of completion) are consistent with standards set by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. They are designed to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of the multidisciplinary study of aging through basic and applied course work. Students must earn a grade of B or higher in the Gerontology Internship or an approved substitute. 

All students must take an introductory course in gerontology, a course on biology and aging, and an internship (or approved substitute). An additional two courses must be selected from an approved group of electives. Many electives may have a cross-listed section which will count for both the major and the minor. Students are encouraged to bring to the attention of the minor coordinator any course in their major which may have a sufficient focus on gerontology to make them eligible for inclusion as an elective.  

Students with previous experience working with older adults in clinical care or administrative positions may request substitution of another gerontology elective course in place of the Internship. Additionally, practicum experiences offered by other fields (e.g. SOWK, PSYC, HSCI, NURS, BIOL, etc.) that primarily involve work with the aged may be substituted for the GERO internship, contingent upon receiving prior approval from the minor coordinator.

Advanced students may take advantage of independent studies, tutorials, or become involved in various faculty-sponsored research and community service projects. The Stockton Center on Successful Aging (SCOSA) also offers a number of research, education and service activities for students. It is also possible for students to design their own liberal studies curriculum with a gerontology focus. Students wishing to pursue this option should see the Liberal Studies Program Description under the School of General Studies and speak to the GERO Coordinator early in their college career. 

Admission to the Program

The Gerontology Minor is open to all students. Students should inform their preceptor and officially declare the Gerontology Minor on the Declaration of Major and Minor Form available from the University’s Center for Academic Advising. The decision about where GERO courses fit into a student's academic plan should be made in consultation with the student’s preceptor.

Career Opportunities

Gerontologists usually work in one of two general areas: direct services to older adults or administration of service, research and education. Undergraduate course work in Gerontology coupled with the appropriate major prepares students for various entry-level positions in these areas. 

Thus, the study of gerontology can enhance one’s performance and marketability as a professional in many disciplines. Social work, physical and occupational therapy, psychology, nursing, financial management, and health care administration are just a few of the possible professions which require knowledge of aging. 

Full details about the minor curriculum can be accessed on the Gerontology website