Certificate in Gerontology

Ithaca College offers a 24-credit undergraduate, nondegree certificate in gerontology that follows the guidelines of the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education and is registered with the New York State Education Department. Overseen by both the Ithaca College Gerontology Institute and the Division of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions, the gerontology certificate is available to extramural students only. Students admitted into this program are eligible for a grant to offset part of the tuition costs of courses included in the certificate curriculum.

The gerontology certificate is designed to provide professionals in the health and social services, as well as other interested individuals, with specialized knowledge of gerontological issues that will help them better understand and serve older adults. Students completing this program will enhance their knowledge and skills in a number of areas, including

• individual and social aspects of the aging process
• causes and consequences of problems experienced by older persons
• provision of services to older persons through a variety of professional disciplines
• provision of services and programs that promote the health and independence of older persons
• communication with older persons and among health care professionals
• organizational management and administration in a variety of residential environments

The gerontology certificate curriculum includes 24 credits taken from five sections. Most of these courses have minimal prerequisites. The full curriculum is shown below.

Curriculum

Core -- required courses (6 credits)

Disciplinary perspectives (select 6 credits)

Health aspects electives (select 3-6 credits)

Social aspects electives (select 3-6 credits)

Administration and policy issues (select 3 credits)

For further information regarding the program's admission requirements and curriculum, contact the Gerontology Institute, 607-274-1965, e-mail aging@ithaca.edu.