Online Graduate Certificate Program in Gerontology

Please Note: Applications are currently being accepted for admission in summer or fall 2012.

Gerontology is the most recent addition to interinstitutional graduate programs offered through the Great Plains Distance Education Alliance (GP-IDEA), a consortium of universities who have come together to offer post-baccalaureate programs through distance education to students whose family or career keep them from completing an on-campus degree or certificate.The certificate program has been designed for students whose goal is a credential in gerontology and who do not need a master's degree.

The 21-credit program will prepare professionals who are either working directly with older people or who are involved in education or research related to aging issues. Professionals offering direct services often are involved in:

• health promotion programs;
• directing intergenerational activities;
• managing senior centers or retirement communities;
• counseling older people and their families;
• and helping people plan for retirement.

Professionals involved in education and research may evaluate community-based services; teach others about the aging process; develop policies and programs to serve the needs of older adults; work with business and industry on issues related to an aging work force; and consumer education.

Students select a "home" institution through which they will apply to the program and enroll for all courses. Students will then take courses taught by their home institution as well as the other cooperating universities. The program has been designed to provide students with the core competencies identified by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education.

The certificate program consists of 5 required courses, listed below. The remaining classes (6 credits) can be taken from other core courses or electives which are a part of the Online Masters in Gerontology or courses which may be offered either online or on-campus at the home institution (approval of electives by the home institution advisor is required). Up to three hours of practicum experience may be included in the certificate program, but is not required.

KSU Applications

The application process for the Certificate in Gerontology is the same as for the Masters in Gerontology. The application packet (Adobe Acrobat) includes all the required information including deadline dates, course schedules and descriptions, and requirements for the program. The application process is competitive and a limited number of slots are available each term. In the event that a student is not accepted to our program due to limited space, they may wish to contact one of our partner institutions. The application form required by the Graduate School is online and can be downloaded or may be completed online.

• Deadline Dates: Domestic students -- February 1 for Fall or Summer, September 1 for Spring
• Deadlines Dates: International students -- February 1 for fall, August 1 for Spring, December 1 for summer

Required Courses

FSHS 775 Perspectives in Gerontology: Cr. 3. Fall.

An overview of current aging issues including the current focus of gerontology theory and research, critical social and political issues in aging, the interdisciplinary focus of gerontology, current career opportunities, and aging in the future.

FSHS 845 Adult Development and Aging: Cr. 3. Spring.

This course explores the biological, psychological, and social factors that are associated aging. Although the focus is on the later years, information is presented from a life-span developmental framework. Empirical studies are reviewed and their strengths, limitations and implications for normative and optimal functioning are discussed.

HN718 Physical Health and Nutrition in Aging: Cr. 3. Spring.

Focus is on the physiological theories of aging, the relationship between normal aging processes, and the major chronic and acute diseases of the elderly, and community health promotion/maintenance programs for older adults.

FSHS 776 Program Evaluation and Research Methods: Cr. 3. Spring/Summer.

Overview of program evaluation, research methods, and grant writing in gerontology. Includes application of quantitative and qualitative methods in professional settings.

FSHS 779 Professional Seminar in Gerontology: Cr. 3. Spring/Summer.

An integrative experience in which students will strengthen skills in ethical decision-making and behavior and apply those skills in related areas such as advocacy, professionalism, and family and workplace issues. Students from a variety of professions will apply unique perspectives to topics of common interest.

Requirements

You will need a computer with a CD-ROM/DVD drive, the ability to access and download materials from the Internet, and an updated web browser. High-speed internet access is strongly recommended. Visit the K-State Information Technology Services website for KSU minimum system requirements and recommended computer configurations.

Most courses will use Internet classrooms. Some have supplemental materials on videos or CDs and others may require phone conferencing. Interactivity between students and professor is through e-mail, phone conferencing and the Internet classroom. A discussion of the various types of course delivery which may be used in classes is on the K-State Division of Continuing Education website.

For answers to your questions or for more information on the Masters in Gerontology please contact the Center on Aging at .

Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance

The Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GPIDEA) is a consortium of Human Sciences Colleges at ten universities. Students who participate in inter-institutional programs matriculate at one institution, take courses at several, and meet graduation requirements at the institution at which they matriculated. Inter-institutional programs are developed and implemented by teams of graduate faculty representing all participating stitutions.