Gerontology Program

Graduate Certificate in Gerontology

Point of Contact
Dr. Frieda Butler
Coordinator
Phone: 703-993-1911
Email: fbutler@gmu.edu

A certificate in gerontology is offered for students who have completed a master’s degree and would like additional academic experience in gerontology. The certificate program combines theoretical and applied course work in aging with the student's graduate curriculum in one of several departments. Since gerontology is by definition multidisciplinary, students in the program are required to take course work outside of their major field. Various academic units participate in the program; the College of Health and Human Services, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Physical Education, Social Work, Psychology, Adult Education, and Sociology and Anthropology. The program is administered by the College of Health and Human Services and is supervised by a committee with representatives from the participating academic units.

Program Requirements

Students applying to the certificate program must be enrolled in graduate degree status or hold a master's degree. Students who already hold bachelor's or master's degrees and do not wish to pursue another degree may be enrolled in nondegree status. The certificate requires 18 credit hours of graduate course work: six credit hours in the major area of specialization, six credit hours outside the major, and six credit hours of practicum. A maximum of three credit hours may be transferred from outside the university. Further inquiries about the Gerontology Certificate Program should be directed to the College of Health and Human Services. Phone: (703) 993-1911, Fax: (703) 993-1908, Email: fbutler@gmu.edu

A Partial List of Gerontology and Related Courses
Please refer to the catalogue for additional courses.

• Required Core Courses (6)
  • GCH 637 (3:3:0)
    Normal Aging and Health Deviations
    Examines biopsychosocial aspects of aging. Examines effects of age changes and health deviations on functional capacity of older persons, and on interventions and promotion of the elderly's capacity for self-care.
  • SOCI 686 (3:3:0)
    Sociology of Aging
    Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of instructor. Analysis of sociological issues in aging. Issues include class and cultural factors, problems of work, retirement, attachment and loss, and ageism. Different theories of aging are examined.
    
    ~ OR ~
    
    PSYC 656 (3:30)
    Psychology of Aging
• Required Core for Nurse Practioner (3)
  • NURS 622 (3)
    Clinical Concepts in Primary Care Nursing
    (Major in Adult, Gerontological or Primary Care Nurse Practitioner)
• Required Core for Advanced Practice Nursing (6)
  • NURS 645 (3:3:0)
    Gerontological Nursing I
    Prerequisites: NURS 660, 755, 794. Provides content related to nursing care of older adults with emphasis on advanced practice and issues relevant to improved healthcare of the elderly. Focuses on biological, psychological, and sociocultural elements that influence the aging process, and onset of age-related illnesses.
  • NURS 646 (3:3:0)
    Gerontological Nursing II
    Prerequisite: NURS 645. Builds on content in NURS 645, and focuses on healthcare deviations and nursing interventions in advanced gerontological nursing practice. Age-related illnesses and common disorders are discussed in the context of health behaviors, healthy adaptation, cultural sensitivity, developing appropriate coping strategies, and family, community and nursing supports.
• Gerontological Electives (minimum 3 credits)
  See additional listings in Master's Program
  • COMM 721 (3:3:0)
    E-Health Communication
    Explores the use of computer-mediated communication technologies in health care and health promotion, including examination of technology in health information dissemination, health education, health communication interventions, and the management of health care delivery.
    
  • GCH 505 (3:3:0)
    Case Management
    Prerequisite: bachelorÕs degree or permission of instructor. Open to seniors. Surveys state of case-management programs and practice for health and human service professionals. Special emphasis on comparing the nature, process, and outcomes for baccalaureate and graduate students guided by the objectives.
  • PSYC 518 (3:3:0)
    Death, Dying & Grieving
    Special topics reflecting interests in specialized areas. Topic announced in advance.
• Other Electives (minimum 6 credits) - Partial Listing
  • EDCD 525 (3:3:0)
    Advanced Human Growth and Development
    Covers human development throughout the life span, including emotional, physical, and cognitive development, and emphasizes personal adjustment and achievement.
  • EDCD 605 (3)
    Introduction to Counseling Theory and Practice
  • EDCD 607 (3)
    Advanced Counseling and Development
  • GCH 580 (3:3:0)
    Alternative Health Care Practices
    Explores proliferation of alternative healthcare therapies in society, and role of professions in collaboration and participation. Evaluates cultural traditions and scientific study of these therapies. Lecture, discussion, seminar, observation.
  • PHED 630 (3)
    Exercise, Health & Fitness Program Development
  • SOCI 651 (3:3:0)
    Health Systems Delivery
    Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of instructor. Changing health care systems are rapidly affecting patient providers and health and quality of life of the society. Analysis and theories of change in health care systems and their impacts on society and various stakeholders. For-profit and nonprofit organizations and their impacts are examined. Comparative cross-cultural analysis of health care systems.
• Any Department
  • Readings and Research in Gerontology (credits TBD)
  • Independent Study in Gerontology (credits TBD)
• Practicum Requirements (6)
  • GCH 770 (3:2:6)
    Practicum in Gerontology
    Prerequisite: all course work. Team-based field practicum in health management, problem analysis, and project management in a healthcare or service organization. Learning teams define a complex problem in the assigned facility, and analyze problem with recommendations for management decision action. Analysis provides the context in which theoretical concepts and management skills are applied to conduct the project. Practicum seminar uses case study analyses to explore problem-solving approaches in a variety of situations and healthcare or service organizations. This should be arranged with the preceptor no less than six weeks in advance of the practicum.
  • GCH 771 (3:2:6)
    Gerontology Practicum II
    Prerequisite: GCH 770. Continuation of field practicum in gerontology. Students receive practical experience under supervision of qualified professional. Emphasizes implementation of approved project. Gerontological theoretical concepts applied in implementation and evaluation. Uses case study analyses to explore problem-solving approaches.
    
• Total = 18 Credits

Explanation of Credit Hours
Course titles are followed by numbers in parentheses (0:0:0), separated by colons. The numbers have the following significance:

• First Number: credits for the course
• Second Number: hours of lecture or seminar per week for the course
• Third Number: hours of laboratory for the course

For independent study, readings, topics, or similar courses, individual instructors set hours.