Gerontology Certificate
The Certificate Program is a 12 credit multi-disciplinary program administered through the School of Social Work. The program is designed to prepare graduate students, individual practitioners, and professionals to work in the field of aging in a variety of settings, integrating gerontology into the student's primary discipline. Adding the gerontology certificate to existing educational and/or work experience is likely to enhance an individual's career opportunities and options. Read the university's gainful employment disclosure
Completion of the program will develop and/or enhance knowledge in a number of areas to include:
- Psychological aspects of aging in the context of human development
- Aging in a political and economic context
- Health, biological and physiological aspects of aging
- Provisions of services to older persons in a variety of settings
- Communication with older persons
- Public policy and administration of programs for older adults.
Highlights
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Gerontology Certificate applications are accepted year-round and students may start any semester
Pre-requisites
For admission into the Graduate Gerontology Certificate Program, the applicant must satisfy the following requirements:
- Meet Wayne State University Graduate School admission standards
- Hold a master's degree from an accredited educational institution or be actively pursuing a master's or doctoral degree at Wayne State University
- Have a combined undergraduate and graduate GPA of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale or have completed a graduate degree at Wayne State University.
Program requirements
To earn the Graduate Gerontology Certificate, the student must successfully complete 12 credits of approved courses for the Certificate Program. Up to 9 of the 12 credits may be applied to both the Certificate and the graduate degree, subject to the approval of the relevant academic department and the graduate school. There is a three year-limit in which to meet certificate program requirements.
Curriculum
Students will work with their advisor to develop a plan for their 12 credits of coursework based on their background and career goals. Most students enroll in one or two courses per term. Courses are offered by several departments throughout the University and most are offered at least once per year.
For students that have already completed a master's degree, the certificate is awarded when they have met all the requirements. For students earning the certificate concurrently with a master's or graduate degree, the certificate is awarded when all the requirements of the certificate and the degree have been met.
Admission process
Applications are accepted throughout the year and students may begin the program during any semester. If you are not a current WSU graduate student, complete the Graduate Admissions application then make an appointment with Naelah Burks, ec6314@wayne.edu to complete your advising form. If you are already a WSU graduate student, submit the application for the Gerontology Certificate Program form and then make an appointment with Naelah Burks, ec6314@wayne.edu to complete your advising form.
Forms
Click here for easily printed additional program information.
For additional information on local and national senior services, careers in aging, elder care legislation and more view our links to Senior Services (PDF).
Contact
Naelah Burks
Academic Advisor II
nburks@wayne.edu
313-577-4409
Joy Ernst, PhD
Gerontology Certificate Coordinator
joy.ernst@wayne.edu