Online Certificate Program in Gerontology
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 3-credit courses, listed below. The remaining 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 credits of practicum experience may be included in the certificate program.
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
To enroll in the courses, students will need a computer meeting minimum requirements and capability to access and download materials from the internet as specified by KSU’s Division of Continuing Education, an e-mail address, and access to a VCR (VHS) and FAX. For specific requirements, and a quiz to see if you would be a good distance education student, visit K-State's Division of Continuing Education web site.
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.
For answers to your questions or for more information on the Masters in Gerontology please contact the Center on Aging at or (785) 532-5945.
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.