Mar 28, 2024  
2011-2012 Graduate Catalogue 
    
2011-2012 Graduate Catalogue Archived Catalogue

Gerontology Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, N.D.


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Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Eleanor Krassen Covan

The Graduate School offers a multidisciplinary post-baccalaureate program in gerontology housed in the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences. The goal of the program is to provide a program of instruction and educational experiences in the field of gerontology at the graduate level, i.e., an academic foundation for anyone who plans to work with aging adults. As those who serve the elderly must be aware of all aspects of aging, in addition to health course work will address the biology, sociology, and psychology of aging with electives in literature, life transitions, economics, psychosocial adjustment to retirement, ethics, communication, and others. Courses are taught by faculty in a number of different disciplines such as: departments of Biology, Sociology, Psychology, English, Philosophy and Religion, and Communications within the College of Arts and Sciences. Additional courses may be taught by faculty from the schools of Nursing and Social Work within the College of Health and Human and Human Sciences and from the Cameron School of Business, and the Watson School of Education.

Admission Requirements


Applicants seeking admission to the graduate certificate program must hold a bachelor‘s degree from an accredited college or university in this country or its equivalent in a foreign institution based on a four-year program and have a strong overall academic record with a “B” average or better in the basic courses prerequisite to gerontology. Applicants are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

  1. An application for graduate admission
  2. Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
  3. An essay on the applicant‘s goals in pursuing the certificate
  4. Three recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields

In addition to the above, students must satisfy the following additional requirements:

  1. An interview with the Gerontology Student Admissions Committee
  2. Complete the following undergraduate prerequisites, including an introductory course in gerontology or aging. (For students who have not had such a course, it is available at UNCW and should be taken prior to enrolling in any graduate level gerontology courses.)
    1. Introduction to Sociology
    2. Introduction to Psychology
    3. Statistics and Research Methodology
    4. Principles of Biology

Certificate Requirements and Teaching Methods


The program requires 15 semester hours. Graduate courses in gerontology focus on the seminar method of teaching and learning. Students will be required to do literature searches to gain information from journals as well as some textbooks, and bring their findings to class to share with other students and the faculty. Although some courses will involve lecture presentations, students must be self-directed in their studies and seek information appropriately. All but one of the core courses is available through distance education. Service-learning opportunities are also part of the curriculum. Each student will complete a gerontology practicum.

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