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2016-2017 Graduate Catalog 
    
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2016-2017 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Graduate Certificate in Gerontology (GERT)

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The Gerontology program is administered by the School of Health Sciences through a coordinating committee of faculty from approximately 12 departments and programs throughout the campus. The 18-hour multidisciplinary Graduate Certificate is for students with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, wishing to pursue specialized study in aging, short of a Master’s degree. It is targeted to those working in the field of aging seeking formal education in gerontology; persons considering a career change; and students wishing to learn about the aging process to enhance their own aging experience.

Although the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology does not require enrollment in a graduate degree program, it may be used as a cognate or concentration in other graduate programs, including Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) , Master of Science in Psychology (Clinical Behavioral) (PSYB) , Master of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies (WGST) , Master of Science in Dietetics , Master of Public Administration , Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) , Leadership and Counseling Programs , Master of Arts in Sociology (SOC) , the Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and other Master’s programs.

Most courses are offered in the evenings or on weekends. The program must be completed within three years. It is possible, however, to complete all requirements within one year.

Admission Requirements:

Applicants must:

  1. Have a Baccalaureate from an accredited institution, with a minimum 2.7 GPA;
  2. Meet the Graduate School admission requirements;
  3. Submit a 1-2 page personal statement describing their professional history and interest in the field of aging (guidelines listed below); and
  4. Have an interview with the Gerontology program director. Students must be admitted to the Graduate Certificate program before enrolling in required course work.

Personal Statement Guidelines

On a separate piece of paper, please thoughtfully reflect on the following points to include in your application to the graduate school: One or two pages in narrative form is recommended. The points below can be incorporated into your discussion and do not need to be answered directly.

  • How did you become interested in gerontology, the study of aging? 
  • What personal experiences have you had with older adults? 
  • What professional experiences have you had with older adults? 
  • Have you taken any college courses on aging? if yes, please describe.
  • What skills and understandings have you developed in working with and communicating with older adults? 
  • What are the subject areas in gerontology that you wish to learn more about? 
  • What are your career plans in the field of gerontology? 

Please send your Personal Statement to Admissions, along with your application to the Graduate School.

Also, send a copy to the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology advisor.

School Information:

School of Health Sciences - College of Health and Human Services

Colleen Croxall, Ph.D.
Director

313 Marshall
(734) 487-4096
ccroxall@emich.edu

School Website

Advisor Information:

Andrea Gossett Zakrajsek, OTD, MS, OTRL
Director, Aging Studies Program

359 Marshall
(734) 487-3220
azakrajs@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 18 hours

The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology is awarded upon satisfactory completion of 18 hours. This includes five required courses, two or more electives and a practicum. Students are also required to complete a 120-hour internship and enroll into a practicum seminar. The minimum acceptable grade in each required course is 3.0 (B). Students scoring less than a B may repeat the course once before being dismissed from the program.

Required Courses: 12-13 hours

Elective Courses: 5-6 hours

Five to six hours from the following:

Additional applicable courses may be used in the elective area, with prior approval of the director of the program.

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