Curriculum Document

Justification:

The field of gerontology has rapidly expanded over the past 20 years, and continues to do so because the

number of elders in the United States is expected to increase until the year 2050.  Because of this, the

number of services geared towards the elderly, such as senior centers and adult day services centers, and

residential facilities for the elderly, such as retirement communities and nursing facilities are increasing.

This has expanded the job opportunities for people interested in working with the elderly.  Many people

who start working with the elderly lack specific knowledge of the elderly.

This proposal is for a Certificate in Gerontology for those who are already working with the elderly and

want to have a specialized credential in gerontology to enhance their career, or who are considering a

change in career.  The certificate would be available to students who do not have a Baccalaureate degree,

as well as those who have a Baccalaureate degree in another field of study.  

Current: None                                                                       

Proposed:  A total of 24 credits to include the following:

15 Credits to include the following courses:

_____ -BHS 3xx Physical Aging, Health and Behavior

_____ -SOC 430 Sociology of Aging

_____ -SOC 431 Services to the Aged

_____ -SOC 460 Field Experience in Gerontology

_____ -PSY 363 Human Development III: Adulthood

6 Credits chosen from any one of the following courses:

_____ -COM 365 Communication and Aging

_____ -COM 371Communication and Health

_____ -F& N 360 Nutrition and aging

_____ -FM 2xx Exercise Physiology through the Life Span

_____ -PSY 535 Psychology of Death and Dying

_____ -SOC 440 Sociology of Health and Health Care

_____ -Independent Studies on issues relevant to aging

_____ -3 general elective credits chosen from any university department.

Impact on Students:  This certificate is geared towards people working in the community who want or

require specialized training to advance in a career or to begin a career in gerontology.  Since there are no

other certificate programs in Gerontology offered in Northwest Indiana, students will not have to drive to

Michigan or Chicago for this opportunity.  After fulfilling the requirements for a certificate, some students

may be inspired to pursue a Baccalaureate Degree in a related field, such as Psychology or Sociology.   

What other Academic Departments will be impacted?

Summarize any discussions with the departments listed above:

This certificate particularly represents collaboration among four divisions within the Behavioral Science Department.

Impact on University Resources: 

Staffing – Currently no additional faculty are required, although if circumstances change, there may be future need for additional tenure track faculty

Resources – Deepening primary bibliographic resources and broadening secondary bibliographic resources in the university library

Impact on General Education Requirements:  None.