Academics

Academics

Social Gerontology Certificate Program

Statistics indicate that the growth of America's elderly population will soon become so rapid that, by the middle of this century, we may no longer be a nation of the young. The demography of an aging society calls for an ever-increasing educated and informed public, and a work force qualified in addressing the needs of an aging society.

The Social Gerontology Certificate Program reflects this growing need to explore issues surrounding the "graying of America." It addresses the increased need for a comprehensive knowledge of the aging process and how it affects individuals and society as a whole.

The Social Gerontology Certificate Program is designed to provide knowledge that will help a variety of audiences understand and serve older adults. These audiences include undergraduate and professional students, and other individuals whose careers pertain to an older population.

For example, students or professionals in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, dietetics, social work, preventive medicine, continuing and adult education, and interior design may work with older people. In addition, the fields of pastoral ministry, psychology, sociology, economics, architecture, public policy, and urban planning are increasingly addressing gerontologic issues. This program will help individuals in such fields better meet the special needs of elders. The valuable insights gained can also strengthen and broaden professional and social relationships. Each course may be taken for one undergraduate credit (which satisfies an elective credit requirement) or the continuing education option.

Students completing this program will have a theoretical introduction to the field of Social Gerontology and they will have enhanced their knowledge and skills in a number of areas including:

• individual and social aspects of the aging process
  
  
• religion, belief and spirituality in later life
  
  
• causes and consequences of problems experienced by older persons
  
  
• provision of services and programs that promote the health and independence of older persons
  
  
• communication with older persons and among those who interact with them

The Social Gerontology Certificate Program can be completed in one year starting in January and finishing in December or courses can be taken individually.

Courses:
SOC200 Basic Introduction to Social Gerontology

SOC240 Ethnicity, Culture & the Older Adult

SOC241 Social Issues Related to the Graying of America

SOC242 Health & the Older Adult

SOC250 Communication & the Older Adult

SOC251 Losses of Later Life

SOC252 Social Consequences of Biological Aging

SOC253 Retirement: American Dream or Dilemma

View Course Descriptions 

For further information, please contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at (610) 558-5616 or (800) 9-NEUMANN or feel free to e-mail us at neumann@neumann.edu.