certificates in gerontology.

The Certificate in Gerontology is not a degree, but represents a specialization at either the undergraduate or graduate level. It is intended that the student have a major discipline or area of degree work in addition to gerontology, although it is possible to pursue the specialization without seeking a degree. Students at three campuses of the University of Nebraska system--Omaha, Lincoln, and the Medical Center--are eligible to earn the certificate.

Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate specialization program requires:

1. Acceptance into a department or program at UNO, UN-L, or UNMC;
2. Completion of 15 semester hours of gerontology courses (usually five courses), a core of strongly recommended courses, including Introduction to Gerontology (GERO 2000), Psychology of Adult Development and Aging (GERO 4460), and Programs and Services for the Elderly (GERO 4670); and
3. Completion of 3 semester hours of GERO 4940: Practicum (15 hours per week for one semester) in an approved aging-related setting. If doing a combined practicum or internship with your major department, you will register for 3 hours in Gerontology and the required number in the other department. Previous aging-related professional experience may fulfill up to one-half of the practicum requirement.

The courses are chosen by the student--in consultation with the Gerontology Academic Adviser--to build an individualized program of study that will best meet the student's career goals.

It is also possible to earn the Bachelor of General Studies Degree with gerontology as an area of concentration. This requires, in addition to other BGS requirements, completion of 30 semester hours of gerontology (which can include up to three semester hours for practicum). Up to nine semester hours in nursing, social work, or public administration can be counted as an authorized allied field. Students interested in this should check with an academic advisor in the UNO CPACS, Division of Continuing Studies (554-2370).

Graduate Program

The graduate specialization program requires:

1. Application and acceptance into UNO Graduate Studies [Graduate Admission] and the UNO Graduate Certificate Program (this applies to UN-L and UNMC students also);
2. Completion of 15 semester hours of gerontology courses (usually five courses) including Applied Social Gerontology (GERO 9110); and
3. Completion of 3 semester hours of GERO 8940: Practicum (15 hours per week for one semester) in an approved aging-related setting. If doing a combined practicum or internship with your major department, you will register for 3 hours in Gerontology and the required number in the other department. Previous aging-related professional experience may fulfill up to one-half of the practicum requirement.

Although the graduate specialization closely resembles the undergraduate program, it extends and enlarges the undergraduate study and provides opportunities for administrative and research experience.

Download the Certificate Application; or call (402) 554-2272 for a brochure and application.

Please note: All certificate students must apply on-line and to the department directly to be considered for acceptance into a program of study. Undergraduate students are to apply to UNO admissions and graduate students are to apply to UNO Graduate Studies in order for an application to be correctly processed.