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Certificate in Gerontology

The certificate program in Gerontology functions as part of the Colleges of Worcester Consortium. It is designed to provide students with an understanding of the multidisciplinary field of gerontology and to stimulate critical thinking about the emerging issues of an aging society.

Applicants to the certificate program in Gerontology must hold a bachelor’s degree or apply to be enrolled in a bachelor degree program in Continuing Education.

The certificate program consists of the seven required courses listed below. At least five of these courses must be taken at Assumption College.

Core Courses: (12 credits)
• Aging in Society
• Aging and Health (offered at U. Mass. Medical School
through Assumption)
• Psychology of Aging
• Policy & Aging (offered off- campus through Assumption)

One Elective: (3 credits) from the following:
• Issues in Loss and Grief
• Women and Aging
• Social Problems
• The Family in Society
• Gender Issues in Society
• Elder Law

Capstone: (6 credits)
• Gerontology Practicum

Additional elective courses other than those listed above may be used to fulfill elective requirements based on approval by the Coordinator of the Worcester Consortium Gerontology Studies Program. The Coordinator and/or Faculty Representative advises on internship placements. Students who have worked full-time for at least one year with an elderly population may petition the program coordinator for a waiver of one of the two 3-credit internship requirements, replacing the internship with an additional elective course. Students planning on registering for the practicum must meet with the Coordinator by March 15 for a Summer or Fall practicum or October 1 for a Spring practicum.

Note: Some courses are offered through the Colleges of Worcester Consortium schools, and may be held in the afternoon; Students with specific questions regarding the Gerontology Program should contact Ms. Kelly Niles-Yokum at the Colleges of Worcester Consortium at (508) 754-6829, x 3017, or at knilesyokum@cowc.org

For information on special events sponsored by the COWC Gerontology Program, please visit their calendar website.