Certificate Program in Gerontology

As the average age of our population increases, there is a parallel increasing need for skilled persons to work with and assist in caring for this older population. This certificate is designed for those wishing to meet this need. Courses in this certificate program may be completed on campus or at off-campus sites where they are available. Students must be cleared for admission by the Ball State University Graduate School (click on this link Admissions). New students are required to pay an application fee in addition to course fees. International students must apply through the Rinker Center for International Programs.

Benefits

      •   Certificate may be used to validate skills and expertise held by person in
          professional positions who work with the aging.
      •   Program enables people working with the aging to gain useful, practical skills and
          expertise.
      •   Certificate prepares people to enter the field of gerontology.
      •   Program provides skill and knowledge to persons who have responsibility of older
          relatives or friends.
      •   Each course carries credit that may be applied to a variety of graduate degree
          programs.

Curriculum

The Certificate in Gerontology will be awarded on completion of six courses. The criteria were based on recommendations set by the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE).

Required Courses – 9 credit hours
Choose three courses from below:
GERON 598A – Aging in Communities (3 credit hours)
GERON 598B – Health, Wellness, and Aging (3 credit hours)
GERON 598C – Psychological Aspects of Aging (3 credit hours)
GERON 605 – Aging Well: A Systems Approach (3 credit hours)

Elective Hours – 9 credit hours
Choose three courses from the below suggested courses:
EDAD 540 – Educational Gerontology: Educating Society about Older Adults (3 credit hours)
EDAC 638 – Program Planning in Community and Adult Education (3 credit hours)
EDAC 648 – The Community Educator (3 credit hours)
EDAC 681 – The Grant Process and Research (3 credit hours)
HSC 571 – Death and Dying (3 credit hours)
MGT 500 – Managing Organizational Behavior (3 credit hours)
MKG 505 – Survey of Marketing (3 credit hours)

Service Learning

One or more of the courses may include a service-learning component. Service Learning experiences include either an individual or group activity in which credit is provided for the learning gained not for the service delivered.

Community Center for Vital Aging

For those located in the Muncie area, the Community Center for Vital Aging is a great location to interact in a variety of ways with aging adults primarily age 50 and above.

Careers in Aging

Those who take the Certificate Program come from varied work and personal backgrounds. Past students have ranged from architect and insurance agents to health care providers and private consultants. The Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology is a long-standing member of the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education and the faculty is highly involved with this organization.

Contact Information

Dr. Kathy A. Segrist
Associate Director/Program Director Gerontology
ksegrist@bsu.edu
Debbie Sheller, Academic Assistant
dsheller@bsu.edu
Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology (PL225)
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306
Phone: 1-888-WELLBSU or (765) 285-8259
Fax: (765) 285-8259