About This Certificate
The gerontology certification program is an interdepartmental program designed to help prepare students for careers involving older individuals. USU is one of only two universities in the state that offers this certificate.
This certificate complements a variety of majors, including sociology, psychology, social work, and any health-related majors. Students take required courses in family, consumer, and human development, and choose electives for the remainder of their classes from areas including sociology, social work, nutrition, and more.
Aging services is a growing field, and learning about the concerns and needs of older adults in this program can make students more marketable when they graduate.
What You Will Learn
In addition to required and elective coursework, students participate in a gerontology practicum, in which they gain experience in the field for course credit. They also participate in the Student Gerontology Association, which provides service to the community and gives them exposure to professional opportunities in the field.
ADVISING
At a Glance
College: Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services
Department: Human Development and Family Studies Department
USU Locations:
- Logan campus
- Statewide campuses
- USU Online
Learn More: Program website
Program Requirements
Career And Outcomes
Career Opportunities
This certificate can complement a student’s major to prepare them to work with older adults in a variety of settings, including:
- Senior citizen centers
- Residential care centers
- Long-term care facilities
- Counseling facilities
- Health education programs
- Advocacy/intervention programs
- Agency on Aging offices
- Federal organizations that provide services
- Nonprofit service organizations for the elderly
The Career and Design Center provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.
Job Outlook
USU Locations
*This degree is available at various USU locations.
- Beaver
- Bicknell
- Blanding
- Brigham City
- Castle Dale
- Cedar City
- Delta
- Ephraim
- Heber City
- Junction
- Kanab
- Kaysville
- Moab
- Montezuma Creek
- Monticello
- Monument Valley
- Nephi
- Orem
- Panguitch
- Park City
- Price (USU Eastern)
- Richfield
- Roosevelt (Uintah Basin)
- Salt Lake
- St George
- Tooele
- Tremonton
- Vernal (Uintah Basin)
- Wendover
**This degree is 100% available online. USU is a SARA-approved institution offering fully online programs nationwide; please visit USU's state authorizations for details.
Admission
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the gerontology certificate program, students must complete the following application process:
- Complete the gerontology certificate application specifying your intended course of study
- Provide a current unofficial student transcript
- Complete a one- to two-page essay as outlined on the last page of the application form
Program Requirements
Students are required to participate in the USU Student Gerontology Association for a minimum of two semesters.
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Cost and Aid
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How to Apply
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