*This program has been discontinued and no new students are being enrolled*

Gerontology is a growing field as 70 million baby boomers approach the aging years. Currently this group comprises one-quarter of the US population. This group is redefining aging by being motivated to push systems toward change, eliminating negative stereotypes of aging and staying active and productive.

Statistics:

• Currently one in five residents in western North Carolina is over age 60
• In 2010 18.5% of the population  in western North Carolina will be 65 and over compared to 12.5%  statewide. Currently 12% of the NC population is 65 and over as compared to 12.4% for the US.
• In 2030 20% of the US population will be over age 65

Gerontology Certificate

The graduate level certificate in gerontology is offered through the College of Health and Human Sciences. Graduate students are offered engaged learning experiences focused on healthy aging in a variety of interdisciplinary fields such as: gerontology, counseling, interior design, marketing, nursing, physical therapy and nutrition.

Program Focus - The focus of the certificate program is to prepare professionals:

• to promote a healthy and vibrant lifestyle among the aging individuals they serve ;
• to assess their own health and well-being and make needed lifestyle changes;
• to make positive contributions in the lives of aging adults within their communities; and
• to prepare students to assume leadership roles in both current and evolving workforce opportunities created by an aging society

Hours Required: The certificate program consists of 15 credit hours (5 courses):

• 3 hours - GERN 510 Healthy and Integrative Aging
• 3 hours - GERN 688  Gerontology Practicum
• 9 hours - Selected from specific courses in gerontology, health sciences, psychology, nursing, nutrition, or philosophy

Program Format: Courses are online and require two-three face to face class meetings with the instructor per semester.

Program Outcomes: Upon completion of the Certificate program students will be able to:

1. Know about the field of gerontology and the current research
2. Identify agencies and organizations that offer services and funding, which impact the aging population.
3. Describe the local, state and national resources on aging
4. Contribute to your local community as an advocate for older adults
5. Appreciate the contributions and potential of the aging population.

Admission Requirements: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited university (Minimum 2.75 GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework). Applicants with a prior graduate degree are exempt from the GPA requirement.

Applicants must submit the following:

• a completed application with fee; apply online (http://www.wcu.edu/5642.asp) and
• an undergraduate transcript

Computer Requirements: Minimum Hardware/Software:

• Computer with 800 mhz processor or higher  
• Operating system Windows XP
• Internet Browser Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, Mozilla Firefox or Netscape 4.0
• Multimedia audio speakers and microphone or headset
• CDROM 48x or faster
• Internet connection (Cable, DSL or Satellite preferred)
• MS Office XP/2003/2007
• Adobe Acrobat Reader

Necessary Computer Skills:  You should be able to:

1. Effectively navigate the Internet using an Internet browser.
2. Send/receive email including attachments.
3. Download/upload files.
4. Play multimedia using RealPlayer, Windows Media Player or other similar software.
5. Comfortably use Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint, as well as Adobe Acrobat Reader.
6. Identify and use computer files of varying formats (.doc, docx, .xls, .ppt, .htm, .mpg, .jpg, etc.)

Master of Health Sciences Program

For individuals who decide to pursue a Master of Health Sciences degree, participants in the Gerontology Certificate program may have the opportunity to transfer up to 12 hours (on approval of the MHS Program Director) of Certificate course work.

Which program is best for you?  Contact the Program Director or Program Coordinator (listed below)

Faculty & Staff

Judy M. Babb, EdD
Assistant Professor, School of Health Sciences
828-227-7113

Vincent P. Hall, Ph.D., R.N.
Department Head , Associate Professor, School of Nursing
207 Moore
Cullowhee, NC 28723
828-227-7467

Steve Henson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, College of Business
311 Forsyth
828-227-3227

Judy L. Mallory, Ed.D., C.H.P.N.
Assistant Professor, School of Nursing
205 Moore
Cullowhee, NC 28723
828-227-3527

Jane Nichols
Assistant Professor, School of Art & Design
Belk Building
828-227-2178

Candace Roberts
Assistant Professor, School of Art & Design
Belk Building
828-227-2151

Lori Schrodt, P.T., M.S.
Assistant Professor, School of Physical Therapy
309 Moore
828-227-2379

Valerie Schweibert, Ph.D.
Professor, Counseling/Human Services, College of Education & Allied Professions
213 Killian
828-227-3281