Program: Gerontology, Certificate - University of Nevada, Reno

University General Course Catalog 2024-2025

Apr 06, 2025

Students select the gerontology certificate program to acquire a deeper understanding of the field of aging; providing a foundation for professional development in many careers. The gerontology certificate program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum, and provides a broad base of knowledge as it is applied to the aging process. The program covers the biological, communicative, physiological, psychological, social, and health aspects of aging and includes a minimum of 135 hours of service learning experience with older adults.

NOTE: Students who are only enrolled in this program (not degree-seeking) are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid.

Contact Information

Gerontology Academic Program
Sanford Center for Aging
Center for Molecular Medicine, Room 150
gap@unr.edu
https://med.unr.edu/aging/gap

I. Program Requirements (24 units)

To complete the gerontology certificate, students must complete 18 credits of required core courses and 6 credits of electives. A core component of this program is a minimum of 135 hours of service learning.

A. Required Courses (18 units)

GERO 201 - Introduction to Aging Studies (3 units) CO10 (includes 30 hours service learning) OR
PBH 337 - Aging: An Interdisciplinary Approach (3 units) OR
GERO 337 - Aging: An Interdisciplinary Approach (3 units)
GERO 335 - Psychology of Aging (3 units) OR
PSY 335 - Psychology of Aging (3 units)
GERO 431 - A Life Course Perspective on Aging and Society (3 units) (includes 30 hours service learning) OR
GERO 440 - Perspectives On Aging (3 units) (includes 30 hours service learning)
GERO 430 - Aging and Health (3 units) CO10 OR
NURS 430 - Aging and Health (3 units) CO10 OR
SPA 421 - Communication and Aging (3 units) (includes 20 hours service learning)
PBH 470 - Public Health and Aging (3 units) CO13 OR
HDFS 456 - Death and Dying: Family and Lifespan Perspectives (3 units) OR
PSC 401Q - Generational Politics and Policy (3 units) OR
SOC 484 - Sociology of Death and Dying (3 units) CO12
GERO 499 - Gerontology Field Experience (3 units) CO14 (135 hours service learning) OR
Field experience course in other academic departments with approval from GAP Director.

B. Elective Courses (6 units)

NOTE: Any course listed above that was not taken as a “core” course may be used as an elective.

CAS 437 - Aging and Addiction (3 units) OR
GERO 437 - Aging and Addiction (3 units) OR
SW 437 - Aging and Addiction (3 units)
GERO 485 - Selected Topics in Gerontology (3 units)
PSY 448 - Geropsychology: Independent Study (1 to 3 units)
SW 461 - Social Services in Death, Dying and Bereavement (3 units) CO10
SW 465 - Social Service Programs and Services for Older Adults (3 units)
NOTE: With prior approval from the GAP Director, other courses may be accepted as elective if over half of the content pertains to aging.