Gerontology is the interdisciplinary study of aging and adult development. While most of us will experience being an older adult and engage with older persons in our personal and professional lives, many of us remain uninformed of the diverse realities and opportunities of aging and growing old. Certificate completers will be empowered to enhance the lives of older adults in a changing environment as well as address related challenges in their local, state, national, and global communities.
Career-Defining Curriculum
This certificate is designed for a student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at UW-Stout who wants to expand their employment opportunities by completing this certificate or for someone already working in the field who wishes to complete the certificate on a part-time basis in order to enhance their expertise in gerontology.
Certificate Requirements
Program Objectives
- Examine the normative and nonnormative biological, psychological, and social changes associated with aging.
- Demonstrate the ability to provide effective direct and indirect services that meet the diverse and evolving needs of older adults.
- Develop inclusive and equitable practices, processes, and programs that empower individuals and families through the aging process across the life course.
Demand for Training in Gerontology
The population aged 65 and older in the United States is expected to double from 46 million to 96 million by 2060 and the population aged 80 and over is expected to triple. In Wisconsin, a 72% increase in the population aged 65 and older is projected through 2040, with 18 counties having one-third or more of their total population in this age group.
According to the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education, “The demand for professionals with expertise in aging is growing rapidly…The field of gerontology and aging is very diverse, offering different employment opportunities… The relative newness of the field means that there are opportunities for innovative ideas, new programs and products.”
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Related Programs at UW-Stout
For current UW-Stout students, this certificate aligns well with the following undergraduate and graduate programs:
- B.S. Applied Social Science
- B.S. Business Administration
- B.S. Criminal Justice & Rehabilitation
- B.S. Dietetics
- B.S. Health, Wellness & Fitness
- B.S. Human Development & Family Studies
- B.S. Psychology
- B.S. Rehabilitation Services
- M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. Dietetics & Nutrition
- M.S. Healthcare Administration
- M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy
- M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling
Related Fields of Career Enhancement
Professionals in the field looking to upskill in this area may include, but are not limited to, the following fields:
- Corporate Managers & Leaders
- Engineers, Architects & Designers
- Government Health/Human Services Agencies
- Human Resources
- K-12 Educators & Administrators
- Medical Professionals
- Non-profit Organizations
- Nursing Homes/Assisted Living Facilities
- Therapists & Clinicians
- Any professional seeking to better serve older adults and leverage the opportunities of aging