The curriculum for The University of Georgia Graduate Certificate in Gerontology program is designed to meet six goals:
- Students are presented with a comprehensive theoretical overview of the field of gerontology. The interdisciplinary and integrative nature of gerontology is emphasized.
- In addition to a broad, interdisciplinary perspective, students are required to acquire a basic foundation in the psychology, biology/physiology, and sociology of aging.
- There are opportunities for students to have practical or hands-on experiences with older adults in the form of community service or course practica.
- Students are exposed to gerontological research techniques and methodologies, permitting them to develop their own analytic and evaluative skills.
- Students complete either a research project or field work placement practicum focused on some aspect of gerontology.
- Students supplement their own disciplinary academic expertise with gerontological content and methods to advance their aging research and practice.
Completion of the curriculum requires a total of eighteen semester hours of eligible graduate level courses.