School of Social Work

Gerontology Certificate

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology (GCG) is an interdisciplinary course of study offered in collaboration with the Institute on Aging in the College of Urban and Public Affairs.  With careful planning, Masters of Social Work (MSW) students can complete both the GCG and MSW requirements with 79 total credits (This is one more credit than the usual MSW curriculum alone).  The certificate may be completed fully online or through both online and traditional classroom courses.     

Students pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology will learn:

  • how and why we age
  • ways to reduce the stigma around aging and optimize the aging process
  • the purpose, strengths, and challenges of programs and services for improving the quality of life for older people and their families

Students who earn their Graduate Certificate in Gerontology will be prepared to find employment in the field of aging services and will understand how to support, celebrate and care for older adults.  

MSW Students already enrolled in a graduate program at PSU

To add the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology to your MSW degree plan:

  1. Contact your advisor
  2. Complete the digital GO-19 form to add the certificate to your current course of study. Complete the student information part of the form, check the option "I wish to add to my present program." Instructions on how to fill out the form are available on the Graduate School's Digital GO Forms page. 

Required coursework for MSW students completing the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology include:

  • AGE 558 Perspectives in Aging
  • SW 544 Midlife and Beyond
  • SW 574 Social Work with Older Adults
  • Two additional electives must be taken from an approved gerontology list found in the student webcenter