Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Gerontology Curriculum
(completion of 18 semester hours)

Core Courses ( 9 credit hrs)	Independent Learning (IL) (3 credit hrs)	Elective Courses (total 6 credit hrs)
Choose ALL	Choose ONE	Choose TWO
GRN 501 (3 credits)	GRN 552 (3 credits)	GRN 502 (3 credits)
GRN 506 (3 credits)	GRN 560 (3 credits)	GRN 505 (3 credits)
GRN 507 (3 credits)		GRN 508 (3 credits)
		GRN 509 (3 credits)
		GRN 510 (3 credits)
		GRN 552 (3 credits) if not used for IL
		GRN 560 (3 credits) If not used for IL
		GRN 566 (3 credits)

Visit Gerontology Course Calendar for schedule of course offerings.

Course Descriptions
Required Core Courses (9 credit hours)
GRN 501 Interdisciplinary Approaches to Gerontology 3 credits
This course provides an introduction to the bio-psycho-social changes of aging.  The course will implement a life course framework examining changing age structure and the aging of the individual. Included in discussion will be theories and research exploring aging from an individual and societal perspective. Stereotyping, age discrimination, social policies, and career opportunities will also be addressed. Note: This course is a pre-requisite for all other courses.

GRN 506 Biology of Aging 3 credits
This course examines the physiological, genetic, nutritional, and other biological aspects of the aging human body. Course will include the impact of disease, stress, neurological and endocrinological change, as well as research being done at the molecular, cellular, metabolic, and population levels to increase and promote the heath of the aging population.

GRN 507 Psychosocial Aspects of Aging 3 credits
This course examines the connection between the sociological forces and psychological challenges involved in the process of aging. A developmental perspective addressing infancy through old age is presented, with an emphasis on the changes, which occur in later adulthood. Issues such as ageism, retirement, elder abuse, and death and dying are considered.

Independent Learning (3 credit hours) Choose one (1):
GRN 552 Internship in Gerontology 3 credits
Field experiences will be conducted under the supervision of an on-site supervisor and a gerontology faculty member. Note: This elective must be chosen if student does not have experience working with an older population. However, students with significant documented and verifiable experience working with an older population can request that this experience be reviewed and credit earned for life experience.

GRN 560 Capstone in Gerontology 3 credits
The graduate level capstone project in Gerontology is intended to be a review of gerontological literature on a topic of interest or a practical project. The student and his or her certificate advisor will agree on the topic, structure, and criteria for the capstone project. The student will be required to work independently and produce a paper illustrating advanced knowledge of a specific topic in Gerontology. The final document will be prepared following APA guidelines and presented using power point software to Gerontology faculty members and other interested individuals.

Elective Courses (6 credit hours) Choose two (2):
Note: In addition to the electives listed below, students can transfer up to 6 semester hours in elective credits from another graduate program at McDaniel College.
GRN 502 Understanding and Combating Ageism 3 credits
This course examines the origins and causes of ageism in our country. The effect of ageist attitudes in the workplace, customer care, and care giving will also be addressed. Potential ways of reducing its prevalence and consequences will be explored.

GRN 505 Public Policy and Aging 3 credits
This course examines trends and the changing roles of local, state, and federal agencies in the planning, managing, and evaluation of programs in comprehensive, coordinated systems of service for older persons.

GRN 508 Nutrition and Aging 3 credits
This course examines how nutritional requirements and metabolism are influenced by the aging process. Dietary changes to offset the effects of aging and disease to improve the quality of life will be explored. Community and institutional food programs will be discussed. GRN 506 is a pre-requisite for this course.

GRN 509 Sexuality and Aging 3 credits
This course examines the physical, psychological, spiritual and social aspects of sexuality in aging persons.  Attention will focus on the effects of physical illness, mental illness and pharmaceuticals. The effects of life stress and aging processes, societal norms and the social domains of living arrangements and financial and social support systems as determinants of the older person’s sexual desire and expression will also be examined.

GRN 510 Geriatric Pharmacology 3 credits
Students will learn about common medical and psychiatric conditions related to aging (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, elevated cholesterol, depression) and corresponding pharmacological treatment options. Included will be a discussion of the FDA approval process for new drugs and review of existing medications. Costs of medications will also be addressed as well as programs aimed at reducing these costs. GRN 506 is a pre-requisite for this course.

GRN 552 Internship in Gerontology 3 credits
Field experiences will be conducted under the supervision of an on-site supervisor and a gerontology faculty member. 

GRN 560 Capstone in Gerontology 3 creditsThe graduate level capstone project in Gerontology is intended to be a review of gerontological literature on a topic of interest or a practical project. The student and his or her certificate advisor will agree on the topic, structure, and criteria for the capstone project. The student is required to work independently and produce a paper illustrating advanced knowledge of a specific topic in Gerontology. The final document will be prepared following APA guidelines and presented using power point software to Gerontology faculty members and other interested individuals.

GRN 566 Special Topics 3 credits
This course will focus on various topics pertaining to the field of gerontology. The topics change periodically and will be fully described in the graduate bulletin published each semester.