Gerontology is the interdisciplinary study of (1) the human life cycle, (2) the elderly and related issues, and (3) the relationships between the generations. The Gerontology program is designed to establish an expertise that will enhance and compliment the analytical skills that the student acquires as part of the major area of study. This expertise may be used as preparation to specialize within the career area related to the student's major area of study or to pursue further academic training in graduate or medical school.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE UNDERGRADUATE GERONTOLOGY CERTIFICATE
Students who wish to earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Gerontology must complete 21 semester hours, including an internship that will expose the student directly to the elderly. The internship must be approved by the program director during the semester prior to placement.

Approved courses are offered in various departments as well as in Gerontology. Students are encouraged to pursue the Gerontology Certificate in conjunction with degree programs.

INTERNSHIP (Required)
Internship in Gerontology (GRN 496) or equivalent (for example, Sociology majors may substitute SY 496 with Director's approval.)

GRADUATE PROGRAM IN GERONTOLOGY
The aim of this certificate program is to transmit a core of cognitive knowledge and skills in gerontology. Requirements for admission are the same as those of the Graduate School. Students seeking to obtain Graduate Certification in Gerontology should either hold a graduate degree, or concurrently be enrolled in a graduate program.

The Graduate Certificate Program at USA requires a minimum of seven courses (21 hours) with grades of A or B, including Aging in American Society (SY 523) and an approved internship. It strongly recommends Public Policy in Aging (PSC 581) and Ethical Considerations in the Care of the Aging (HSC 550).

The gerontology internship (GRN 596) is required or an equivalent internship experience within the student's discipline. The internship must allow the student to apply skills to work with older individuals and their families. Research shows that positive, supportive attitudes toward aging are best developed through personal involvement with older people. The skill of applying knowledge to the problems of the elderly is developed in experiential learning situations. Therefore, an internship is required unless the student demonstrates substantial previous experience with the client population. In that event, a directed study or an additional academic course in aging may be substituted for the internship. A maximum of 6 credit hours of internship and 6 credit hours of directed study may be applied toward the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. The internship must be approved by the program director during the quarter prior to placement.

All courses and substitutions must be approved by the Director. The student must work closely with the Director and with the Advisor in the major area of specialization to develop the best program possible to meet career goals. Directed Studies and Special Topics courses may be used to fulfill program requirements if approved by the Director. Following are the courses approved for the Graduate Certificate (a maximum of two 400-level undergraduate courses may be included in the Graduate Certificate Program:

Courses which are taken as part of a degree program may be considered for credit toward the certificate provided they are approved by the Director of the University Programs in Gerontology, the Director of Graduate Studies in the College offering the degree, and the Dean of the Graduate School. For further information about the program contact Dr. Roma Stovall Hanks, Director, USA Programs in Gerontology, HUMB 34, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002; phone: (334)460-6347; fax: (334)460-7925; E-Mail: rhanks@usamail.usouthal.edu

DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL GERONTOLOGY (GRN) COURSES
Courses approved for the program but offered in other departments are described under departmental listings.