Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services

Department of Human Development and Family Studies 

The gerontology certification program is an interdepartmental program designed to help prepare students for careers involving older individuals. Upon completion, the certificate is listed on the student transcript in addition to any majors and minors. USU is one of only two universities in the state that offers this certificate. Aging services is a growing field, and learning about the concerns and needs of older adults in this program can make students more marketable when they graduate.

This certificate complements a variety of majors, including sociology, psychology, social work, and any health-related majors. Students take required courses in human development and family studies, and choose electives for the remainder of their classes from areas including sociology, social work, nutrition, and more.

In addition to required and elective coursework, students participate in a gerontology practicum in which they gain experience in the field for course credit. They also participate in the Student Gerontology Association which provides service to the community and gives them exposure to professional opportunities in the field.

The gerontology certificate is available through USU’s Statewide Campuses and Distance Education program.

The Gerontology Certificate is 16 total credits. All Gerontology coursework must carry a letter grade. Gerontology courses may not be taken pass/fail. A grade of C or better is required in all Gerontology Certificate coursework to count towards the certificate. In addition, the GPA for Gerontology Certificate coursework must be 3.0 or higher. Students are responsible for completing prerequisite courses where applicable.