Coordinator: Mary Jo Spicer
S-211 Henderson Building
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 863-8000
E-mail: mjs6@psu.edu
The certificate program in Adult Development and Aging Services is designed as a flexible opportunity for gaining knowledge and professional development for people interested in working with older adults in a variety of community settings.
The program enhances knowledge and skills of people for service roles in area agencies on aging, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other institutions for the aged, public welfare and family service agencies, mental health facilities, as well as roles in business and industry dealing with older consumers and/or employees.
The program has been designed in concert with the Penn State Gerontology Center. The certificate can supplement the student's prior education by providing a foundation of understanding of later life. Courses in the certificate also can be applied toward degree programs such as the associate degree in Human Development and Family Studies (2EHFS)(adult development and aging option) or a baccalaureate degree in one of several fields at the university.
A total of 15 credits is required for the certificate. The courses are divided into a Professional Core (9 credits) and Professional Electives (6 credits).
Courses in the program are available through Resident Instruction, Continuing Education, and the World Campus. Based on evidence of earned credits or approved academic experiences at other accredited higher education institutions, certain course requirements may be waived and appropriate Penn State courses may be substituted for them. All substitutions and course waivers must be approved by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies.
Professional Core (12 credits):
BIOL 155 (GN)
HD FS 249 (GS)
H P A 101
SOC 035
Professional Electives (6 credits):
Choose one course from the following courses:
Select from HD FS 129 (GS), HD FS 216, HD FS 301, HD FS 311, HD FS 315 or 315Y (US), NUTR 251 (GHA), PSYCH 100 (GS), SOC 001 (GS)