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Majors, minors & more

Aging/Gerontology

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences

Offered as:: Certificate

Overview

The aging minor and certificate focus on the complex ways that adult development is influenced by biological, family, neighborhood, school, and community factors. They prepare students for careers in settings that focus on aging populations and older individuals.

The minor in aging is available to all WSU students in any major; the certificate in gerontology is earned by completing the program in aging that is part of the human development major.

Strengths of the program

Students can receive a certificate in gerontology by completing the aging minor and serving a semester-long internship in an employment setting serving older individuals.
Focus on physical, social, cognitive, and affective development with an emphasis on development within the family.
Develop skills for working in a variety of human service and educational settings.
Gain a broad perspective on individual and family development through faculty from a range of disciplines and professional areas.

Signature courses

The Department of Human Development offers courses that give you the fundamentals of the human development field and help you specialize in aging issues.

Adulthood Through Older Years
Family Systems: Understanding Family Interaction
Research Approaches to Human Development
Resource Management and Problem Solving
Theories of Human Development
Public Policy Issues Impacting Families and Individuals
Nutrition for Living
Adulthood Through the Older Years
Gerontology
Psychology of Aging
Sociology of Aging
Social Work with the Aging

More information on the aging minor and gerontology certificate is available from the Department of Human Development site.

Note: Consult the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

Scholarships and financial aid

All students at WSU are invited to apply for scholarships and financial aid. Each year, thousands of students at WSU share in nearly $200 million of scholarships and other aid based on varying combinations of academic merit and financial need.

For students in aging/gerontology studies

Students in the human development program are eligible to compete for scholarships from the Department of Human Development and the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.

For all students

Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.

See the scholarships and finances section of the WSU website for more information on eligibility and how to apply.

Suggested strengths, interests, and preparation

Desire to strengthen individuals, families, and communities
Interest in current social issues and policies that impact families or individual family members
Sensitivity to the valuable contributions and unique needs of all people
Desire to learn about the development of individuals, families, and communities

Careers in aging: Human development graduates with an aging specialty are employed in adult day care centers, nursing homes, home care services, community organizations that deliver services to older adults, and many others. Students are also prepared to pursue graduate education in human development.