McDaniel College

The Center for the Study of Aging (CSA) at McDaniel College was established in 2006 to address specific unmet needs related to professional development and community resources regarding the care of and services for older adults. We believe that all people who work with and on behalf of older persons should understand aging and its affects so that they have the knowledge and tools to maximize the quality of life for older persons.

The Graduate Gerontology Certificate Program offered through the Center for the Study of Aging allows students to examine aging from a bio-psycho-social perspective. The program follows a professional orientation, focused on career-oriented knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The target audience is existing professionals in the senior service sector; professionals and others considering a career with elders; and individuals whose work or personal responsibilities include contact or working with aging adults.

This certificate program requires completion of 18 graduate credit hours in Gerontology.

Key features of the program include:
- Gain knowledge about aging and improve skills to maximize career opportunities in current employment arena or to enter the rapidly growing field of providing care and service to older adults.
- Program can be completed in a face-to-face, online, or hybrid format- combining both methods.
- Requires completion of six courses, allowing full-time students to complete the program in just one year.
- Credits earned in this program can be transferred to the M.S. in Gerontology program.
- Ability to tailor the program to fit your interests or career goals through choice of electives.
- CEUs available for social workers, psychologists, and counselors in MD and PA.

The gerontology minor offered through the Center for the Study of Aging at McDaniel College was the first in the country to be designated as a Program of Merit by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE). Program of Merit status indicates the program has voluntarily undergone a review by AGHE and found to adhere to or exceed national guidelines, expectations, and practices in gerontology education. To learn more about POM, visit the AGHE website.

Courses in the minor allow students to explore adulthood and aging processes and development and change that occur biologically, psychologically, and socially. The minor also provides exposure to ethical thinking, spirituality, policy and social support considerations, cross-cultural factors, and health care issues. Students examine current theories and research, analyze program, policy, and research issues, and complete an internship designed to expose them to gerontology work within their chosen major.