The Gerontology Certificate is a special program within the School of Social Work for graduate students who seek focused training in aging. The program does not require students to complete any additional work beyond the credit requirements of the core master of social work (M.S.W.) program curriculum; instead, it requires students to focus activities that fulfill general requirements of the M.S.W. curriculum specifically on gerontology.
In addition to the benefit of the educational experiences that the certificate program facilitates, students who complete the certificate program receive a document that certifies their completion of the program. The receipt of this certificate can be listed on students' résumés and is acknowledged at graduation. The certificate also allows students to affiliate with a professional network in gerontological social work within the school, university, state, and beyond. This network provides key resources that support dynamic careers in aging, particularly within social work.
Students in any of the school's graduate programs, including the advanced standing and two- or four-year programs, may earn the certificate. The program is open to students in both Direct Practice and Nonprofit and Public Management and to students at any of the three Rutgers campuses, including Camden, Newark, and New Brunswick.
Requirements for Completion of the Gerontology Certificate
- One field placement in a setting relevant to aging in the advanced program year, for example in a nursing home, hospital, hospice, or county office on aging, or any other setting where students will spend at least half of their hours working with or on behalf of older adults.
- Completion of the course 19:910:542 Social Welfare Policy and Services II: Health and Aging (3), using the older population as the primary focus for papers, class presentations, case analyses, etc.
- Completion of the course 19:910:572 Gerontology as an elective. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in this course as their general elective in their foundation year.
- Completion of another approved graduate elective related to aging within the School of Social Work or a related academic unit such as 19:910:562 Understanding the Impact of Death and Terminal Illness.
Students should declare their intention to work toward the certificate before the beginning of their advanced program year to ensure their ability to meet the certificate's requirements. In order to pursue the certificate, students should complete an enrollment form for the certificate and submit it to Professor Emily Greenfield at 536 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 or by email to egreenf@rci.rutgers.edu.
