The M.S.W. certificate in aging and health 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 and aging issues.
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. 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.
The program is open to students in both clinical social work and management and policy specializations.
Requirements for Completion of the M.S.W. Certificate in Aging and Health
- One field placement in a setting relevant to aging and health in the specialized curriculum, for example in a nursing home, hospital, hospice, or county office on aging.
- Completion of the course 19:910:542 Advanced Contemporary Policy (formerly 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 19:910:547 Loss Across the Life Span (formerly HBSE: Loss across the Life Span) (3).
- Completion of another approved graduate elective related to aging within the School of Social Work such as 19:910:525 CSW: Aging or 19:910:572 Aging Services, A Critical Perspective.
- Completion
of another approved graduate elective related to health within the
School of Social Work such as 19:910:516 CSW: Health or 19:910:562 Chronic Illness and Disability.
Students should declare their intention to work toward the certificate before the beginning of their specialized curriculum to ensure their ability to meet the certificate's requirements. Students must apply for enrollment in the aging and health certificate.
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