Undergraduate Certificate in Aging Studies

Students earning a baccalaureate degree in any major at OSU may earn a certificate in aging studies.

Certificates increase students' employability in the many professional areas related to aging.

Certification in aging studies is a nationally recognized way of identifying professionals' academic study in aging.

The certificate in aging studies requires 27 hours of study and includes a required core through which students study aging as an interactive process of physical, social, and psychological forces.

See requirements and declare the aging studies certificate.

Internship

In addition to gerontology courses, gerontology research and field study (internship) opportunities are available through several individual departments.

See Tasha Galardi, PhD HDFS Internship Coordinator for information.

Field study students need a supervisor from the department of their academic major, but the internship coordinator has information on gerontology opportunities. Students also must submit a form that enables internships to count toward the aging studies certificate requirement for field study. The form is available outside of the Gerontology Program Office. Students should think about internship plans as soon as possible in their programs of study. Up to six undergraduate credits of internship can be applied toward the Gerontology Certificate — so two internships may be feasible for many students.

National Honor Society (Sigma Phi Omega)

Sigma Phi Omega, the national honor society in gerontology, was founded in 1980 to recognize the excellence of those who study gerontology. OSU’s chapter, Beta Chi, is one of 48 active chapters with over 3,000 members across the U.S. The Program on Gerontology seeks qualified candidates who wish to be considered for membership in this prestigious organization. Membership is open to undergraduate students formally working toward a Gerontology Certificate and graduate students with a minor in gerontology; both must have completed at least one term at OSU. Undergraduates must have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.30; graduate students must have a GPA of at least 3.50. Faculty, alumni, and honorary memberships are also available. For more information vist Sigma Phi Omega

Healthy Aging Club (HAC)

The Healthy Aging Club formulates a meeting schedule during the fall quarter. Undergraduate and graduate students from all academic disciplines with an interest in gerontology are invited to join. The purpose of the HAC is to provide members with opportunities for professional development within the interdisciplinary field of gerontology through social activities, networking, community service projects, and educational programs. HAC is associated with the Oregon Gerontological Association, and membership in the student club includes membership in the state organization. Contact the Program Office for more information.

For more information contact

Program on Gerontology
Oregon State University
424 Waldo Hall
Corvallis OR 97331-5102
541-737-2024
Carolyn Aldwin, PhD