General Catalog 2003-2004
November, 2003

The University Gerontology Center is a university-wide interdisciplinary program administered through the College of Nursing.

Center Office: 591 College of Nursing, 581-8198

Mailing Address: 10 S. 2000 E., Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5880

Web Address: www.nurs.utah.edu/Gerontology

Interim Director, Sue E. Huether, RN, PhD

Other Administrators:

Michael S. Caserta, Ph.D., Associate Director for Graduate Studies & Practicum Coordinator;

Scott, D. Wright, Ph.D., Associate Director for Distance Education

Dale A. Lund PhD., Associate Director Certificate Programs

Faculty

Professor. D. Lund.

Professor G. Pepper

Associate Professors. M. Caserta, S. Wright.

Associate Professor Emerita. J. Kasteler.

Assistant Professor (Clinical). Y. Sehy.

Adjunct Professor. A. Barusch.

Adjunct Associate Professor. , M. Bergstrom, J.R. Connelly.

Adjunct Assistant Professors. P. Maramaldi, D. Poulton, S. Salari, J. Wright.

Adjunct Instructors. D. Adams, M. Campbell, K. Dansie, A. Dresel, J. Eaton, K. Girton, H. Goddard,
J. LeBer, K. McCloskey, B. Rigby, S.J. Rice-Obray, S. Rossa, S. Sinclair, 

Additional faculty are drawn from departments campuswide.

Gerontology Center

As a basic and applied science, gerontology examines specific changes in older
individuals as well as the broader social issues confronting them. The Center's
theme of “promoting optimal aging and intergenerational relationships
throughout the life course” influences its teaching, research, and service
activities. The interdisciplinary university-wide Center (since 1972) offers two programs: the Master of Science, approved by the Board of Regents in 1993, and the Certificate in Gerontology (undergraduate and graduate) for matriculated or nonmatriculated students. The Master's program is one of the nation's few and Utah's only state-assisted program. For additional information about these programs, contact the Gerontology Center or visit the gerontology Web site at www.nurs.utah.edu/Gerontology. In 2001, both the undergraduate and graduate certificates became available fully online through WebCT courses.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available to qualified graduate and certificate students.
For information about financial assistance, please contact the University's
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, 105 Student Services Building.

Some scholarships are available through the Gerontology Center. For
information, contact the Center Office at (801)581-8198.

Western Regional Graduate Program

The center participates in the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP)
coordinated by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.
Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico,
North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming are
participants. Eligible graduate students may enroll at resident tuition rates.
There are no financial eligibility criteria to be met.

Master of Science (M.S.) Degree

The Master of Science Degree program is designed to prepare individuals to
work in programs related to aging or older adults. Graduate students in
gerontology come from a wide variety of undergraduate fields of study and are
interested in pursuing careers as administrators, practitioners, service providers,
researchers, or educators in the field of aging.

Specialization. Four areas of concentration are available to Master of Science
degree students in gerontology. The areas of concentration include the
following:

Research and Evaluation - This area of concentration will prepare students to (1) design and implement research studies in aging, (2) design and conduct
evaluations of aging-related programs, (3) interpret and critique research and
evaluations of aging programs, and (4) understand and appreciate the unique
features of doing research and evaluation with older populations.

Long-Term Care and Aging Services Administration - This area of concentration will prepare students to (1) apply administrative knowledge and skills to lead and coordinate the work required for an aging-related health care facility, agency, or organization; (2) promote understanding of the complexity of the normal aging process as affected by acute and chronic pathological
processes; (3) be familiar with the array of services that represent long-term
care; and (4) sit for the Nursing Home Administrator Licensing
Examination. Those students wishing to qualify for licensure as nursing home
administrators will need to complete requirements associated with the
Administration in Training license. These hours “in training” may count toward
practicum requirements.

Educational Gerontology and Lifelong Learning - This area of concentration is designed to provide academic experience for graduate students interested in the field of adult education that encompasses a vast array of learning environments in universities, community colleges, the corporate sector, and other community education sites. In addition to the core curriculum in Gerontology, graduate students are encouraged to select courses from other
designated departments to enhance their skills in working with adults in
educational settings.

Geriatric Care Management - This area of concentration will prepare students to practice as professional geriatric care managers in a variety of settings.  Students are prepared to (1) perform comprehensive individualized
assessments of elders and their families; (2) develop plans of care; (3) identify
care and service options; (4) make referrals for financial, legal, social, and
health care services; (5) coordinate and monitor care and services obtained;
(6) evaluate and modify care management plans; and (7) provide education,
support, and advocacy for older clients and their families. Students desiring to
be nationally certified must complete the program specialty didactic and clinical
practicum requirements and meet eligibility requirements to take a national
certification examination.

Admission.

Students must be admitted to the Graduate School of the University of Utah and separately to the Gerontology Center Program.  The admission process includes filing the Application for Admission to Graduate School (see attached form or by request from Gerontology Center) with the University Admissions Office, 250 Student Services Building and the Gerontology Center, room 590 CON (College of Nursing).  The University of Utah Graduate School Application Form can be obtained directly from that office and needs to be returned to that office no later than March 1, to be considered for our program.  The deadline for application to the Gerontology Center is April 1 for fall semester admission. A $20.00 processing fee is required with all applications (payable to the Gerontology Center).  A separate application fee is required by the Graduate School.  All students who apply to the Gerontology Center Graduate Program (Master's Degree) by April 1, and are accepted into the Program, will be considered as matriculated for a Fall Semester start-up.  However, these new graduate students may request to be matriculated in the Summer Session immediately following their acceptance into the Gerontology Center Master's Degree program provided that they meet with the Coordinator of Graduate Studies for consultation prior to summer registration for coursework.  Those who plan to begin in the Summer Session must indicate a summer start date on their initial Graduate School application form. Decisions for admission into the Master's program are usually made by mid-May.

Admission requirements are:

1.Baccalaureate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0
scale.
2.Satisfactory achievement, within the past 5 years, on the Graduate
Record Examination (GRE).  GRE scores are sent directly to the Gerontology Center.  Please contact Testing Center for more information 801-581-8744 or www.saff.utah.edu/testing.
3.Written statement of professional goals related to gerontology and the
selected area of gerontology specialization.
4.Three personal/professional letters of reference. References from outside the Center that are relevant to your academic and/or professional experiences are encouraged.
5.Interview for the applicant may be requested by either the graduate
admissions committee or the applicant.
6.International applicants must also complete the following:
a. file an International Student Application for Admission, obtained from the International Admissions Office, 250 Student Services Building;
b. provide evidence of successful completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 500; and
c. interview with Gerontology Center Admissions Committee faculty.

Curriculum. The M.S. Program requires students to complete a minimum of
33 to 34 credit hours consisting of 15 core credits, 6-15 elective credits depending on the area of specialization, and 6 thesis credits or 4 master's project credits.

Core Courses. Students in all areas of specialization must complete the core
curriculum and a thesis or master's project.

GERON 6001, Introduction to Gerontology (3)
GERON 6002, Services and Programs for Older Adults (3)
GERON 6003, Research Methods in Aging (3)
GERON 6370, Health and Optimal Aging (3)
GERON 6990, Gerontology Practicum (3)

In addition to the core curriculum, each student must complete a thesis or
master's project. A student electing the master's project is required to take
additional credit hours of elective courses.

GERON 6970, Thesis Research-Master's (2-6) or 
GERON 6975, Master's Project (2-4)

Elective Courses. In addition to the core curriculum, a variable number (based
on area of specialization) of elective courses must be completed.
GERON 5005, Race, Ethnicity, and Aging (3)
GERON 5140, Communication and Aging (3)
GERON 5220, Caregiving and Aging Families (3)
GERON 5240, Aging in American Film (3)
GERON 5280, Lifelong Learning/Learning for Life (3) (Independent Study)
GERON 6004, Adult Transitions
GERON 6230, Accessing Electronic Information for Health Professionals (3)
GERON 6320, Death, Dying, and Bereavement (3)
GERON 6380, Retirement Planning and Adjustment (3)
GERON 6390, Geriatric Care Management (2)
GERON 6395, Geriatric Care Management Seminar and Practicum (1)
GERON 6400, Gerontology Research (1-3)
GERON 6604, Physiology and Psychology of Aging (2-3)
GERON 6950, Independent Study (1- 3)
GERON 6960, Special Topics (3)

Other Electives. Each area of specialization has a set of approved electives.
Please consult the Master of Science Degree in Gerontology Graduate
Student Handbook for a list of approved electives and additional course
requirements for each of the areas of specialization. Students wishing to take
the licensing examination for Nursing Home Administration need to carefully
plan their program of study in consultation with the Center's Associate Director for Graduate Studies or the student's Supervisory Committee.  Elective course selection is to be approved by the Supervisory Committee or Gerontology Center Associate Director for Graduate Studies.

Certificate Program (Undergraduate and Graduate)

The Certificate Program in Gerontology is designed for persons who want to
work in the field of aging, those already active in the field, and those who want
to apply gerontology to their current field of study.  The certificate is also availablein an online format (WebCT) and accessible through the internet to students regardless of geographical location. The program is open to matriculated and nonmatriculated undergraduate and graduate students, as well
as individuals with a graduate degree and to all persons working in the aging
field. The certificate program is flexible in nature, offers direct experience
through a supervised field practicum, and opportunities to learn the research
process by working directly with faculty. 

Online Certificate (WebCT) (Undergraduate and Graduate)

The online certificate in Gerontology was approved by the Board of Regents
 in June 2001. The Gerontology Center offers 5 courses (or 15 credits total) in 
a web-based venue. One of the courses (GERON 2050) serves as a General 
Education Foundation Course in the Social Science Area. Individuals can pursue the certificate at the University of Utah without traveling to campus and thus is available to anyone on campus and throughout the state, region, and across the country.  The Gerontology Center is the leader for distance education in the field of aging in the Intermountain West. For more information see www.nurs.utah.edu/Gerontology.

Specialization. Areas of specialization include social-service delivery,
administration and planning, research and evaluation, and human development.
Students interested in specific careers in gerontology should contact Gerontology Faculty members for more information to plan an individualized program of study. 

Admission. The certificate program is open to all matriculated upper-division
baccalaureate, graduate, and postgraduate students, as well as nonmatriculated
students working in the field of aging.  The online certificate application
procedure is the same. All applicants must:

1.Submit a completed Gerontology Certificate Program Admission
form (available at www.nurs.utah.edu/Gerontology)
2.Submit an official copy of all transcripts.

The Gerontology Admissions Committee reviews applications and admits
participants throughout the year.

Undergraduate Certificate Curriculum.
Students complete a total of 15 credit hours of core and elective courses, 
including a 3-credit hour practicum.

Core Courses
GERON 2050 (090)Aging: Concepts and Controversies (3)
or
GERON 3001, Experience of Aging (3)
or
GERON 5001, Introduction to Gerontology (3)
plus
GERON 5002, Service Agencies and Programs for Elderly (3)
GERON 5990, Practicum (3)

Gerontology Practicum. At least one core course should be completed prior to enrolling in the practicum. The practicum requires 150 clock hours (50 clock hours per credit hours) and can be a research or teaching experience or placement in a public or private community service setting.

Elective Courses. Students must complete two elective courses for a total of 6 credit hours. This adds up to a total of 15 credit hours for the entire certificate requirement. One of the two elective courses must be a course taught through the Gerontology Center (GERON prefix). A list of these courses is presented below. Students who take GERON 2050 (090) Aging: Concepts and Controversies, or GERON 3001, Experiences of Aging (3), as a core
course can take GERON 5001, Introduction to Gerontology (3), as an
elective, and those who take GERON 5001 as a core can take GERON 3001
as an elective. The second elective course can be either a Gerontology
Center-offered course or a course offered through another department on
campus, as long as it is approved by the center's curriculum committee.
Students who have previous aging-related work experience (paid or unpaid)
can petition the practicum coordinator to waive 1 credit hour (50 clock hours)
of the required practicum, thereby reducing the undergraduate certificate
required credit hours to 14.

GERON 2050 (090) Aging: Concepts and Controversies
GERON 3001, Experiences of Aging (3)
GERON 3005, Race, Ethnicity & Aging (3)
GERON 3050, Aging: Self, Family and Society (Telecourse) (3)
GERON 3220/5220 Caregiving and Aging Families (3)
GERON 3240, Aging in American Film (3)
GERON 3280/5280, Lifelong Learning/Learning for Life (Independent Study) (3)
GERON 5001, Introduction to Gerontology (3)
GERON 5003, Research Methods in Aging (3)
GERON 5004, Adult Transitions (3)
GERON 5005, Race, Ethnicity, and Aging (3)
GERON 5140, Communication and Aging (cross-listed with COMM 5140) (3)
GERON 5230, Information Retrieval and Management for Health Professionals (3)
GERON 5320, Death, Dying and Bereavement (3)
GERON 5370, Health and Optimal Aging (3)
GERON 5390, Geriatric Care Management (2)
GERON 5395, Geriatric Care Management Seminar and Practicum (1)
GERON 5400, Gerontology Research - Independent Study (1-3)
GERON 5950, Independent Study (1-3)
GERON 5960, Special Topics (3)
GERON 5990, Practicum (1-3) (Students may petition to count additional practicum as elective credit.)

Graduate Certificate Curriculum.
Students complete a total of 15 credit hours of core and elective courses, including a 3-credit hour practicum.

Core Courses.
GERON 6001, Introduction to Gerontology (3)
and two of the following three courses:
GERON 6002, Service Agencies and Programs for Elderly (3)
GERON 6370, Health and Optimal Aging (3)
GERON 6990, Practicum (3)

Elective Courses. Students must complete two elective courses for a total of 6 credit hours. One of the two courses must be one taught through the
Gerontology Center (GERON prefix). A list of these courses is presented
below. The second elective can be either a Gerontology Center-offered course or a course approved by the Center's curriculum committee. Students also can complete practicum credits (1-3 credits) that count toward the elective
requirement. Each student should meet with the Practicum Coordinator to
discuss the potential merits of completing a practicum experience.

GERON 5005,  Race, Ethnicity, and Aging (3)
GERON 5140, Communication and Aging (cross-listed with COMM 5140) (3)
GERON 5220 Caregiving and Aging Families (3) 
GERON 5240, Aging in American Film (3)
GERON 5280, Lifelong Learning/Learning for Life (Independent Study) (3)
GERON 6002, Service Agencies and Programs for the Elderly (3)
GERON 6003, Research Methods in Aging (3)
GERON 6004, Adult Transitions (3)
GERON 6230, Information Retrieval and Management for Health Professionals (3)
GERON 6320, Death, Dying and Bereavement (3)
GERON 6370, Health and Optimal Aging (3)
GERON 6390, Geriatric Care Management (2)
GERON 6395, Geriatric Care Management Seminar and Practicum (1)
GERON 6400, Gerontology Research - Independent Study (1-3)
GERON 6604, Physiology and Psychology of Aging (2-3)
GERON 6950, Independent Study (1-3)
GERON 6960, Special Topics (3)
GERON 6990, Practicum (1-3)

Online Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates

Those who earn the Online Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates complete five courses.  To be eligible for the online graduate certificate, students must have already earned a BA or BS degree from an accredited school and complete the same application process as students in the campus certificate programs. The following courses are required for the undergraduate certificate: GERON 2050 (090) –Aging: Concepts and Controversies; GERON 5001 (090) –Intro to Gerontology; GERON 5002 (090) – Services and Programs for Older Adults; GERON 5370 (090) –Health and Optimal Aging; GERON 5990 (090)- Practcium. The following courses are required for the graduate certificate: GERON 6001 (090) –Intro to Gerontology; GERON 6002 (090) – Services and Programs for Older Adults; GERON 6370 (090) – Health and Optimal Aging; GERON 6400 (090) – Gerontology Research.

Certificate of Completion for Nonmatriculated Students.

Individuals interested in earning an undergraduate or graduate certificate in gerontology but who are not working toward a degree at the University of Utah can complete the above requirements (either undergraduate or graduate level) and earn a Certificate of Completion in Gerontology. This certificate of completion is available in a credit and non-credit format (non-credit is a fee-based curriculum). The non-credit format may be suitable for professionals in the aging field seeking continuing education experience and not primarily concerned about credits, transcripts, or the traditional grading system. The non-credit certificate will be offered through the University's Academic Outreach and Continuing Education Division; registration for these courses also occurs through Academic Outreach and Continuing Education. If the applicant does not hold a B.S. or B.A. degree from an accredited school, an Undergraduate Certification of Completion can be earned. If the applicant holds a B.S. or B.A. degree from an accredited school, application can be made for either an Undergraduate or Graduate Certificate of Completion.

GERON Course Descriptions