MPH with Emphasis in Gerontology

This program offers students pursuing the Master of Public Health degree the opport unity to select the Public Health Practice in Gerontology Emphasis, which will lead to a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. The Emphasis on Gerontology is a cooperative program between the Department of Community Medicine and the Center on Aging of the West Virginia University School of Medicine. Because some courses from each program may be used to fulfill course requirements in the other, students will be able to complete the requirements for the Gerontology Certificate while earning their Master of Public Health degree without having to take additional credit hours.

The Center on Aging acknowledges the unique challenges and opportunities associated with aging in rural Appalachia, and is committed to promoting undergraduate, graduate, and professional education, health and social policy gained from our national and international experience.

Program of Study:

Admission to the Program:

In order to pursue this dual program of study, students must be admitted into the Master of Public Health degree program. Students should select the Gerontology Emphasis when completing their plan of study. In addition, they will complete a formal application to the Certificate Program.

Why is an Emphasis in Gerontology Valuable?

• The U.S. and countries around the globe are experiencing an unprecedented growth in the population of older adults.
• By 2025, the percentage of the 65+ population in the U.S. is projected to reach nearly 20%, i.e., nearly one in five persons will be age 65 or older.
• This demographic shift has already begun to affect our society and will continue to do so as the population ages.
• Whether you plan to work in health care, human service, business, or marketing, your effectiveness as a professional will be enhanced by the study of gerontology.
• Through the Gerontology Certificate Program, you will gain a multidisciplinary perspective on aging.
• The specialized training will enable you to assure that programs, products, and services are delivered in a sensitive fashion to meet the needs and preferences of the elders.

Those who complete the Emphasis in Gerontology will receive a Certificate in Gerontology. Students will gain a multidisciplinary perspective of the aging process and related social and public policy issues. Graduates of the Certificate Program report that it has benefited them both personally and professionally. They are better equipped to face the difficult decisions that accompany the aging of friends and family me mbers. Also, they have earned a valuable credential that attests to their depth of knowledge in aging issues-a strong asset when seeking employment.

Center on Aging Objectives:

To provide students with:

• Advanced knowledge of the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of human aging and the basic needs that these create for both elders and society;
• Knowledge of the historical, social and cultural perspectives which influence the status of aging individuals in society;
• Appreciation of the special capabilities and problems of Appalachian and other rural elders;
• Understanding of current public policy as it relates to aging;
• Basic research skills necessary for obtaining additional knowledge about aging; and
• Skills required for working effectively with elders.

For more information on this emphasis, please contact:

Nancy Merrifield, Administrative Associate, 293-6771.
E-mail: nmerrifield@hsc.wvu.edu

Or visit the Center on Aging website.