Gerontological Social Work (Graduate Certificate)

Providing care for older adults is in high demand. Get age-specific training with us.

What you’ll learn

In conjunction with the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, students can also work toward the Graduate Certificate in Gerontological Social Work. Get the experience and credentials you need to care for this population.

The certificate requirements can be met through 15 credits of selected MSW courses. Through the completion of 500 hours of advanced level MSW field placement with a gerontological social work focus (9 credits) and two approved elective courses (3 credits each) MSW students are able to earn this advanced certificate within their MSW plan of study.

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Curriculum

Our 15-credit program includes 9 credits of field practicum/seminar focusing on advanced competency-based gerontological social work knowledge and practice skills.

The Graduate Certificate is available to matriculated MSW students only.

Curriculum & Learning outcomes

Application process

This certificate program is only available to Master of Social Work students. Interested Social work applicants can express interest in the certificate program on their graduate application for Social Work.

Current/matriculated students declare interest in pursuing their certificate through discussions with their academic advisor, the certificate coordinator and the field education office. Professor Debra Fromm Faria is the coordinator of the program and approves all course substitutions for elective credit towards the certificate.

Career outlook

According to the US Census Bureau, the number of older adults is expected to double between 2005 and 2030. In 2008, the Institute of Medicine issued a report calling for investment to enhance geriatric competence of the entire workforce.

Social Work is one of the professions that needs practitioners with gerontological preparation. In fact, geriatric social work is ranked as one of the top 20 careers in terms of potential growth (John A. Hartford Foundation).

Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that overall employment of social workers is expected to grow from 16% from 2016-2026.

A population in need: the aging

The need to have social workers prepared with the necessary competencies to work with older adults has been recognized by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), The New York Academy of Medicine’s Social Work Leadership Institute and National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Nationally, 75% of social workers report that they have older adults (55 years and older) in their caseloads, only 4% identify themselves as having aging specific training in social work (NASW report, 2005).

Financing
options

Learn more about scholarships, fellowships, and graduate assistantships.

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Program contact

Debra Fromm Faria
(585) 395-8455

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Social Work