1. Certificate in Gerontology
The Department of Gerontology offers a certificate program, a powerful building block to add to a resume while giving students an opportunity to gain real life experience and connections in their area of interest. Gerontology is an expanding field, the aging population is growing rapidly, and we now live in a time where there are more people over the age of 65 than under 5. Students will interact with these consumers of today and the future daily in whatever career they choose, doctor, nurse, therapist and more.
The certificate is an 18-hour program that can include the courses required by the minor plus a 156-hour practicum. This practicum can be conducted anywhere within the community that serves aging adults. Student practicum sites have included AARP Nebraska, Tabitha Health Senior Care, The Legacy, Eastmont Retirement Community, the Alzheimer’s Association, LeadingAge Nebraska, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Practicums are offered during the fall, spring, and summer terms and can be conducted outside of the area of Lincoln and Lancaster County.
2. Minor plus Certificate
For people wanting more courses in aging, it is possible to achieve both the minor and certificate by taking an additional 3 credit hours for a total of 21 hours. Students will complete 6 in-class courses and then the 3-credit hour practicum to fulfill the requirements for the certificate. Those students within the Arts and Science college will not be able to complete both but will have to choose between the two.
3. Bachelor of Science in Gerontology
A Bachelor of Science in Gerontology at University of Nebraska Omaha is now available online. This will allow interested (pre-health/business/any interested) students to pursue a dual degree in their major here at UNL and achieve a BS in Gerontology through UNO. Many of the UNL courses (all ACE courses) will meet the requirements for the UNO degree. We have awarded our first dual degree student from UNL in Spring 2020, with a second student in the process of completing the dual degree program.
4. Gerontology Club
The Gerontology club is also an opportunity for students to get involved not only in the department, but with the community as well. The club focuses on issues of aging today and community outreach connects the younger generation with older adults experiencing aging real time and we are looking forward to connecting with organizations who assist the aging population again this year.
For information on academic programs, students can contact Professor Bede Bolin at bbolin2@unl.edu or find him in his office located in Nebraska Hall, room 527.
For information regarding the Gerontology club, students can contact either President Caitlynn Kliem at ckliem2@huskers.unl.edu or Monica Bolin at mbolin4@huskers.unl.edu.