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Gerontology Certificate Program
at Coastal Carolina University
The Gerontology Certificate Program is designed to provide students with
knowledge and skills in the study of aging. It is multidisciplinary and allows
individuals of different interests and backgrounds to develop a specialization
in line with their unique needs that are applicable in a rapidly growing
market.
This program is open to all Coastal Carolina University degree-seeking
students (of any major) and any individual holding a Baccalaureate degree who
desires specialized studies. It is a 21 credit hour (7 course) program. These
courses include:
- Biology 470 - Biology of Aging -
A study of the aging in cells, organ systems, and organisms with an
emphasis on the human aging process. Topics include biological changes
associated with aging and factors that affect the rate of aging.
- Sociology 455 - Sociology of Aging -
Analysis of aging as a problem of socialization and the status of older
people in society, their roles in the community, demographic aspects of
aging, and the impact of aging upon social institutions.
- Sociology 457 - Aging and Social Policy -
The development of public policy related to aging. Basic policy
concepts, models, and methodology along with specific issues of the elderly.
- Economics 472 - Economics of Aging -
The economic determinants of population aging and the challenges it
creates for public policy. Topics include trends in retirement, retirement
planning, the major provisions of the Social Security Act, various types
of pension plans provided by employers, aging and gender, and various
health, disability, and economic well-being issues of older Americans.
- Psychology 423 - Psychology of Aging -
An overview of the aging process in adults. The physical,
intellectual, and social aspects of development will be traced through the
major phases of young, middle, and late adulthood.
- Psychology 425 - Gerontology -
An in-depth analysis of the aging process in late adulthood through death and
dying. Psychosocial influences on normal and diseased aging
processes will be examined. An emphasis on procedures and strategies
for effectively intervening with both well and frail elderly will enable
the student to integrate knowledge of gerontology into a disciplinary
context.
- Psychology 495 - Gerontology Internship -
The internship, contractually arranged, provides experience working with
both well and frail older persons and requires a minimum of 104 hours of
active work in an approved agency. The internship is supervised by
the program director and an on-site professional with a specialized
terminal degree and/or significant demonstrated experience.
Contracts outlining practicum requirements must be written and approved by
the host agency, the director of the gerontology program, and the dean of
the College of Natural and Applied Sciences.
Gerontology Certificate Program Faculty
Dr. Sara A. Brallier
(brallier@coastal.edu)
earned her Ph.D. in 2001 from the University of Buffalo. She is an assistant
professor in the department of Sociology and the director of the Gerontology
Certificate Program. She teaches introductory sociology, sociology of aging,
and research methods for the social sciences. Her current research focuses on
the provision of care to elderly parents by adult children and the social
support networks of childless elderly persons.
Dr. William Hills
(hillsw@coastal.edu)
earned a Ph.D. in 1987 from the University of Georgia and a M.S.W. in
1993 from the University of South Carolina. He is an associate professor
in the Department of Psychology. He teaches courses in introductory psychology,
psychology of aging, and gerontology. He is involved in a community-based
project through the Waccamaw Area Agency on Aging, and his work includes
analysis of existing and potential service delivery programs for the elderly in
the Grand Strand/Waccamaw region.
Dr. Janette Bowman
(jbowman@coastal.edu) is the Director of
the Center for the Study of Aging and Active Retirement at CCU.
Dr. Sylvia Kenig Snyder
(kenig@coastal.edu)
earned her Ph.D. in 1981 from the University of Connecticut. She is an
associate professor in the department of Sociology. She teaches introductory
sociology, community organization, individual and society, sex roles, sociology
of medicine and health, and social welfare and social work. Her interests
include feminist theory, health care and applied sociology.
Dr. John Marcis
(jmarcis@coastal.edu)
earned his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1991. He is
an associate professor of economics.
Dr. Richard Moore
(richard@coastal.edu)
is a professor in the department of Biology. He teaches courses in
aquaculture, biology of aging, comparative physiology, vertebrate zoology,
ichthyology, natural history of the Eastern Caribbean, and current topics in
ecology. His research interests include community ecology, physiology of
subtropical estuarine and marine fishes, systematics and zoogeography of
freshwater fishes of the southeastern United States.
For information about the Gerontology Certificate Program contact:
Sara A. Brallier, Ph.D.
PO Box 26194
Conway, SC 29528-6054
Phone: 843-349-2470
Fax: 843-349-2857
E-mail: brallier@coastal.edu
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