Content
Apply for Certificate Program
The Department of Gerontology has offered courses in aging as part of its statewide mandate since 1972. UNL students can also enhance their academic experience by taking courses in gerontology at UNL along with a 3-credit hour practicum/internship. Courses are available in-person or online.
Undergraduate students can take courses in gerontology to meet general education requirements, complete a minor in gerontology, or complete an undergraduate Certificate in Gerontology which includes a practicum. For more information click here.
Pre-Med students: Learn why adding a Gerontology Certificate is great preparation for medical school by watching this video with Dr. Elizabeth Harlow.
Graduate students can take courses in gerontology to complete a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology in addition to their degree from the UNL School of Law. For more information click here.
You can contact our UNL gerontology faculty directly by emailing gerontology@unl.edu
Learn by Doing
All gerontology students have the opportunity to participate in a practicum and gain valuable real-world experience before graduating.
Our practicum opportunities will help you develop relevant career skills while earning college credits. This will put you a step ahead as you start your career! We also have research opportunities where you can work with faculty on cutting-edge gerontology research.
The Department of Gerontology has established practicum opportunities with dozens of organizations associated with aging in Omaha, Lincoln, and surrounding areas. Out-of-state students may complete a practicum in their local area.
Whether your interest is in senior housing, hospice, advocacy, community programming, politics, administration, activity programming, social services, or other related areas, you will receive valuable experience and contacts in the field to enhance your career development.
Qualifications
- Must be a gerontology major or certificate student.
- Must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours in gerontology before starting the practicum.
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the end of the semester preceding the start of the practicum.
Requirements
Our current practicum coordinator at UNL is Mollie George (molliegeorge@unomaha.edu). Please contact her the semester prior to beginning your practicum.
- After you are accepted by an agency for a practicum, you will receive a permission code to enroll in GERO 494/894.
- A minimum of 156 hours must be applied to the practicum during the semester (approximately 10-12 hours per week).
- Work out an acceptable schedule with your agency supervisor.
- Provide your own transportation.
- Keep a log of hours and activities that will be turned in throughout the semester to the practicum coordinator.
- Write a paper integrating your practicum experience with what you learned in the classroom.