soc.appstate.edu

Cameron Lippard, Chair
lippardcd@appstate.edu

Aging, Health and Society Graduate Certificate
Sociology Graduate Certificate
David Russell, Graduate Program Director (Both Programs)
russelldj@appstate.edu

The Aging, Health and Society Graduate Certificate program prepares students for careers requiring graduate-level knowledge and skills in areas relating to aging populations and their health in contemporary society. The program emphasizes knowledge about the sociological and related processes of normal aging coupled with a focus on the variety of social factors that influence health outcomes. Theory, research and professional career preparation are emphasized, as is knowledge and understanding of public policies that pertain to older populations in general and the delivery of health care in particular.

The Aging, Health and Society Graduate Certificate can be completed in either one or two years. It is designed to develop or supplement aging-related knowledge and skills for (1) students in other master’s degree programs who wish to complement their training in social aspects of aging and health; (2) students “testing the waters”, that is, who are considering but do not yet want to commit to a master’s degree program; (3) employees who desire a graduate credential, but who do not want or need a master’s degree; (4) others with a personal or professional interest in aging and elders.

Graduates of the Aging, Health and Society program have found jobs in both the public and private sectors, ranging from direct work with older persons to managerial/administrative positions. The program is approved by the NC Division of Health Service Regulation to offer the Administrator-in-Training Program for students who want to obtain assisted living facility administrator licensure. Students can work with approved faculty to complete their required on-the-job training requirements.

The Aging, Health and Society program can be completed 100% online so students can schedule coursework and assignments around their job, family and other obligations. There is no requirement to be logged on at a particular day or time, nor is there any online course requirement to come to the main campus. Other elective courses are offered only on campus.

The Graduate Certificate in Sociology is designed to provide a solid post-baccalaureate foundation in Sociology. The six required courses:

• comprise the basis of a master’s degree in Sociology, and
• qualify Certificate recipients who also hold a master’s degree in a field other than sociology to teach Sociology courses in most colleges and universities nationwide.

The curriculum provides graduate-level expertise for teaching the most common Sociology courses (Introduction to Sociology, Social Problems, Marriage and Family). It also develops expertise in other standard Sociology sub-disciplines that are useful per se and that will enhance the teaching of Sociology (Sociological Theory, Research Methods, Social Stratification).

The Graduate Certificate in Sociology is 100% on-line and asynchronous, so students can schedule coursework and assignments around their job, family and other obligations. There is no requirement to be logged on at a particular day or time, nor is there any requirement to come to the main campus.

By taking two courses per semester (Summer, Fall and Spring), the Graduate Certificate in Sociology can be completed in one calendar year. The program is cohort based, each cohort commencing in the Summer term.

Programs

• Aging, Health and Society Graduate Certificate
• Sociology Graduate Certificate

Courses

• SOC 5025 - Advanced General Sociology (3)
• SOC 5110 - Advanced Research Methods I (3)
• SOC 5200 - Sociological Theory (3)
• SOC 5270 - Complex Organizations (3)
• SOC 5300 - Appalachia in Social Context (3)
• SOC 5350 - Contemporary Social Issues (3)
• SOC 5400 - Sociology of Adult Development and Aging (3)
• SOC 5420 - Health Care and Aging (3)
• SOC 5430 - Health Disparities (3)
• SOC 5500 - Independent Study (1-4)
• SOC 5530-5549 - Selected Topics (1-4)
• SOC 5550 - Housing for Older Adults (3)
• SOC 5560 - Race and Ethnicity (3)
• SOC 5600 - Political Sociology (3)
• SOC 5630 - Programs and Services for Older Adults (3)
• SOC 5650 - Women in the Justice System (3)
• SOC 5710 - Rural and Urban Communities (3)
• SOC 5750 - Social Stratification (3)
• SOC 5800 - Sociology of the Families (3)
• SOC 5900 - Internship: Field Experience (3-12)
• SOC 5950 - Globalization and Population (3)
• SOC 5989 - Graduate Research (1-9)
• SOC 5990 - Advanced Research Methods II (3)
• SOC 5999 - Thesis (1-6)