Gerontology Education Program
Sponsors:
UAB Center for Aging, the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and the School
of Health Related Professions
Purpose:
The Gerontology Education Program (GEP) coordinates undergraduate and graduate studies
in aging. The major objective of this program is to provide a strong academic background
for professional careers in academic and aging-related settings. Gerontological
education necessarily incorporates diverse traditional disciplines in the biological,
behavioral, medical, and social sciences. The program's curricula integrates research,
theory, and practice in preparing students for leadership roles in this field for
both the private and public sectors.
Services:
The Gerontology Education Program offers multidisciplinary academic courses in Gerontology
leading to an undergraduate minor and certificate and a graduate certificate in
Gerontology. Two scholarships for undergraduate and two for graduate students are
offered each year to permit students to pursue mentored research. An annual Career
Day program is offered. Medical students and other students interested in summer
or other short-term mentored research experiences may contact the director of the
program.
Opportunities for Faculty Involvement:
The philosophy of the UAB Gerontology Education Program is that research and instruction
of the highest quality are achieved when faculty and students are trained within
their parent discipline or field and apply their insights to questions of aging
through multidisciplinary education. Classes are taught by faculty within their
various departments. Faculty may submit classes to be approved for fulfilling requirements
for either the undergraduate or graduate programs.
Primary Contact Person:
Patricia Sawyer, Ph.D.
Leaders and Key Staff:
- Patricia Sawyer, Ph.D.
Director, Gerontology Education Program, Social and Behavioral Sciences Section,
Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
- Richard Shewchuk, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Gerontology Education Program, Department of Health Administration
- Patricia Drentea, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Gerontology Education Program, Department of Sociology