This page provides more information about GISP, career opportunities in gerontology, funding for students studying adult development and aging, and the Center on Aging’s Aging Research Colloquium Series (ARCS).
GISP is an interdisciplinary studies program that provides students with the opportunity to earn an undergraduate or post-baccalaureate certificate in gerontology. GISP helps students to develop an understanding of the aging process, including the biological, psychological and social aspects of adult development and aging.
The United States Administration on Aging reports that by 2030 one in five individuals will be age 65 years and older. Furthermore, it has been estimated that there will be 70 million older persons, more than twice the number as in 1999. Because of the “Graying” of America, qualified and well trained professionals will be greatly needed to support successful aging and older adults.
Students who earn a certificate in gerontology in addition to their bachelor’s degree may pursue employment opportunities as: an adult educator focusing on continuing education and career development; dietitian for older adults; elder law advocate; exercise physiologist, geriatric care manager, or housing specialist focusing on the needs of older adults; long-term care administrator; occupational, physical, and speech therapist focusing on the needs of older adults; physician’s assistant, geriatric clinician, public relations specialist, recreation therapist/activities director in a long-term care facility, or retirement counselor. Please note this is not an exhaustive list of employment opportunities and job titles. Other career choices can, of course, be pursued with a GISP certificate.
Enrolled students and alumni find that the program gives graduates many learning and career opportunities. One student stated that she is “able to interact with individuals that have experienced the things [she has] only read about in text books.” Another student, who was hired full-time in a gerontology related position before graduation, states that “the GISP program gave [her] a better understanding of older adults on many different levels. Now that [she has] a job working in long-term care, [she] can see how nutrition, exercise, physical limitations and other factors work together to impact individuals.”
Every year the College of Applied Human Sciences awards $11,000 in scholarships to students enrolled in GISP. These scholarships are funded by the Columbine Health Systems of Fort Collins. Only students who are enrolled in GISP and who have taken or are enrolled to take AHS 201: Perspectives in Gerontology are eligible to apply for these scholarships. In addition, there are state and national scholarships in gerontology for which students may apply with the support of CSU academic faculty.
Students pursuing an undergraduate or post-baccalaureate Certificate in Gerontology from the GISP are required to take all of the following courses and 5 to 8 elective credits.
Required Courses (15 credits):
AHS 201 Perspectives in Gerontology (fall only course) (3 cr.)
FSHN 444 Nutrition and Aging (on-line course) (1 cr.)
HDFS 312 Adult Development: Middle Age and Aging (3 cr.)
HES 444 Successful Aging (on-line course) (2 cr.)
SOWK 371F Social Gerontology (spring only course) (3 cr.)
Practicum or internship (3 cr.)*
(*Please note: The practicum or internship placement site must directly relate to the field of adulthood and aging. Students are required to complete 144 contact hours over the course of the semester. Please see major adviser or GISP Program Coordinator for more details, placement advising, and course prefix and number.)
Elective Courses (5 to 8 credits):
HDFS 332 Death, Dying and Grief (3 cr.)
HDFS 402 Families Studies (3 cr.)
HDFS 403 Families in the Legal Environment (3 cr.)
MU 241 Introduction to Music Therapy (3 cr.)
OT 355 Handicapped Individuals in Society (2 cr.)
PHIL 305C Philosophical Issues: Caring Professions (3 cr.)
PHIL 366 Philosophy of Aging (3 cr.)
PSY 296 Group Study – Psychology of Aging (3 cr.)
PSY 452 Cognitive Psychology (3 cr.)
PSY 496 Group Study - Psychology of Aging (3 cr.)
SOWK 371C - Adult Offender (3 cr.)
Other Electives: (please see the GISP Program Coordinator)
GISP students can select from a list of various placement sites. These include but are not limited to placements in the local Fort Collins community. For example, placement sites include Columbine Health Systems, Elderhaus Adult Day Services, Fort Collins Senior Center, Hospice of Larimer County, and PVH Aspen Club. Please consult with your academic adviser or the GISP program coordinator to discuss appropriate internship sites for you.
Students are encouraged to set-up an appointment with the program coordinator, Dr. Christine Fruhauf, to discuss the program and career opportunities in gerontology. Please e-mail Dr. Fruhauf at cfruhauf@cahs.colostate.edu to schedule an appointment. Her office is located at 105 Gifford Building on the CSU main campus.
Students are highly encouraged to talk with Dr. Fruhauf if they have questions about enrolling in GISP. The GISP application can be downloaded here. At this time all students who enroll in GISP are admitted to the program.
Besides bringing together faculty members and students with an interest in aging, ARCS also invites members of the community, including those working in service organizations for older adults and their families.
ARCS presentations are scheduled during the academic year every second Monday of the month from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the Lory Student Center. View the ARCS schedule.
