Loyola University, Chicago

Specialized Structure: Area of Emphasis

The Loyola University, Chicago, offers students a “program dedicated to gero specific courses.” Due to the structure of the curriculum, neither the titles “specialization” or “certificate” were able to be used. The words “program dedicated to gero specific courses” appear on students’ transcripts and a letter of completion was issued at their graduation. Our goal is to move the program to a sustainable certificate and hopefully issue certificates retroactively to the current students. We originally hoped to enroll 8 students; we currently have 12 enrolled with 4 additional students joining the program in January.

Students in the Spec Gero program complete a practice course, a policy course, a field placement, and an elective. This elective may include courses that are not specifically gero focused, but a project and /or assignments in those courses must be applicable and focused on the gero population. The project must be approved by the gero curriculum coordinator.

Another emphasis in the program is to have students become involved in gero focused organizations. We believe that, in developing a peer group of other students/professionals in gero social work, the outcome will be sustainable interest in work with older adults. Students have been active in attending local and national meetings focused on older adults (e.g., ASA, GSA, Chicago Bridge).