REASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY OF A GERONTOLOGY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM - A 2ND FOLLOW-UP SURVEY OF GRADUATES

The gerontology certificate remains the most widely awarded credential resulting from the continuing growth of gerontology education structures in American colleges and universities. The proliferation of multidisciplinary education in gerontology raises concerns about curriculum quality, vitality, and development; employment and career advancements in aging agencies; and the centrality of gerontology education to institutional missions in a climate of diminishing financial resources and refocusing of academic priorities. In a reassessment study, we obtained data from graduates (N = 92) of the Certificate of Graduate Study in Gerontology Program at the University of South Carolina 6 years after a follow-up survey of graduates (N = 40) in 1987. The Standardized Survey Instrument for Graduates of Gerontology Programs, developed by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE; 1989), was used to elicit demographic information; educational histories; information on gerontology employment activities, sources of assistance in gaining employment, and salary levels; and views regarding the adequacy of gerontology education as preparation for work in aging agencies. Analysis of the survey data supports the goals and interdisciplinary focus of the educational program, reveals a rich diversity of graduates' educational and career attainments, and provides a strong indication that AGHE graduate certificate curriculum standards have helped strengthen the program's quality. Additional data indicate several areas requiring curriculum development to support the career advancement of graduates in management and planning positions in aging and health care organizations.