Gerontology, Graduate Certificate Program

General Information

The Graduate Certificate Program in Gerontology is a fifteen credit hour, non-degree, certificate program devoted to education and training in the theories, philosophies, issues, processes, and models of gerontology. It involves a hierarchical course sequence in which students move from discussions of theoretical and applied understanding of working with geriatric populations to advanced practice. Course work for the certificate would most likely be completed over a period of two to four semesters. Students who complete the certificate will possess specialized training that will make them competitive for positions in the field of aging studies.
The Graduate Certificate Program in Gerontology will allow students to obtain a comprehensive, authentic learning experience in gerontology. This program of study offers a broad sequence of courses in gerontology that build upon one another in a coherent fashion. Students begin with

  and are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the certificate program.

Admission

The student must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. The student’s undergraduate grade point average should be 3.0 or higher. The following materials can be submitted any time throughout the academic year, admission is on a rolling basis.
A. Prospective students should submit to the Graduate Studies Office:

• Undergraduate academic record and any completed graduate coursework.
• Three letters of reference, at least one of which is from an academic source.
• Student statement about goals, prior related experience, and future plans.
• Professional resume.

B. All credentials must be submitted and then reviewed by program staff prior to the completion of nine hours of graduate study in the program.
C. Credentials are viewed in a holistic manner such that strength in one area might offset a weakness in another The holistic review of each individual’s materials helps avoid the exclusion of qualified students who may not meet all of the admissions credentials.