Institute on Aging

The Institute on Aging offers a Certificate in Gerontology program in cooperation with schools and colleges throughout the University. Gerontology is the scientific study of aging and encompasses many disciplines. Therefore, the certificate program is designed to provide the student with an interdisciplinary education along with practical experience in the field of aging. 

The 18-credit-hour program may be completed in conjunction with a degree program or as a separate emphasis program for persons not currently enrolled in a degree program. All students must register and complete 15 credit hours and a field placement or action research project. Students are expected to finish the program within a five-year time span. 

To enroll in the Certificate of Gerontology program, all students must submit: 

• a completed application form

• a clear statement of professional and personal goals related to gerontology 

• two letters of recommendation and the required application fee 

When taking gerontology electives, the certificate student is expected to focus all class projects and papers on aging-related topics and issues in later life. No more than two gerontology electives may be taken prior to admission into the Program. 

The Institute on Aging also offers a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. An undergraduate student may count any of the graduate-level gerontology electives toward the undergraduate certificate. However, the student must receive approval from an academic adviser and the course instructor prior to registering for a graduate-level course.