Institute on Aging

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

Certificates in Gerontology are offered at the undergraduate and graduate level. 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. No more than two gerontology electives may be taken prior to admission into the Program. 

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

• A completed application form

• A clear statement of professional goals related to gerontology 

• Two letters of recommendation 
  
• The required application fee
  
• Additional submission requirements for undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program at Temple: The student must submit evidence of admission into the degree program and an official transcript showing coursework completed to date.
  
• Additional submission requirements for non-matriculated students at the undergraduate level: The applicant must submit evidence of college experience. 

Courses that serve as gerontology electives are posted on the Institute on Aging website.  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. 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.