Aging Studies Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Feb 15, 2023

The population is getting older on average, due in great part to improved health outcomes and lower birth rates. As such, medical professionals who specialize in elder care, as well as non-frontline health issues, are needed now more than ever.

Therefore, some colleges and universities in the U.S. are now offering dedicated Aging Studies Graduate Certificates. These certificate programs are geared toward nurses, health intervention specialists, public outreach professionals, social workers, and others aligned with elder care.

What Are the Online Aging Studies Graduate Certificate Requirements?

Educational establishments now offering Aging Studies Graduate Certificate programs will require that you check off a list of minimum entry requirements. This list is normally as follows, with some variation:

Complete an accredited bachelor's degree – major is often flexible so long as it is relevant
A relevant master's degree or currently enrolled in such a program
A minimum 2.75 GPA score on the 4.0 scale. Some schools may ask for lower (down to 2.5) while others are higher
Copies of your academic transcripts
The completed application form and fee
A resume detailing your work background
Recommendation letters from employers or academic sources
Some schools may request a personal statement with details about your intended career path
International students are welcome to apply but must supply proof of English proficiency if they do not come from an exempt country. IELTS, TOEFL, or PTEA are the most common certifications; DuoLingo may be accepted

What Types of Classes Are Included in the Online Aging Studies Graduate Certificate Curriculum?

Aging Studies Graduate Certificates are made up of courses that form credits. Some courses are mandatory while some are elective. Typical coursework often includes:

Public Health and Aging
Health Communications and Aging
Family Care Management
The Medicare System
Perspectives on an Aging Society
Innovations in Aging Policy
Gerontology Theory and Practice
Transformational Leadership in Aging
Program Administration
Program Planning and Evaluation
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Aging
Physical Dimensions of Aging
Aging Individuals Within Society and Communities
Psychology of Aging
Aging in Place
Evaluating and Synthesizing Literature

What Types of Careers Can I Pursue with an Online Aging Studies Graduate Certificate?

A range of roles are open to you once you finish this Graduate Certificate. Some may depend on your previous background, with new doors opening for you:

Sociology Researcher: Depending on your background, you could work as a researcher or research assistant on a range of aging issues from health outcomes, public health, community issues, and more.
Family Services: Aligned with social work or counseling, you can help with individual patients' one-on-one issues, for example with dementia patients.
Gerontology Nurse: You will need to be a licensed and certified nurse or medical assistant (or equivalent), but you can specialize in caring for elder patients.
Bioinformatician: With a background in information technology, your skills in database administration or data processing will be useful for recognizing trends in population data.
Mental Health Counselor: Loneliness is a big problem among older people as friends pass away and children become adults. With a mental health background, you can treat associated mental health issues in the aging population (separate counseling education and licensure required).
Research Program Manager: Managing teams of researchers, project organizers, public health, local government, and others working on initiatives for the elderly, this is a great behind-the-scenes role for overseeing projects.