The Undergraduate Certificate in Healthy Aging is an interdisciplinary program housed in the Helen Bader Office of Applied Gerontology. The certificate is designed for students:

  1. To acquire basic foundational knowledge in the processes of aging, issues regarding aging, and the challenges of older adulthood.
  2. To understand the interdisciplinary and integrative nature of gerontology.
  3. To have practical experiences with older adults.

The certificate is open to all undergraduate students as well as non-degree seeking students with a bachelor’s degree. Undergraduate students may earn the certificate in conjunction with any major. Those with a bachelor’s degree may choose to complete the program to enhance their job performance or increase their marketability in the field of aging. Certificate completion will be posted on a student’s official transcript and an official paper certificate will be sent to the student.

Requirements

The student must maintain a 2.5 GPA for the 18 credits that meet certificate requirements.

The program consists of 18 credits including:

Core Curriculum
SOC WRK 300Aged to Perfection: Introduction to the Study of Aging3
Select 6 credits from core curriculum courses in the following areas: 16
Biological Aging
Psychological Aging
Social Dimensions of Aging
Correlates/Electives
Select 6 credits in aging-related courses 26
Practicum, Field Placement, Internship, or Service Learning
Select 3 credits in a course working primarily with older adults or caregivers3
Total Credits18
1

No more than three credits can be taken in one area. See the program coordinator for a current list.

2

Select courses after consulting with the academic advisor for their program and the certificate coordinator. A maximum of 3 credits of approved independent study may be counted as an elective.

For additional information, contact Jen Kahn-Pettigrew in the Helen Bader Office of Applied Gerontology.