Kerstin Gerst Emerson, Ph.D.
Clinical Associate Professor
Overview
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
Advances over the past 50 years have led to substantial increases in life expectancy and a growing population of older adults with diverse needs and interests. Many U.S. states predict dramatic workforce shortages in industries that provide services to our aging population. The demand for Gerontology professionals with expertise in aging is growing rapidly around the globe, as is the number of career paths that involve working with older adults (e.g., healthcare, administration, finance, housing, and consulting).
In as little as 2 semesters, you can earn your Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and help improve the aging experience of older adults. The certificate, offered through UGA's College of Public Health, provides you with the formal training necessary to expand your existing professional skillset and amplify your career opportunities. All courses take an interdisciplinary approach and provide the opportunity to apply the knowledge you gain to real-world scenarios. Courses are offered fully online in an asynchronous format and are structured to fit into the busy schedules of graduate students and working professionals.
The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology is offered online through the College of Public Health's Institute of Gerontology and is available to:
- Graduate students already enrolled in a degree program at UGA
- Certificate-seeking students who hold a Bachelor's or advanced degree
Other online programs you may find interesting: Master of Social Work, Master of Public Health, Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, and Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Counseling,
Accreditations
The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Faculty
Cost
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates and student fees can change each year.
Based on credit hour cost, a person completing this program at the recommended pace would pay $7,740 in tuition.
Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar's Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year's current tuition.
This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.
Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, and Technology. The total for those fees in the fall semester of 2022 was $147 for students enrolled in exclusively online courses.
Potential additional costs include textbooks, exam proctoring fees, and technology upgrades.
Financial Aid
For financial assistance available for graduate certificate programs visit Private (Alternative) Education Loans
Corporate Assistance
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.
Military Assistance
Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.
University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section).
University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance for residents 62 and Older
Any resident of Georgia over the age of 62 can earn a UGA degree for free. The USG tuition assistance program for students in GA over the age of 62 includes online classes at the University of Georgia. Those who qualify are encouraged to apply for an undergrad or graduate degree at UGA online or on campus.
Additional information can be found in Board of Regents Policy 4.2.1.5, Persons Aged 62 and Older. Students who are interested in this program should contact their college or university of interest for additional information. You can find more information about admissions on UGA's Admissions page.
Technology Requirements
- Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and printer may be required.
- High-speed internet access.
Admissions
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology Admission Requirements
Students who are not currently enrolled at UGA should apply to the graduate school for the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology program and are not required to take entrance exams and submit letters of recommendation.
Application Checklist
- Application - Submit online to the Graduate School Admissions. Application fee:$ 75 Domestic / $100 International
- Select Campus - Online
- Select Intended Program- CERG, Gerontology (College of Public Health)[CERT_2GRN_ON]
- Statement of purpose – Submit to the Graduate School online in your application.
- Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission
International Applicants - Must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores
Application Deadlines
Domestic deadlines
-
Fall July 1
-
Spring November 15
International deadlines
-
Fall April 15
-
Spring October 15
Curriculum
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology Program Structure
In the fully online Graduate Certificate in Gerontology program, you will take a minimum of 12 credit hours of graduate coursework. You must complete a foundations course (3 credit hours), as well as three electives courses (total of 9 credit hours) tailored to your specific interests.
Courses
Required Foundation course
| Course | Title |
|
GRNT 7100E |
Foundations of Aging (3 credit hours) |
Electives Courses (choice of 3 courses for a total of 9 credit hours)
| Course | Title |
|
GRNT 6650E |
Aging in Society (3 credit hours) |
|
GRNT 7200E |
Lifespan Health Psychology (3 credit hours) |
|
GRNT 7400E |
Cognition and the Aging Brain (3 credit hours) |
|
GRNT 7500E |
Smart Technology in an Aging Society (3 credit hours) |
| GRNT 7600E | Pharmacology and Aging (3 credit hours) |
|
GRNT 8200E |
Public Health and Aging (3 credit hours) |
|
GRNT 7800E |
End of Life and Older Adults |
| GRNT 7750E | Aging in Place |
Sample Program of Study:
| Fall |
GRNT 7100E (3 credit hours) |
|
|
GRNT 8200E (3 credit hours) |
|
Spring |
GRNT 6650E (3 credit hours) |
|
|
GRNT 7400E (3 credit hours) |
News & Events
Contact Information
Email us using the request for information form or call
706-408-9679
Testimonials
Testimonials
"The professors were great at ensuring office hours were available and even established a weekly workshop for students to present their current research and allowed for feedback from their peers. My future plans are to continue to work in the field of public health emergency preparedness and protect the health of the general public, especially populations that are at greater risk like the older adults that I studied while at the University of Georgia. " - Christopher Russo, '20