Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
When you’re curious and passionate about a field, it’s a joy to teach others. I hope to pass on some of my enthusiasm for the field, and if nothing else, instill more awareness of and appreciation for older adults.
Overview
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, and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership.
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. The University of Georgia 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).
The University of Georgia College of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The Council on Education for Public Health is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and public health programs offered in settings other than schools of public health.
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.
- 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
Cost
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates and student fees may change each year.
Based on the 2024-25 credit-hour cost, a person who had completed this program at the recommended pace would have paid $7,932 in tuition. Reference this sheet to identify the current credit hour rate for your program of interest.
Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s tuition.
This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.
Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $422 per semester.
Potential additional costs include:
- Textbooks
- Exam proctoring fees
- Technology upgrades
The complete cost of attendance can be found at the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Financial Aid
Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.
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.
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 7200E | Lifespan Health Psychology (3 credit hours) |
| GRNT 7400E | Cognitive Health and Aging (3 credit hours) |
| GRNT 7500E | Smart Technology in an Aging Society (3 credit hours) |
| GRNT 7600E | Pharmacology and Aging (3 credit hours) |
| GRNT 7650E | Aging in Society (3 credit hours) |
| GRNT 7750E | Aging in Place |
| GRNT 7800E | End of Life and Older Adults |
| GRNT 8200E | Public Health and Aging (3 credit hours) |
Sample Program of Study:
| Term | Course | Credit Horus |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | GRNT 7100E | 3 |
| GRNT 8200E | 3 | |
| Spring | GRNT 6650E | 3 |
| GRNT 7400E | 3 |
Faculty
News & Events
Lisa M. Renzi-Hammond announced Associate Dean of Outreach & Engagement
April 16, 2026Lisa M. Renzi-Hammond, faculty member in the online Graduate Certificate in Gerontology program, has been appointed as the University of Georgia College of Public Health’s Associate Dean of Outreach & Engagement.
Kerstin Emerson honored with Dean’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Graduate Education
April 2, 2026Kerstin Emerson, a clinical professor in the College of Public Health and the director of graduate studies in the Institute of Gerontology, has received the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Graduate Education. Her research focuses on improving the quality of life for older adults, with particular attention to loneliness and social connection.
Jenay Beer named inaugural Faculty Innovation Fellow
October 20, 2025A key element of innovation is collaboration, a task Jenay Beer, Associate Professor in the online Graduate Certificate in Gerontology program, is ready to foster. As an inaugural Faculty Innovation Fellow, Beer will serve as a bridge between her colleagues at the College of Public Health and the University of Georgia’s Innovation District, helping translate big ideas into sustainable, impactful realities.
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
Contact Us
Contact us using the request for information form or call 706-408-9679.