Gerontology Certificate

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Program Overview: The multidisciplinary graduate certificate in gerontology addresses the educational needs of graduate students and professionals not only in health care but a variety of disciplines who work with the aging or elderly population who have already earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree. The Graduate Gerontology Certificate Program allows students in any graduate program within the University to gain knowledge and skills related to working with the elderly, and it provides an opportunity for those who possess a bachelor’s or an advanced degree to gain the same knowledge and skills even if they are not currently seeking an advanced degree. It is appropriate for students planning to continue doctoral preparation in gerontology or related areas.

Admissions Policy: You must successfully complete at least 15 credit hours from the following courses including an approved practicum (HLTH 6921). You select a practicum placement in consultation with the coordinator of the Gerontology Certificate Program.

Change Policy: Degree-seeking graduate students: If you are currently enrolled as a graduate student at Ohio University, obtain an Application for Update of Program(s) from Graduate Student Services, any dean’s office, or the coordinator of the Gerontology Certificate Program. After completing the application and obtaining your advisor’s and the program coordinator’s signatures, turn the form in to Graduate Student Services.

Nondegree students: To apply for the certificate program as a nondegree student, you must submit an application, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score, post-secondary trnascripts, an essay on career goals and objectives, a resume, and three letters of recommendation.

Transfer Policy: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities: If you work or plan to with a geriatric population, this certificate will enhance your knowledge and expertise in this content area

Certificate Program Requirements

You must complete at least 15 credit hours from the following courses, including an approved practicum. Other courses may be substituted with prior approval of certificate program coordinator.

Required Practicum:
HLTH 6921 - Practicum

Elective Courses

Select at least 12 hours from the following courses:

Additional Information

In order to be awarded the certificate, you must complete the above courses with an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and no grade in an individual course lower than a “C” (2.0).

Degree-seeking students who complete the program are awarded the gerontology certificate upon graduation, and a notation of the certificate is recorded on the student’s transcript. Non-degree students receive a notation of the certificate on their transcripts upon completion of certificate requirements. Upon applying for graduation (for degree-seeking students) or completion of the certificate requirements (for non-degree students), you must contact the program coordinator for verification of completion and the awarding of the certificate. For more information on course offerings or other concerns, contact the gerontology certificate program coordinator, Grover Center W324, 1Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701.