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Gerontology - Graduate Certificate

The Gerontology graduate certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively serve the growing aging population. Our expert faculty will guide you through coursework covering topics like age-related changes, eldercare policy and more.

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Kent State University and the University of Akron together offer a graduate level Certificate in Gerontology, which may be received in conjunction with degrees from either institution at the Specialist’s, Master’s or Doctoral levels.

Program Information for Gerontology - Graduate Certificate

Program Description

Full Description

The Gerontology graduate certificate is offered jointly with the University of Akron to offer students specialized training within the interdisciplinary field of gerontology that goes beyond what is rooted in their selected professional discipline or academic major. Coursework completed at either institution may be applied to the certificate. The certificate program is flexible; students can tailor the courses taken toward completion of the certificate to meet their unique professional interests.

The Gerontology certificate is based on the recommended standards of excellence established by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. The faculty at both Kent State University and the University of Akron are nationally and internationally recognized scholars in gerontology. Many are fellows of the Gerontological Society of America. Faculty are available to assist students with course selection, research projects and other matters of interest in the field of gerontology.

Admissions for Gerontology - Graduate Certificate

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Master's degree from an accredited college or university1
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Two letters of recommendation (students currently enrolled in graduate degree programs at either Kent State University or the University of Akron may use the letters of recommendation submitted for admission into their degree program)
  • Goal statement and professional objectives
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

Student must be matriculated in a graduate degree program or hold a graduate degree from an accredited institution. Students may be admitted with non-degree status, but they must complete a graduate degree prior to being awarded the certificate.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Summer Term
    • Rolling admissions
Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Apply gerontological knowledge and skills to their professional career pursuits, whether of an applied or research orientation.
  2. Interface with professionals from other disciplines within the interdisciplinary context of gerontology.
  3. Understand aging from a broad bio-psych-social prospective, ranging from cell to society in scope.
Coursework
On This Page

Program Requirements

Certificate Requirements

Certificate Requirements
BSCI 50020BIOLOGY OF AGING 3
GERO 50656PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING 13
or SOC 52010 DEATH AND DYING
GERO 61191INTERDISCIPLINARY SEMINAR IN GERONTOLOGY 3
Gerontology Research or Practicum3
Gerontology Elective3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:15
1

Course meets the psychosocial requirement of the certificate.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Certificate GPA Minimum Overall GPA
3.000 3.000
  • Students declared in a doctoral degree should enroll in the doctoral level version of these courses, if offered.
  • A thesis or dissertation may be applied toward certificate requirements if it involves an aging-related topic. Students may also apply a practicum/internship course within their degree program as a capstone experience in the certificate program.
  • Minimum 12 credit hours must be at the 600 level (University of Akron), 60000 level (Kent State University) or above designation.
  • Maximum 3 credit hours is transferable from outside the university.
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus
More About This Program

Students in this certificate program receive basic preparation in their selected discipline or major, while concurrently obtaining specialized training in gerontology through the certificate program. Coursework completed at either institution may be applied to the Certificate Program. The two universities are located within a short 15-minute drive from each other.

To be eligible for the Graduate Gerontology Certificate Program a student must be matriculated in a graduate degree program or hold a graduate degree from an accredited institution. Students may be admitted with non degree status, but they must complete a graduate degree program prior to being awarded the Certificate.

The certificate program is flexible with minimal required courses beyond those needed to complete degree requirements. Students can tailor the courses taken toward completion of the certificate to meet their unique professional interests. A thesis or dissertation may be applied toward certificate requirements if it involves an aging-related topic. At least 12 of the required hours are to carry 600-level (University of Akron), 60000-level (Kent State University) or above designation. A maximum of three credit hours is transferable from outside the university. Certificate completion is acknowledged by special notation on student transcripts.

Certificate Options

The Certificate is an interdisciplinary program consisting of the following two options:

    Gerontological Studies Option

    The Gerontological Studies Option is intended for Ph.D. and Masters students who wish to develop a specialty in gerontological scholarship. The coursework and other requirements associated with this tract emphasize the development of knowledge and skills related to gerontological theory and research.

    Applied Gerontology Option

    The Applied Gerontology Option is intended for students whose primary interest is to apply their gerontological expertise and knowledge within service-oriented professions (counseling, nursing, rehabilitation specialties, case management etc.)

    Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Gerontology - Graduate Certificate

    Those who complete the Undergraduate Certificate in Gerontology at Kent State University can benefit from specialized career opportunities in related industries.

    Health specialties teachers, postsecondary

    20.5%

    much faster than the average

    254,000

    number of jobs

    $99,090

    potential earnings

    Medical scientists, except epidemiologists

    6.1%

    faster than the average

    138,300

    number of jobs

    $91,510

    potential earnings

    Social scientists and related workers, all other

    0.8%

    little or no change

    38,800

    number of jobs

    $87,260

    potential earnings

    Notice: Career Information Source
    * Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

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