A graduate certificate in aging studies for health professionals (GCAGE) allows graduate students and working professionals to expand their knowledge of the fundamental concepts of aging, to better serve an aging population they frequently encounter. Curriculum immerses students in the psychological, sociological and biological perspectives of an aging society, health communication, and managing family care. Students then choose to focus in community resources and the aging network or the Medicare system.

The GCAGE can be completed 100 percent online. All credit hours are transferable to the Master of Arts in Aging Studies program. The certificate may also be pursued concurrently with a graduate degree program such as the Master of Social Work and clinical disciplines in the College of Health Professions. The GCAGE provides quality distance education, enabling students to earn their graduate certificate from anywhere in the state or country.

Admission

In order to be admitted into the graduate certificate in aging studies for health professionals program, the applicant must:

1. Be admitted to the Graduate School in a degree program or in nondegree Category A status. All Graduate School policies relative to admission apply. International students will not be issued an I-20 for certificate programs alone. International students may obtain this certificate only while concurrently pursuing a graduate degree.
2. Have a bachelor degree of any discipline to be considered for admission.
3. Have a minimum overall GPA of 2.750 (on a 4.000 scale) or a 2.750 in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework.
4. Submit a personal goals essay of 250 words or less which clearly articulates the applicant's reason for seeking the graduate certificate in aging studies for health professionals. 
5. Submit a current resume.

Application Deadlines: July 15th for fall admission; December 1st for spring admission; April 15th for summer admission.

Program Requirements

The graduate certificate in aging studies for health professionals (GCAGE) can be completed 100 percent online. It comprises 12 total credit hours covering essential aspects of the aging process that health professionals and those within the social sciences need to best serve the aging population. Curriculum immerses students in the psychological, sociological and biological perspectives of an aging society, health communication and managing family care. Students then choose to focus in community resources and aging network or the Medicare system.

Classes completed in pursuit of the GCAGE can be applied to the graduate program of study for the Master of Arts in aging studies (MAAGE). A student admitted to the master's program can apply all 12 GCAGE credit hours to the MAAGE degree, leading to completion of their MA within three semesters.

Courses started more than 10 years before the semester in which the master's degree work is completed may not be used as part of the degree program.

The GCAGE can be completed within one year. Courses are offered on the following rotation:

In addition to the above requirements, students must meet the Graduate School’s requirements in order to earn this certificate.