Admission
To be admitted into the graduate certificate in community-based aging services program, the applicant must:
- Be admitted to the Graduate School in a degree program or in nondegree status. All Graduate School policies relative to admissions apply. International students will not be issued an I-20 for certificate programs alone. They may obtain this certificate only while concurrently pursuing a graduate degree.1
- A bachelor’s degree of any discipline will be considered for admission.
- 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.
- Submit a personal goals essay of 250 words or less which clearly articulates the applicant's reason for seeking the graduate certificate.
- Submit a current resume.
Priority application deadlines: July 15 for fall admission; December 1 for spring admission.
- 1
Online only students (including international students) may complete the certificate without concurrent enrollment in a WSU graduate degree program.
Program Requirements
The graduate certificate in community-based aging services is a fully online, 12-credit-hour program intended for those holding, or seeking, leadership positions in aging services, i.e., executive directors, program managers or development officers within organizations that serve older adults (e.g. Alzheimer’s Associations, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), advocacy groups, and older adult housing). The curriculum provides an in-depth exploration of the strategic, financial and organizational skills needed to lead and drive meaningful change in the aging sector. This program meets the demand for well-rounded leaders prepared to serve in a growing industry.
Classes completed in pursuit of the certificate can be applied to the graduate program of study for the Master of Arts in aging studies or the Master of Public Administration program.
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 total number of credit hours required for the certificate is 12, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.000 or above and no grade that generates less than 2.000 credit points per credit hour.
The certificate can be completed within one year. Courses include:
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (9 credit hours) | ||
| FA 760 | Introduction to Adaptive Leadership | 3 |
| PADM 870 | Fundraising and Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations | 3 |
| PADM 873 | Strategic Planning in Public and Nonprofit Organizations | 3 |
| or PHS 617 | Community Health Methods | |
| Elective Courses (3 credit hours) | ||
| Select one of the following | 3 | |
| Aging and Public Policy | ||
| Care Networks and Services | ||
| Hospitality and Enrichment in Aging Communities | ||
| Perspectives on an Aging Society | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
In addition to the above requirements, students must meet the Graduate School’s requirements in order to earn this certificate.