Aging is a dynamic field of study where demographic and generational shifts are impacting all disciplines and demanding innovations in how we care for older adults.
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology (GCAG) is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pursue or advance careers within aging services organizations or conduct academic research in aging. The program focuses on the biological, psychological, social, policy, and ethical aspects of aging.
There are many employment options that support older adults including: medical, hospice, long-term care, rehabilitation, home and community-based services, behavior health, corrections, criminal justice, research and policy analysis, program development, advocacy, education, and training.
Why earn this certificate?
- To increase knowledge, skills, and effectiveness in working with older adults
- To develop an interdisciplinary perspective on aging
- To enhance your professional marketability through graduate-level specialization in the field of aging
“The multi-disciplinary courses I took in the process of aging have been invaluable in my practice. My client population is 100% over 55 and I use what I learned daily.” -Certificate Alum
This graduate-level certificate is designed for two categories of students who are interested in a specialization in gerontology:
- Graduate-degree seeking students in any field.
- Degreed professionals who wish to advance and refocus their career.
Students wishing to earn the certificate must complete the required 18 graduate credit hours with an overall GPA of 3.00 or better. No student may complete all 18 credits within a single school or college. A maximum of half of the credits (9) may be double counted toward one’s degree program.
Curriculum Overview
Please note that there is a time limit of three years from initial enrollment for completion of the certificate program.
Required Core Courses (all are required)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURS 760 | Processes of Aging | 3 | Fall online |
| SOC WRK 851 | Social Issues and Policy Analysis: Aging | 3 | Spring online |
Choice Core Courses (choose 6 credits)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD LDSP 547 | Educational Dimension of Practice with Older Adults | 3 | Varies |
| PSYCH 680 | Psychology of Aging | 3 | Spring, Summer (online) |
| SOC WRK 680 | Death and Dying | 3 | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| SOC WRK 685 | Social Gerontology | 3 | Fall |
| SOC WRK 855 | Practice Skills and Concepts for Aging and Health | 3 | Fall |
| THEATRE 699 | Independent Study (contact Ann Basting to register) | 3 | Fall, Spring, Summer |
Elective Courses (choose 6 credits)
| Course # | Course Title | Credits | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD LDSP 667 | Program Planning in Adult Education | 3 | Fall (hybrid) |
| AD LDSP 757 | Principles and Foundations of Adult Education (may only take 517 OR 757) | 3 | Fall (online), Spring, Summer |
| ARCH 791 | Directed Research | 3 | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| ARCH 792 | Master's Level Independent Studies and Research | 3 | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| ARCH 794 | Pre-Thesis or Masters Project Seminar | 3 | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| ARCH 891 | Master's Project | 6 | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| COMMUN 672 | Communications and Social Order | 3 | Varies |
| COMSDIS 713 | Degenerative Cognitive Communication Disorders in Older Adults | 2 | Spring |
| NURS 670 | Nursing Care of Adults and Older Adults | 3 | Spring |
| NURS 671 | Nursing Care of Adults and Older Adults II | 3 | Summer |
| NURS 779 | Special Topics: Pain and Symptom Management or Adv Prx Nrs in | 3 | Spring |
| OCCTHPY 625 | Design and Disability | 3 | Fall |
| OCCTHPY 744 | Advanced Occupational Therapy for Aging Adults | 3 | Varies |
| OCCTHPY 760 | Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology | 3 | Fall, Spring |
| OCCTHPY 770 | Assessment in Assistive Technology and Accessible Design | 3 | Summer |
| PSYCH 782 | The Aging Brain | 3 | Fall |
| SOC WRK 564 | Social Services for the Aging | 3 | Fall |
| SOC WRK 811 | Direct Social Work Practice II-Aging | 3 | Varies |
What makes this unique?
The GCAG encourages students to link practice and research to improve the quality of life of older adults. Our nationally recognized faculty are dedicated to mentoring students in their chosen paths through the field; be it into academic research and publishing in the field of aging, or innovating practice methods in the care of older adults in the community.
“The certificate gave me a great understanding of the role and effects of caregiving, knowledge of policy related to older adults, illnesses, and developmental issues of older adults including cognitive changes. It also gave a well-rounded understanding of assessing older adults in their homes and clinical settings.” – Certificate Alum
How to Apply
- Contact Jen Kahn-Pettigrew, Coordinator for Education and Programming (kahnpet2@uwm.edu or 414-229-6888), to set up an advising appointment.
- Review the UWM Graduate School certificate information located under “Certificate Toolbox“.
- Apply to UWM’s Graduate School as a certificate student.
- Complete the Certificate in Applied Gerontology declaration form.
Career Opportunities
This certification program provides you with the knowledge and skills to effectively meet the needs of the aging population in a wide range of careers. There are opportunities in nursing, teaching, service, administration, and research that focus on the needs and interests of older adults. These opportunities also exist within government programs and agencies; public and private institutions that provide health, education, and social services; research centers; special interest groups; colleges and universities; and corporate human resources divisions. Click here for more information on Careers in Aging.
- Coordinator for Education and Programming
Jen Kahn-Pettigrew
(414) 229-6888
kahnpet2@uwm.edu
Program Resources