Gerontology - Graduate Certificate

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.

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

Admission Requirements

• Official transcript(s)
• Master's degree from an accredited institution¹
• 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

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

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.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• 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 can 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.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus