Become a professional prepared to work with adults who are aging with a gerontology certificate from the School of Health & Human Sciences.

As the population ages, the demand is increasing for a workforce better able to understand the changes impacting the aging generation. With this certificate program, you’ll gain the skills to work with families and individuals going through this process and be prepared to help them navigate these complicated life challenges.

You’ll dive into courses that reveal issues that face an aging population and learn effective interaction and advocacy for them and their families.

In three years or fewer, depending on your schedule and the courses offered, you can earn this credential in this program, offered 100 percent online. 

Eligibility

• The certificate in gerontology is open to current students, regardless of major, and can be pursued as a stand-alone degree or combined with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
• To enroll in our certificate program, you must already be admitted. If you are not currently admitted, you will need to meet the admission requirements. Learn how to apply to IU Fort Wayne. 

Certificate requirements

• Complete a minimum of 18 credits in accordance with the specified curriculum.
• Earn a minimum grade of C in each course.
• Required to have a minimum 2.0 overall grade point average.

Curriculum

The Certificate in Gerontology curriculum consists of six 3-credit hour courses. Four courses are required (indicated with a †), and students choose 2 electives from the remaining choices.
• HLSC-G350 Survey of Programs for Older Adults† (Fall)
• HLSC-G370 Psychosocial Aspects of Aging† (Fall)
• HLSC-G375 Physical Change and Aging† (Spring)
• HLSC-G450 Seminar in Gerontology (capstone course) † (Spring)
• HLSC-H220 Aging and the Older Person (Fall, Spring, Summer)
• NTRD-N265 Nutrition and Exercise or equivalent (Fall/Spring)
• HLSC-G410 Service Learning in Geriatrics (Spring)