The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology program is unique in its inclusion of courses from various disciplines such as urban studies and planning, public policy, social work, psychology, and sociology. Through coursework (completely or mostly online) and an 80-hour internship, students will learn how and why we age and the implications of the “demographic transition.” Our talented faculty helps students find ways to optimize the aging process, plan for one’s own aging, create age-friendly communities, and recognize and reduce ageism, stigma, and negative stereotypes. You will emerge from this program understanding the purpose, strengths, and challenges of programs and services for improving the quality of life for older people and their families, and also know ways to recognize, value, and utilize the resources older adults represent. Our alumni go on to work with and on behalf of older adults in a wide range of private, government, and non-profit sectors.
This certificate may be completed fully online or through both online and traditional classroom courses. Our faculty are global leaders on the cutting edge of social science research on aging, including best practices in housing and long-term care, planning for age-friendly communities, mental and behavioral health, aging services, workforce development, work-life issues, and family caregiving.
The certificate can be completed as a stand-alone post-baccalaureate program or combined with a graduate program at PSU. Courses may be applied toward PSU doctoral programs in Urban Studies and Planning, Public Affairs and Policy, Community Health, and Health Systems Management & Policy, master’s programs in Public Health, Social Work, Public Administration: Health Administration, and other doctoral and master’s programs (provided the courses meet requirements in the particular degree program).
Strong partnerships include PSU's Institute on Aging and the City of Portland. Other local and international organizations and programs provide ample opportunity for students to form professional relationships, complete internships, and explore career options.
The Institute on Aging is a member of the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education. PSU is also a member of the Age-friendly University Global Network.
Employment possibilities in the field of aging services are vast, and there are myriad opportunities for entrepreneurship in this field that are yet to be discovered. They include positions at international, federal, state, and local levels of governments, as well as positions in non-profit and for-profit organizations. Our faculty are global leaders on the cutting edge of social science research on aging, including best practices in housing and long-term care, planning for age-friendly communities, behavioral health, aging services, workforce development, work-life issues, and family caregiving. For more information about careers in aging, contact the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE).