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.
Graduate Certificate in Gerontology at Portland State University
The Gerontology at Portland State University is a Full Time Graduate Certificate program offered at the university's main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America. The program is delivered online in English and can be completed in 1 year. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on September 26, 2027.
About Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Graduate Certificate in Gerontology at Portland State University
Entry Requirements
- Copies of official degree certificate/diploma
- Certified translation of transcripts
- Financial documentation demonstrating adequate financial support for at least the first year of study
English Requirements
- PTEMin 60
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 80
Career Opportunities after Completing Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
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).
Tuition and Fee Information for Graduate Certificate in Gerontology at Portland State University
How to Apply for Graduate Certificate in Gerontology at Portland State University
- Complete the graduate application
- Send the Graduate School’s Admissions office your official academic transcripts
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency
- Provide financial documentation demonstrating adequate financial support for at least the first year of study
- Depending on the individual graduate program that you are applying for, additional department requirements may include:
- Personal essay or statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Standardized test scores, e.g., GRE (not required by all programs)
- Resume
- Writing samples
- Portfolio
United States of America, Aberdeen