Graduate Academic Programs

Graduate Certificates

Gerontology and Health Certificate


Description of Program

The online graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Health provides graduate students, individual practitioners, and professionals working with older adults, with skills and knowledge to advance careers in the aging services field. The curriculum provides 9 credits  of course work, tailored to student interests and a 3-credit career building practicum.

Admission

The Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington exclusively accepts applications for admission to this certificate program through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) at sophas.org. Graduate certificate program admission is through a streamlined version of the SOPHAS application, called SOPHAS Express. The application for fall 2020 admission will be available through the SOPHAS on August 18, 2019. Be sure to thoroughly read all directions in the SOPHAS Express application. Please contact SOPHAS at sophasinfo@liaisoncas.com, if you have questions regarding their online application.

In addition to completion and submission of the SOPHAS application, all applicants must also complete and submit the Indiana University Bloomington Online Graduate and Professional Admissions Application at https://onestart.iu.edu/sisad-prd/p/Guest.do?methodToCall=start&inst=IUBLA&career=GRAD&parm1=DEGR. This supplemental application is brief and will not cost applicants any additional fees. This duplication of application information is required for admission. The Indiana University Bloomington Online Graduate and Professional Admissions Application requires completion of an "Application Information" section. In the drop-down box for "Academic Program," select Public Health-Bloomington Nondegree for certificate program admission. In the drop-down box for academic plan, select Online Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Health.

For answers to questions about our degree and certificate programs, our Indiana University Bloomington Online Graduate and Professional Admissions Application, or your complete SOPHAS Express application, please contact our Director of Graduate Admissions, Nelda Montemayor, at nmontema [at] indiana [dot] edu.

You will be notified of decision by the School of Public Health Office of Graduate Admissions.

For more information about this certificate program:

you may contact:
  • Dr. Lesa Huber
    Department of Applied Health Science
    Indiana University
    1025 East 7th Street, SPH 116
    Bloomington, IN 47405

    Phone: (812) 855-1733
    E-mail: lehuber [at] indiana [dot] edu

Students are encouraged to contact Dr. Huber before applying for admission to this program. Students will be notified of the admission decision by SPH Office Graduate Admisssions.

Certificate Requirements (12 cr.)

Students in the Certificate program must be admitted to or currently enrolled at Indiana University. The certificate requires 12 credit hours of graduate course work with a minimum cumulative GPA in certificate courses of 3.0.

Complete the following course (3 cr.)

  • SPH-H 524 -- or -- EDUC P513 Multidisciplinary Perspectives in Gerontology (3 cr.)

Complete three of the following courses (9 cr.):

  • EDUC-D 505 Adult Learning through the Lifespan (3cr.)
  • EDUC-D 506 Adult Education Planning and Development (3cr.)
  • EDUC-P 517 Adult Development and Aging (3 cr.)
  • SPH-B 535 Contemporary Issues in Aging and Health (3 cr.)
  • SPH-B 615 Health, Longevity, and Integrative Therapies for the Later Years (3 cr.)
Special Opportunities

The certificate consists of 12 credit hours, and includes a 3 credit practicum. Students do not need to be in residence in Bloomington to complete any part of the certificate. All coursework and the practicum can be completed online on campus. The courses address the social, cultural, biological and psychological aspects of aging. Current issues in pharmacology, the family, exercise physiology, and the diversity of the older adult population are featured. The interactive, multimedia courses use case studies from current practitioners.

Careers

The reality of our aging society is resulting in a demand for professionals with knowledge and expertise in aging. The Department of Labor predicts that careers in aging will be a high growth area for the next 10 years. There are expanding career opportunities in many fields. From working with high functioning older adults in the community to assisting frail elders in institutions, there is a demand in fields including health care, finance, housing, education, recreation, law and counseling. In addition, new technologies are changing the way people age. Many people are starting their own businesses to help people to age well and maintain their independence. There are many diverse opportunities for a career in the field of aging.

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