Gerontology is the study of the social, psychological, and biological changes in older people as they age. With one out of every eight persons in America age 65 or older, understanding the challenges facing the elderly is critical to our society. The aim of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate Certificate in Gerontology program is to train people to think critically about the issues of aging and how to support the wellbeing of adults as they grow older. The program is the result of a collaboration between University Center for Social and Urban Research (UCSUR), the College of General Studies (CGS), and the Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services.
- The University of Pittsburgh Graduate Certificate in Gerontology serves as a helpful complement to many other degrees. Whether you´re a researcher, a nurse, a social worker, a rehabilitation specialist, or just someone who´s passionate about the issues of aging, you´ll be able to craft a program that fits your special interest. Our specializations include Law, Mental Health, Nursing, Occupational Therapy/Rehabilitation, Public Health, Social Work, Gerontechnology, Caregiving, and two multi-disciplinary tracks--General and Prevention & Healthy Aging.
- The University of Pittsburgh is a world leader in transformational research on aging.
- With our program, you can attend 100% of your classes online, 100% in the classroom, or a mix of both--whatever suits your needs. With online classes, you attend classes when it´s convenient for you--the convenience and flexibility working students appreciate.
- With only 15-16 credit hours needed, you can complete your certificate in as little as nine months.
- You can often apply the credits you earn toward a graduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh should you decide to pursue one.
- Our instructors are leaders in the field of gerontology.
- Eighty-eight percent of attendees surveyed said that an understanding of the challenges faced by the elderly helped them in their professional lives, and 100% said that it helped in their personal lives!
- Unlike programs at other universities, our certificate program offers the same tuition rates to in-state and out-of-state students. And 94% of attendees surveyed said our certificate program is a good value for the money.
- As a student in our Gerontology Certificate Program, you have the world-class resources of the University of Pittsburgh behind you.
Both the Tradition and Online programs provide some flexibility to take classes in the other program. Students should apply to the program that will make up the majority of their classes. For more information about the Online program, please visit our program page. Students can apply to either the Tradition or Online program by clicking the Apply Now button.
- Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology must have a bachelors degree.
- Course work completed on a non-degree basis that satisfies the course requirements of a graduate program within the University may be applied as advanced standing toward that degree, with the exception of the JD program offered through the School of Law.
- The current tuition rate is $1,058 per credit for in-state students and out-of-state online students.
- Prospective students may have tuition benefits from their employers and financial aid is available.
The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology is eligible for Post 911 GI Bill® benefits. Learn more about your education and training benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Read what other students are saying about the Certificate program.