Gerontology Graduate Certificate

The University of North Georgia offers a Gerontology Certificate. This program is designed to enable students at the graduate levels to obtain a certificate in two to three semesters.

To receive the Gerontology Certificate, students must successfully complete 18 credit hours of coursework.

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Program Application Deadlines

All application materials are to be received prior to the deadline. If program capacity is met prior to established admission deadlines, we will stop accepting applications for admission and cancel remaining incomplete applicants. Completing your application earlier is better.

Fall Deadline

July 15

Spring Deadline

December 1

Summer Deadline

April 15

Gerontology Graduate Certificate Quick Facts

Online program, no campus visit required
Asynchronous online classes
Program length 18 credit hours
Apply as non-degree

Practicum or research option
Practicum may be completed in person or virtually
Federal financial aid is not available

How to Apply for the Gerontology Graduate Certificate

Certificate Non-Degree
Requirements

Baccalaureate from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog).

Applying to UNG

Step 1Application and Application Fee

Step 2Official Transcripts

Step 3Verification of Lawful Presence in the U.S.

Submit the online application for Graduate Admissions.

Please allow three business days after submitting your application for processing. You will receive an email from grads@ung.edu after your application has been reviewed for accuracy and updated with submitted documents. Please do not check your application status prior to receiving an email from this office as your online application checklist will not accurately reflect the required items for your program of interest.

Select Graduate Level Certificates-Gerontology Certificate.

Non-refundable application fee of $40.

Pay with a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when completing the online application.

Include check or money order payable to UNG when submitting a paper application.

Submit one set of transcripts from each institution confirming bachelors or master’s degree.

Transfer credit posted on records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from original institutions. Please request a transcript from each institution attended.

Official electronic transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution to grads@ung.edu. Depending on the transcript service you are using, grads@ung.edu may not be an available option. You may then select any admissions or undergraduate admissions @ung.edu address. Electronic transcripts forwarded via email from the student are not accepted.

Official paper transcripts are accepted if submitted from the issuing institution and mailed to University of North Georgia Admissions Imaging Center, P.O. Box 1358, Gainesville, GA 30503-1358. Student paper transcripts are accepted only when issued to the student in a sealed envelope and submitted to Graduate Admissions unopened.

International transcripts must have a course-by-course credential evaluation by an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). Evaluations must be sent directly from the agency to the Admissions office. Refer to the evaluator website for a full list of NACES or AICE members. Official evaluations must include certification that the applicant's course work and degrees earned are equivalent to course work and degrees earned from an accredited institution (as defined under Accredited Institutions in the Academic Information section of the Graduate Catalog) and include a cumulative grade point average. Evaluations should be submitted from the evaluation service to Graduate Admissions. Applicants who have received degrees outside of the United States may be required to submit proof of English proficiency. Applicants will be notified if a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score is required. If required, scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Personal copies and photocopies are NOT accepted. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two calendar years from the test date. Required minimum scores are, TOEFL internet based - 79, TOEFL computer based test - 213, TOEFL paper based test - 550, IELTS - 6.5.

Transcripts of coursework completed in-residence at UNG will be obtained by Graduate Admissions.

Board of Regents’ policy requires all applicants accepted for admission or readmission to UNG seeking in-state for tuition classification provide validation of residency and lawful presence in both the state of Georgia and the United States.

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Appeal of Graduate Admissions

A candidate whose application is denied has the right to appeal the decision. A written letter of appeal must include strong evidence to support the basis for your appeal. The appeal should consist of information beyond what was previously submitted in your admissions file and detail your ability to be successful in graduate studies.

Email your letter of appeal as a pdf attachment to grads@ung.edu.

All International

International applicants who must be issued an F-1 visa by UNG to enter the United States to attend school may not apply for completely part-time (less than nine hours) or online programs. This program is only offered as an online program and therefore does not permit F-1 visa student admission.

Start Your Application Graduate Admissions Tuition Estimator

Gerontology Graduate Certificate Curriculum

Choose 1 (3 credit hours)

GERO 5081 - Survey of Aging

The Seminar in Aging is designed as the first in a set of four gerontology courses taught online. This course is appropriate for both graduate students and upper-level undergraduate students. Its primary purpose is to provide an introduction and overview of the biology, psychology and sociology of aging. In addition, contemporary topics related to older individuals and aging are introduced. Participation by students and faculty will highlight the complexities of the aging process from diverse perspectives. Student are introduced to the field of gerontology.

Hours:
3

View Course in Catalog
HSDA 6100 - Contexts of Aging

This course focuses on the conditions that promote or limit human functioning within the context of the life course. Particular emphasis is placed on the historical, cultural, psychological physiological, biological and social contexts of aging across the life course.

Hours:
3

View Course in Catalog

Choose 4 (12 credit hours)

Choose 1 (3 credit hours)

GERO 5581 - Practicum Experience

Students whose discipline has a practitioner's emphasis may complete an approved practicum in a community-based gerontological setting for not less than three semester hrs. The practicum must be approved by the Gerontology faculty advisor. This course is a supervised field experience designed to assist in reinforcing knowledge, theories and principles gained through courses related to Gerontology.

Hours:
3

View Course in Catalog
GERO 5681 - Research Experience

Students who discipline is focused on research may submit a thesis which they have completed to fulfill Master's requirements within their academic department or they may complete an individual research project for not less than three semester hours. The thesis or project must be approved by the Gerontology faculty advisor prior to the development of the project in order to qualify for the certificate.

Hours:
3

View Course in Catalog

Questions?

For questions about the program, contact:

Dr. Pamela Elfenbein
pamela.elfenbein@ung.edu

678-717-3688

For questions about the application process, contact:
Graduate Admissions
grads@ung.edu
706-864-1543

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