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    4. Graduate Programs

    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. 

    Request Information Apply

    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

    • August 1

    Spring Deadline

    • December 1

    Summer Deadline

    • May 1

    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.

      Learn More

    • 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 Learn More About Graduate Admissions

    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)

    • GERO 5381 - Biology of Aging

      The Biology of Aging course is designed to provide the basics of the biology of aging with a system-by-system description of aging phenomena in the body. Course content is organized by organ systems reviewing the basics of normal physiology first with subsequent introduction to changes based on aging processes. Participation by students in discussions based on recent research on biology of aging topics will highlight the complexities of the aging processes from diverse perspectives. This course is appropriate for both upper-level undergraduate students and graduate students in health related fields and those interested in the physiological changes that occur with aging.

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    • HSDA 6120 - Advanced Resource Planning for Aging Population

      In this course students will examine the services available for older adults. Content includes theoretical and practical issues, advocacy, barrier to services, as well as exposure to opportunities for service and employment. This course also offers a survey of current resources for an aging population, including the family, private, local, state, and federal programs, with a focus on multicultural impacts and advocacy.

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    • HSDA 6150 - Communicating with Older Adults

      This course focuses on differential communication skills, including communicating with clients, families, and caregivers. Also covered are discussions of health literacy and ways to improve the health literacy of clients and caregivers and communications research including verbal, non-verbal, and written communications and application of findings for excellence in communications skills. This course will provide the necessary intervention knowledge, theory, and skills to effectively communicate with older adults in facilitating maximum autonomy and functioning. The course will meet the needs of students who are training to be human services professionals such as caregivers, services brokers, advocates, and teachers.

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    • PHED 7800 - Independent Study in PHED

      The study of a topic or problems in Physical Education significantly related to the student's interest. (By approval of student's advisor and department head.)

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    • PSYC 5181 - Psychology of Aging

      The Psychology of Aging course is designed to provide an introduction and overview of research findings for introductory level graduate and upper-level undergraduate students. Course content is designed to provide a general overview of the domain of psychology and aging with an emphasis on critical evaluation of research. Accordingly, we will examine aging research and practice to obtain a general picture of the far-ranging contributions of both academic and applied psychology to later life and show how psychological research translates into practice.

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    • SOCI 5481 - Contemporary Issues in Aging

      This course examines age as a social construct and aging as a social process. We will explore the effects of societal norms and social institutions on the aging experiences of individuals as well as the effects of qualities of generations and the age structure of a population on a society and its institutions. Students will become familiar with major sociological theories of aging.  We will discuss issues of age-related inequality and its confluence with social class, race, and gender inequalities. We will analyze major contemporary issues in aging.

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    • SOCI 7590 - Independent Study I

      Permission of the instructor.

      Hours:
      3

      View Course in Catalog

    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

    • Institute of Healthy Aging
    • Catalog
    • Cost

    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

    Where Could This Program Lead You?

    Use our tool to explore different careers related to this degree program. You can download a customized career profile, learn about location-based salaries, and discover the skills you need to get the job you want.

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