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Gerontology, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Build a Foundation to Work With Aging Adults
Program Overview

Field of Gerontology at the Graduate Level

The program provides instruction and educational experiences in the field of gerontology at the graduate level, i.e., an academic foundation for anyone who plans to work with aging adults.

As those who serve the elderly must be aware of all aspects of aging, in addition to health course work will address the biology, sociology, and psychology of aging with electives in literature, life transitions, economics, psychosocial adjustment to retirement, ethics, communication, and others.

Courses are taught by faculty in a number of different disciplines such as: departments of Biology, Sociology, Psychology, English, Philosophy and Religion, and Communications within the College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts and the College of Science and Engineering.

Additional courses may be taught by faculty from the schools of Nursing and Social Work within the College of Health and Human and Human Sciences and from the Cameron School of Business, and the Watson School of Education.

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Learn To

Do literature searches to gain information from journals as well as some textbooks, and bring findings to class to share with other students and the faculty

Be self-directed in studies and seek information appropriately

Complete a gerontology practicum

Demonstrate awareness of all aspects of aging

Graduates of this program may become a:

Responsible for supervising the clinical and administrative affairs of nursing homes and related facilities. (Source)

Caring for patients, communicating with doctors, administering medicine and checking vital signs. (Source)

Professional that speaks and advocates for a particular category of person, such as a customer, a victim, a child or a patient. 

Lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardiovascular workouts (for the heart and blood circulation), strength training, and stretching. (Source)

Treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. (Source)

An older adult man stands with his hands clasped while leaning against white pillars on UNCW's main campus.

Sample Courses

A table showing a few sample courses required for the gerontology post-baccalaureate certificate program.
GRN 501 Aging & Society
GRN 525 Health & Aging
PSY 524 The Psychology of Aging
See The Full Curriculum

How Do I Apply?

  • An application for graduate admission
  • Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
  • An essay on the applicant’s goals in pursuing the certificate
  • Three recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields
  • Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline
  • An interview with the Gerontology Student Admissions Committee
  • Complete the following undergraduate prerequisites, including an introductory course in gerontology or aging:
    • Introduction to Sociology
    • Introduction to Psychology
    • Statistics
    • Research Methodology
    • Principles of Biology

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: Gerontology - Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

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  • Complete applications are reviewed for admission by the program as they are received.
  • All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.

Coordinator

Location/Delivery Method

  • Main Campus

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Spring 2025:
    • November 1, 2024
  • Summer I 2025:
    • May 1, 2025
    • Limited summer courses available. Contact the program coordinator prior to application submission.
  • Fall 2025:
    • July 1, 2025

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • None Required

Recommendations

  • 3 recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields.

Additional Requirements

  1. Upload Supplemental Documents After Submission
  2. Essay: An essay on the applicant's goals in pursuing the certificate.
  3. Federal Financial Aid: Non-federal loans are available for this program.  Admitted students may apply through the UNCW Scholarship Application to be considered for additional scholarships.  Please consult your Financial Aid Counselor for further details.
  4. Visa Sponsorship:  This program does not qualify for visa sponsorship.

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