Gerontology Certificate

Gerontology is the interdisciplinary study of aging and adult development. While most of us will experience being an older adult and engage with older persons in our personal and professional lives, many of us remain uninformed of the diverse realities and opportunities of aging and growing old. Certificate completers will be empowered to enhance the lives of older adults in a changing environment as well as address related challenges in their local, state, national, and global communities.

Program Outcomes

• Examine the normative and nonnormative biological, psychological, and social changes associated with aging.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide effective direct and indirect services that meet the diverse and evolving needs of older adults.
• Develop inclusive and equitable practices, processes, and programs that empower individuals and families through the aging process across the life course.

Program Highlights

• 3 Courses (9 Credits): Complete your certificate in as little as 4 months.
• Start on Your Schedule: Courses available three times each year – spring, summer, and fall.
• Apply Your Certificate to a Degree: Courses taken for credits can be applied to related UW-Stout programs at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• Credit for Prior Learning: If you have work experience, you may explore earning undergraduate credit for prior learning experiences.

Undergraduate Curriculum

This certificate is designed for students pursuing an undergraduate degree at UW-Stout who wants to expand their employment opportunities by completing this certificate or for someone already working in the field who wishes to complete the certificate on a part-time basis in order to enhance their expertise in gerontology.

Graduate Curriculum

This certificate is designed for students pursuing a graduate degree at UW-Stout who wants to expand their employment opportunities by completing this certificate or for someone already working in the field who wishes to complete the certificate on a part-time basis in order to enhance their expertise in gerontology.

Request More Information

Use the Request Information form to receive a program summary and learn more about the Online Gerontology Certificate.

Demand for Training in Gerontology

The population aged 65 and older in the United States is expected to double from 46 million to 96 million by 2060 and the population aged 80 and over is expected to triple. In Wisconsin, a 72% increase in the population aged 65 and older is projected through 2040, with 18 counties having one-third or more of their total population in this age group.

According to the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education, “The demand for professionals with expertise in aging is growing rapidly…The field of gerontology and aging is very diverse, offering different employment opportunities… The relative newness of the field means that there are opportunities for innovative ideas, new programs and products.”

Related Programs at UW-Stout

For current UW-Stout students, this certificate aligns well with the following undergraduate and graduate programs:

Related Fields of Career Enhancement

Professionals in the field looking to upskill in this area may include, but are not limited to, the following fields:

• Corporate Managers & Leaders
• Engineers, Architects & Designers
• Government Health/Human Services Agencies
• Human Resources
• K-12 Educators & Administrators
• Medical Professionals
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Nursing Homes/Assisted Living Facilities
• Therapists & Clinicians
• Any professional seeking to better serve older adults and leverage the opportunities of aging