Gerontology Certificate

Gain knowledge and skills to better meet the needs of the growing aging population worldwide and engage ethically in a diverse workforce.
Degree Type Certificate
Careers & Salaries Career Outcomes
Delivery On Campus

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.

This certificate is designed for a student pursuing an undergraduate or 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.

Program Objectives

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

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:

  • Applied Social Science
  • Business Administration
  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation
  • Dietetics
  • Health, Wellness and Fitness
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Human Development and Family Studies
  • Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Psychology
  • Rehabilitation Counseling
  • Rehabilitation Services

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 and leaders
  • Engineers, architects, and designers 
  • Government health and human services agencies
  • Human resources
  • K-12 educators and administrators
  • Medical professionals
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
  • Therapists and clinicians
  • Any professional seeking to better serve older adults and leverage the opportunities of aging

The certificate is administered out of the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Human Services.

icon

Certificate Requirements

The certificate is an alternative credential for individuals seeking to obtain new knowledge and skills

Loading...