Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology is a unique, interdisciplinary program that offers students the opportunity expand their knowledge of aging processes, policy, and care practices.
This graduate-level certificate is designed for two audiences:
- Graduate-degree seeking students in fields such as Nursing, Social Work, Humanities, Sociology, Psychology, Architecture, and Human Movement Sciences etc.
- Returning students currently working in the field of aging who hold a Bachelor's degree and do not wish to complete a graduate degree.
Why take the certificate?
More Americans are living longer than at any other time in history. Aging is a dynamic field of study where demographic and generational shifts are cracking open all disciplines and demanding innovations in how we care for older adults - from Nursing to the Arts, from Architecture to Health Sciences. The Center's Certificate in Applied Gerontology is:
- taught by nationally recognized scholars;
- focused on bringing practice and research together;
- fully interdiscplinary;
- evidence of graduate-level specialization in the field of aging for your current and future employers.
What makes this unique?
UWM's Center on Age and Community's mission is to link university expertise to community innovation in aging services. Our graduate certificate echoes this goal by encouraging students to link practice and research to improve the quality of life of older adults. Our nationally recognized scholars are dedicated to mentoring students in their chosen paths through the field; be it into academic research and publishing in the field of aging, or innovating practice methods in the care of older adults in the community.
The culminating Capstone course endeavors to conduct an evaluation of an actual aging services program. Together, with their varied blend of research and practice expertise, this interdisciplinary team of students form a research question and conducts the actual evaluation.
For traditional degree students, the Capstone teaches students:
- teamwork
- to understand the needs/concerns of aging services providers
- the basics of conducting an applied research study.
For non-degree students working in aging services, the Capstone teaches students:
- teamwork
- to understand the needs/concerns of applied researchers in aging
- what does it mean to offer an "evidence-based" program?
- what does it really mean to be considered "best practice?"
- what is a research question that might compel an evaluation of your own programming?
What does it entail?
This 17-credit, graduate-level course of study offers core courses providing:
- a general background in the biological, psychological, and social processes of aging;
- in-depth study of policies that affect older adults; and
- insight into the professional field of gerontology through journals, conferences, and research forums.
Students enrolled in graduate degree programs can count 9 of the Certificate credits toward the completion of their degree.
Core Courses (10 credits)
Processes of Aging (College of Nursing; 3 credits) Sample Syllabus
Social Issues & Policy Analysis (Helen Bader School of Social Welfare; 3 credits) Sample Syllabus
Applied Gerontology Capstone I & II (Helen Bader School of Social Welfare; 2 credits each course in same academic year). Sample Capstone I Syllabus, Sample Capstone II Syllabus
Electives (7 credits)
Approved by Program Coordinator.
See a sample course schedule here.
How to Apply?
Students must:
1) Meet the Certificate coordinator (Sue Braden) to discuss academic goals (smbraden@uwm.edu)
2) Be accepted by UWM's Graduate School in order to apple. Visit the UWM Graduate School website for an on-line application
3) Apply for the certificate program
Download the Certificate in Applied Gerontology application below or call 414.229.2740 to receive a copy by fax or email.
NOTE: Students are not admitted to the program until their application is submitted to Sue Braden.
Email or fax (414-229-2713) your completed application to smbraden@uwm.edu or send to:
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Center on Age & Community
Attention: Sue Braden
PO Box 786
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0413
Learn more about Scholarships. For information about other forms of financial aid options and eligibility visit the UWM's Department of Financial Aid website or call 414.229.4541.
Download specific grievance policies and procedures for the Applied Gerontology Certificate Program.
