Study the interactive process of aging

An aging population impacts individuals in every aspect — physically, socially and psychologically — and it also results in distinct societal changes. This reality makes the study of aging vital as the global population grows older.

To learn how to serve and support people who are aging and enhance your employability in the process, earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Aging Studies online with Oregon State University.

This 27-credit program, offered by Oregon State’s renowned College of Health, will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to apply theories and research into practice with aging individuals, their families and communities.

Coursework

The aging studies certificate’s online coursework is designed to help you understand the ecological contexts in which aging individuals and families develop; evaluate public policy relevant to individual and family well-being; and learn the methods by which public health professionals identify potential causes of population health issues later in life. 

Certificate requirements and curriculum details are available on Oregon State’s academic catalog.

Sample course topics

• Health care management
• Economic issues in health and medical care
• Financing and administration of long-term care
• Professional helping skills
• Human lifespan development

Field study or project

While earning your aging studies undergraduate certificate, you will complete 3-6 credits of a field study or a project which will enable you to use and practice the skills you learn in the online classroom in a hands-on setting. You will work one-on-one with the program’s advisor to identify an opportunity that meets your learning goals and career aspirations.

Prerequisites

You may need to complete additional coursework prior to enrolling in this program and taking the required certificate courses. This could mean completing 3 or more additional credits, depending on how your educational background relates to the program requirements.

Apply some certificate credits toward a bachelor’s degree

The aging studies undergraduate certificate is offered by Oregon State’s College of Health. This makes it possible for you to apply some of the credits you earn in the aging studies certificate toward earning an OSU bachelor’s degree online in human development and family sciences or in public health.

Benefits of learning online with Oregon State

• All classes are developed by OSU's world-class faculty, who are renowned for their research, expertise and innovation.
• Oregon State is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
• Oregon State Ecampus is consistently ranked among the nation’s 10 best providers of online education according to U.S. News & World Report.
• OSU Ecampus students receive the same transcript-visible certificate as on-campus students.

NOTE: The U.S. Department of Education has approved this certificate for federal financial aid eligibility as part of a full degree program, but not as an independent certificate program. Alternate funding sources (e.g., loans, private funds) may be required to cover the costs associated with this program.