Credits required
27 Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system. There are four quarters each year and classes are 11 weeks long. This program's 27 quarter credits are equal to 18 semester credits.*
Cost per credit
$350 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.
Delivery
Online You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online. View the curriculum.
Start terms
4 per year

Gerontology – Online Undergraduate Certificate

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 Gerontology 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 gerontology 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 gerontology 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 gerontology 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 gerontology 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.

Login

Related stories

Ecampus grads share their advice on returning to college online

Oregon State Ecampus grads know all too well how hard returning to college can be when juggling it with life and work. Here, they share their tips for success and self-motivation through thick and thin.

OSU faculty, staff to receive awards from Ecampus for dedication to student experience  

The 2022 Ecampus Awards celebrate OSU faculty and staff excellence and commitment to student success through superior online experiences.

Former NFL standout Steven Jackson creates greater diversity for a stronger OSU

Former Oregon State and NFL running back Steven Jackson — who now serves as an OSU Foundation Trustee and on the advisory board for OSU’s director of athletics — made a gift to create the Jackson Family Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fund. It aims to help...