Elevate your expertise in aging through the Certificate in Aging Studies. This certificate addresses the urgent need for professionals trained to support the growing population of older adults and enhance students’ marketability in the field. It provides undergraduate students with comprehensive knowledge of the aging process from biological, psychological, and social perspectives. Designed to complement various degree programs, the certificate offers an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to tailor their studies to their career interests with guidance from academic advisors.
How to Get in
Any undergraduate regardless of major or college affiliation may earn this certificate. Students must contact the certificate program advisor to declare the certificate.
Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses (complete one of the following): | 3 | |
| Adult Development and Aging | ||
| Social Issues in Aging | ||
| Sociological Perspectives on the Life Course and Aging | ||
| Policies and Systems (complete one of the following): | 2-4 | |
| The Economics of Growing-up and Getting Old | ||
| Insuring Life's Risks: Health, Aging, and Policy | ||
| The Economics of Health Care | ||
| Introduction to Health Policy in the United States | ||
| Justice and Health Care | ||
| Health Care Systems: Interdisciplinary Approach | ||
| Depth of Study (complete 6 credits): | 6-7 | |
| Complete additional Core Courses or Policy Systems Courses or any of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Culture and Health | ||
| Molecular Control of Metabolism and Metabolic Disease | ||
| Design and Human Disability and Aging | ||
| Sociology of Health and Medicine | ||
| Health Care Issues for Individuals, Families and Society | ||
| Introduction to Health Communication | ||
| Prevention and Intervention in Mental Health Across the Lifespan | ||
| Development from Adolescence to Old Age | ||
| Stress and Resilience in Families Across the Lifespan | ||
| Health Systems Engineering | ||
| First Aid and Basic Life Support | ||
| Foundations of Health Behavior and Health Equity | ||
| Introduction to Physical Activity Programming for Diverse Abilities | ||
| Physical Activity and Health | ||
| Health Impacts of Unmet Social Needs | ||
| Ethical Issues in Health Care | ||
| Nursing Care of the Older Adult | ||
| Community Supports for People with Dementia | ||
| Nutrition in Aging | ||
| Social Work Practice in Palliative Care | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Residence and Quality of Work
- Minimum 2.000 GPA in all certificate courses
- At least 6 certificate credits must be completed in residence
Certificate Completion Requirement
This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the interdisciplinary nature of aging as a combination of psychological, social, and biological processes.
- Identify and dispel commonly held myths and stereotypes regarding older adults and aging.
- Recognize how older adults are impacted by evolving intersecting identities such as age, race, ethnicity, gender, income, class, sexual orientation, and ability.
- Compare and contrast current theory and research in interdisciplinary gerontology both in the U.S. and globally.
- Evaluate how individual and compounded biopsychosocial issues can affect an older adult’s overall health and wellbeing, as well as those who work with and care for them.
Advising and Careers
Please contact one of the School of Social Work academic advisor with your questions and to declare this certificate.
Advising appointments for current UW–Madison students are made through Starfish or by calling 608-263-3660.
This certificate will better prepare students to meet the evolving needs and opportunities of an aging society. Students who earn this certificate may consider careers in health care, social services, policy making, and community organizations.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students