The Department of Gerontology serves the people of the commonwealth of Virginia and the nation by providing educational programs related to understanding of aging and promoting successful aging. The department encourages education through discovery of new knowledge, interdisciplinary interaction, professional behavior and service to the aging network. The department’s primary focus is to prepare individuals for positions in the network of aging services. These gerontologists are educated to serve as supporters of optimal aging for older persons and families and caregivers. The certificate program provides quality education to those who are already working with older adults and wish to enhance their services with formal academic training in gerontology or individuals with training in other professions.

The program’s goal is to ensure that graduates will be able to demonstrate the ability to apply core gerontological concepts according to Association for Gerontology in Higher Education Core Concepts. The Certificate in Aging Studies program offers fully online, face-to-face and hybrid delivery formats.

Student learning outcomes
Connect gerontological theory to practice: Students will demonstrate a holistic theoretical understanding of adult development and elderhood from a biological, psychological and social perspective and the ability to apply this knowledge to aging, using a strengths-based lifespan orientation.
Integrate diversity, equity and inclusion in gerontological practice: Students will demonstrate knowledge of how discrimination, oppression and marginalization based on age and intersectional identities impacts health and longevity. Students will be equipped with the knowledge to shape positive attitudes about aging and elderhood.
Uphold professional and ethical standards: Students will demonstrate the ability to engage in an ongoing self-reflective process of their professional gerontological practice. Students will demonstrate the ability to uphold professional standards through individually and collaboratively applying ethical decision-making processes.
Demonstrate interdisciplinary approach: Students will demonstrate the ability to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue and be knowledgeable of interdisciplinary approaches to promoting optimal aging.