Joint Programs

Graduate Certificate in Gerontology

The University of Florida Network for Biobehavioral and Social Research and Training in Aging (The Age Network), in cooperation with the Psychology Department, offers a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology.

The Certificate constitutes the required curriculum for all Aging Training Program trainees. The Certificate program is intended for students who have a strong gerontology/geriatric focus in their graduate program and will be completing a master's thesis or doctoral dissertation on aging.

Application

1. Obtain advising from your Faculty Advisor or Aging Training Program Mentors. See list of Approved Aging Courses on this site.
   
   
2. Complete the Gerontology Certificate Application Form. Submitting this form ensures that your plan for certificate completion meets the certificate requirements and will be approved on completion. This form should optimally be completed before beginning the certificate requirements. The application MUST be submitted at least two semesters prior to certificate completion. Submit this form in person or by email to:

   The Age Network, c/o Amanda Foote
   Psychology Building, Room 136
   For current open hours, contact (352) 273-2130;
   psyinfo@grove.ufl.edu

Requirements

1. Core course (3 credits), GEY 6646: Issues and Concepts in Gerontology
   
   
2. Three additional aging courses (9 credits); at least one from outside home dept.
   
   
3. Achieve B or higher in all courses.
   
   
4. Complete a major research project on aging (e.g., thesis, dissertation).
   
   
5. Complete a graduate degree at the University of Florida.
   
   
6. Submit a Gerontology Certificate Completion Form to:

   The Age Network, c/o Amanda Foote
   Psychology Building, Room 136
   For current open hours, contact (352) 273-2130;
   psyinfo@grove.ufl.edu

Procedures and Regulations

1. Approved Courses. All courses must be on the Approved Aging Courses list. Most courses should be at the 5000 level or higher. One course outside of your home department may be at the 4000 level, but only if that course is not offered at the graduate level.
   
   
2. Independent Study. No more than 3 credits may be applied to the certificate from internships, practica, or independent research/study. This work must be done with a faculty member other than the student's dissertation or thesis advisor. To receive credit for a practicum, internship, or independent study, the faculty member who supervised the student's work must write a letter that should be included with the Graduate Certificate Completion Form when submitted to the Psychology Advising Office. The letter must outline the nature of the student's work, confirming that the work was significantly related to aging.
   
   
3. Required Research Project. All master’s theses and dissertations on aging approved by the major department and accepted by the University of Florida are automatically accepted for the research project requirement if students submit the required pages as listed on the Graduate Certificate Completion Form. Students in non-thesis programs must complete an independent scientific research report endorsed by a faculty member whose primary research area is in aging.