Student Programs

Other Frequently Asked Questions


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To become a student in the Certificate Program, do I have to be enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Georgia, or can I simply enroll in the Certificate Program?

In order to enroll in the Certificate Program, students must first be admitted to the Graduate School as either a prospective candidate for a graduate degree in an academic department or in a non-degree seeking status with Gerontology as the major. Undergraduate students in the Honors Program may also apply and should contact the Assistant Director. The Assistant Director of the Institute of Gerontology will provide advice to interested students on the necessary steps to secure admission.

I am completing a Master’s degree and I am interested in the Certificate Program, but I am not sure how it would fit into my program of study. Can I complete the requirements for my degree and the Certificate and still graduate in two years?

The Certificate Program is designed so that elective courses in most programs that have been approved as Certificate courses can be used to fulfill Certificate requirements. Courses may be used to count towards both a Master’s degree and the Gerontology Certificate if they fulfill requirements of both programs. With proper planning, one can complete both programs of study in a two-year period.

I have already completed a Master’s or Doctoral degree and wish to come to the University of Georgia for the sole purpose of completing the Graduate Certificate of Gerontology. Is this possible?

Yes. A number of individuals have completed the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology after having earned Master’s or Doctoral degrees. Admission must be secured from the Graduate School as a non-degree candidate. The Assistant Director will guide individuals to appropriate departments and personnel in the Graduate School who will provide assistance in gaining admission to the Graduate School under these circumstances (http://www.grad.uga.edu).

What if I am unable to complete all of the requirements before I graduate? Is it possible for me to continue to take courses to earn the Certificate of Gerontology?

Yes. If all Certificate of Gerontology requirements cannot be met before graduation from a degree program, work can still be done toward the Certificate after graduation. Non-degree status must be granted through the Graduate School early in the semester before enrollment in courses as a non-degree student.

How will completing the Graduate Certificate of Gerontology help me in my job search?

The completion of the Certificate will be formally noted on your transcript and will indicate to prospective employers that, in addition to training within a particular discipline and degree program, formal interdisciplinary training in gerontology has been obtained.

How long do I have to finish the Certificate? Is there a deadline?

The Institute of Gerontology does not impose a time limit for receiving the Certificate. If classes have not been taken over a three-year period, a student will be considered "inactive." Students who have been classified as "inactive" can have the status lifted by scheduling an advisory session with the Assistant Director of the Institute of Gerontology. This meeting is necessary to review the courses which are available and necessary for completion of the Certificate requirements.

To request information from the Graduate School, please fill out this form.