The undergraduate Certificate in Aging and Longevity Studies is open to interested students of all majors. For the certificate, you will take courses that focus primarily on older people: on the biological, social, cultural, psychological, and other aspects of the aging process and on interventions that benefit older adults.
Students may choose to obtain a minor instead of a certificate by successfully completing 15 semester hours in Aging and Longevity Studies.
Undergraduate students may earn the undergraduate Certificate in Aging and Longevity Studies or the Minor in Aging and Longevity Studies, but not both.
This certificate may be earned by any student admitted to the University of Iowa who is not concurrently enrolled in a UI graduate or professional degree program.
For more information, review Aging and Longevity Studies in the General Catalog.
Information
Iowa graduates have a 95 percent job/grad school placement rate within six months of graduation. Our Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
Employment options and work settings in aging studies are growing. You'll find career opportunities in agencies that serve the elderly, social services, retirement homes, long-term care facilities, hospitals, recreation departments, banks, industry, and health clubs.
In addition to more than 500 student organizations, Iowa students choose from more than 100 study abroad programs and multiple undergraduate research opportunities.
The University of Iowa provides a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students through the Iowa Scholarship Portal. Scholarships are available to first-year, transfer, and currently enrolled students. For additional details on scholarships for your program of study, check directly with the department or college.
The Office of Admissions and the Office of Student Financial Aid are great resources for students seeking scholarships.
The certificate's required 18 semester hours of credit includes a core curriculum of five courses and an additional 3 semester hours of elective coursework from the list of approved aging-related courses.
The Aging and Longevity Studies Program features a multidisciplinary approach to the study of gerontology and geriatric education. It provides a broad background in aging for students from varied disciplines.
Students should work with the academic advisors and the certificate coordinator to develop an individual plan of study that complements their degree program and career interests.