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School of Public Health

The 18-credit Certificate in Population Aging is designed to provide essential skills in addressing the needs of older adults.

Population Aging Certificate

The Certificate will train a new generation of scholars, advocates, and community leaders to develop and implement creative and innovative public health programs and policy solutions to align with our nation’s changing demographics.

The Population Aging Certificate is Intended for:

  • Public health students in disciplines other than population aging
  • Professionals who plan to work or are already working in the health and helping professions (e.g., counselors, dentists, hospital administrators, nurses, nutritionists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, pharmacists, physical therapists, physicians, psychologists, social workers, etc.)
  • Those who are interested in human rights, social justice, advocacy, equity, policy, and the law

"A certificate in population aging equips students with the essential knowledge and skills to address the complex health needs of an aging global population and will make students stand out in the job market for their unique skillset."

Dr. Elissa Kozlov
Assistant Professor, Department of Health, Behavior, Society & Policy

Program Design

You can complete the Population Aging Certificate in two to three semesters, or you can plan a schedule for completing the courses over a two-year period (maximum timeframe). The online asynchronous course offerings makes it convenient to continue working or gain experience while earning your Population Aging Certificate. 

older adults at dinner
Image Credit | Adobe Stock

Depending on the degree program and concentration, certificate courses may also be applied toward a degree at the Rutgers School of Public Health. Certificate holders must apply and be admitted to the degree program.

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Curriculum Requirements (18 credits)

Courses are all fully remote/online.

  • PHCO 0502 - Principles and Methods of Epidemiology (3 cr.)
  • PHCO 0505 - Social and Behavioral Health Sciences in Public Health (3 cr.)
  • IDST 5300 - Introduction to Gerontology (3 cr.)
  • HBSP 0603 - Mental Health and Aging (3 cr.)

       --AND--

      Choose one of the following:

  • HBSP 0601 - Aging in World Cities (3 cr.)
  • IDST 5320 - Social and Healthcare Policy for the Older Adult (3 cr.)

       --AND--

      Choose one of the following:

  • HBSP 0624 - Population Health and Public Policy (3 cr.)
  • HBSP 0652 - Program Planning and Evaluation (3 cr.)

Graduates of CEPH-accredited schools and programs of public health may transfer up to six (6) credits towards a certificate program if earned within the past seven years with a grade of B or better and are deemed appropriate by the respective Certificate Program Coordinator.

Cost

Tuition is governed by Rutgers University and is subject to change without notice. Please visit the Rutgers School of Public Health’s Tuition & Fees webpage to confirm tuition rates and fees.

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Admission Requirements

Applicants must have:

  • Completed an accredited undergraduate program in the U.S. or its equivalent
  • Demonstrated academic achievement in an appropriate discipline

Applicants must submit:

  • Application for Admission
  • Official transcripts of all prior work
  • Letter of intent, including statement of purpose for application to the program
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation
  • Application fee

International applicants must submit:

  • TOEFL scores and WES evaluations

Download the Population Aging Certificate Info. Sheet