Gerontology Education

Overview

OHA and our affiliates are committed to improving the skills and knowledge of professionals who work with and on behalf of older populations across a wide range of applied, policy, and academic settings.  To this end, our affiliates recruit and train students and professionals in a variety of disciplines to advance healthy-aging outcomes at both the individual and population levels.  ECU further encourages the education of students about topics of aging and human development across the lifespan (e.g. physical and mental health, social issues, public health, public policy, etc.) by offering a Gerontology Minor and Gerontology Certificate. If you have any questions about either the gerontology minor or certificate, please feel free to reach out to the Gerontology Program Coordinator, Abby Schwartz, at schwartza15@ecu.edu

Gerontology Minor

The gerontology minor augments major fields of study with an overview of issues confronting older adults, their families, and service providers. In recognition that aging can be viewed from a variety of perspectives, students can choose courses from several academic disciplines. 

Admission Requirements: 

  • You must currently be enrolled in an undergraduate program at ECU.
  • Meet with the coordinator of the gerontology minor to tailor your curriculum.
  • Notify your academic advisor to have the minor added to your Degree Works plan.

To learn more about the specific courses or completion requirements for the gerontology minor, please use the ECU Undergraduate Catalog.

Gerontology Certificate

The graduate certificate in gerontology builds upon undergraduate education or work experience through course work in aging studies.

Admission Requirements:

  • Meet with the gerontology certificate coordinator to plan your curriculum.
  • Students currently enrolled a graduate program at ECU must complete an “add certificate” request; non-degree students must apply through the graduate school.

To learn more about the specific courses or completion requirements for the gerontology certificate, please use the ECU Graduate Catalog.