Gerontology
Graduate Certificate
Faculty of the Center for Gerontology study aging from a multidisciplinary, comprehensive perspective. Students engaged in the Graduate Gerontology Certificate program will become more knowledgeable about older adults; more empathetic to their unique perspective, needs, wants, challenges, and value to society; and more valuable to virtually any organization.
The purpose of the Certificate program is to provide a comprehensive look at the social, psychological, and physical aspects of aging. The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology is a university-approved program of advanced study offered by the Center for Gerontology.
Quick facts
The Center for Gerontology was established in 1977-78 and has approximately 100 affiliate faculty members and two international faculty members.
Our program enables students to experience individualized attention with award-winning and research active faculty.
What makes this certificate special
This is an achievable goal: The Graduate Gerontology Certificate requires just nine (9) hours of classes at no extra cost to your existing graduate studies program.
This is a flexible program: Course offerings are dynamic: in-person, online, and independent study. For the independent study course, you will work directly with faculty to customize the course to your interests and needs.
This certificate will increase your value: Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the population and are more important and influential than ever. The courses that make up this certificate program have been designed to increase your expertise in areas that relate to older adults—making you more valuable to virtually any organization.
What you'll study
The required minimum of 9 credits focused on three core gerontology competencies. These include aging processes and outcomes related to (1) biological changes and health, (2) dimensions of psychological functioning, and (3) contemporary social and societal issues. The principal goal of the curriculum is to offer learning experiences consistent with the recommendations of the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education.
HD 5104 Adult Development & Aging I (taught in spring semester, even years)
This explores individual and interpersonal aspects of development in adulthood and old age. Included is an overview of biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of development.
PHS 5714 Health of the Elderly (taught in fall semester, even years)
This online course examines the health needs and problems of older adults, health care delivery systems, and implications for those working with older people.
SOC 5714 Aging in Social Context (scheduling varies)
This course involves understanding social, political, and economic environments of aging in a variety of cultures with emphasis on aging problems in American society.
HD 5974 Independent Study (can be taken any semester)
Course is developed between student and instructor.
Gerontology faculty are happy to assist in the development of research projects pertaining to older adults. It is strongly suggested that the research topic of the thesis or dissertation address an issue in aging. This requirement is not meant to supersede the authority of the student's committee. Its aim is to assure that an issue in gerontology is examined in the research.
- Minimum GPA 3.0 (4 Scale)
- TOEFL/ IELTS score Required (If Applicable)
New to Virginia Tech (Certificate Applicants Only):
International Application Deadlines:
- Fall: April 1st
- Spring: Sep 1st
Domestic (Blacksburg Campus Only) Application Deadlines:
- Fall: Aug 1st
- Spring: Jan 1st
Pamela Teaster, Program Director
203 Grove Lane
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-8958
pteaster@vt.edu
Cynthia G. Booth, Program Coordinator
Center for Gerontology
230 Grove Lane
Blacksburg VA. 24061
540-231-7657
cgbooth@vt.edu
Available scholarships
Center for Gerontology Futures Board Scholarship
The Center receives excellent guidance and input from our external advisory board, the Futures Board. In addition to advising on our research and educational programs, Futures Board members contribute to a scholarship fund for certificate students in gerontology.
AARP Memorial Fund Scholarship
Deeply moved by the character and resilience of the Virginia Tech community after the April 16th tragedy in 2007, AARP Virginia donated to the Center to inspire and increase the number of students entering the gerontology field and certificate program. This endowed scholarship is designated for graduate students in the gerontology certificate program
S.J. Ritchey Award
Dean Emeritus S.J. Ritchey was one of the founders of the Center for Gerontology.
Upon his retirement, Dr. Ritchey's family and friends designated a scholarship fund, endowed in his honor, for graduate students in the gerontology certificate program.
Core Faculty in Gerontology
Karen Roberto, Ph.D.
University Distinguished Professor
Executive Director of the Institute for Society, Culture and Environment
Senior Fellow at the Virginia Tech Center for Gerontology
Laura Sands, Ph.D.
Professor
Virginia Tech Center for Gerontology
Tina Savia, Ph.D.
Professor
Virginia Tech Center for Gerontology
Department of Human Development and Family Science