Certificate in Gerontology and Health Coursesregistration Procedures

Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Health

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to be enrolled at IU to complete this certificate?

No, you do not. Requirements for enrollment in the certificate include having completed your bachelor’s degree and submitting your certificate application, resume, college/university transcripts, and two letters of recommendations.

Once you are admitted to the certificate program, review the course registration procedures to identify how you should register for your courses.

1. What are the online classes like?

The online courses offer a variety of methods to interact with the instructor and other students as well as increase your expertise of the course topic. These include completing the week’s reading assignments and posting your comments in a forum discussion and responding to others’ comments; engaging in fun, interactive “computer games”; submitting special projects and research papers, and; completing open book/open note exams—all online.

Indiana University uses an online website called Oncourse ( to support their course offerings. In addition to the processes mentioned above, Oncourse also maintains a class roster, tracks grades, and allows students and instructors to efficiently communicate with each other.

1. For the online courses, do I need to be online at a certain time each week?

No. You only need to submit your responses and assignments by an identified time/date each week. These deadlines will be outlined in the course syllabus as well as communicated weekly by the instructor.

1. What are the time requirements per class?

Time requirements differ based on the class, and the assignments you are responsible for each week. Graduate courses generallyrequire an average of 5-7 hours per week.

1. Can the entire certificate be completed online?

Yes. The nine credit hours of course work can all be completed online, based on the courses you choose. The final three credit hours are a practicum to be completed in an aging-related setting.

1. Why should I pursue this certificate?

By 2030, it is estimated that there will be more than 70 million older adults (age 65+) in the United States. Given this expanding population, there are many diverse opportunities for a career in the field of aging, includingin areas such as health care, finance, housing, education, recreation, law and counseling.

A Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Health will provide you with a deeper understanding of aging. The coursework and interactions with students and instructors can improve your knowledge and skills in serving and caring for older adults. Unlike many other certificates, IU’s Certificate in Gerontology and Health can be completed online and does not require you to be admitted to a graduate program.

1. What are the requirements for the practicum?

1. If I work full time, what are my options for completing the practicum?

1. Will I only be in class with others enrolled in the certificate program?

No. Through these classes, you will be able to interact with other graduate and PhD students who are interested in the course topic, but who are not necessarily pursing the Certificate in Gerontology and Health.

For some courses, you will also be attending with undergraduate students. When this is the case, graduate level requirements will be defined differently from the undergraduate requirements to ensure you are utilizing a research-based approach and attaining an increased level of understanding.

1. Will I be required to travel to Bloomington as part of this program?

No. All coursework and the practicum can be completed without traveling to Bloomington.

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