Certificate of Graduate Study in Aging
Are you passionate about working with and improving the lives of our growing aging population? Expand your knowledge and earn specialized preparation through an 18-credit hour training program on health programs and interventions, sociocultural issues, health care services and community resources, and long-term care policies.
This program is administered by the Arnold School’s Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior in partnership with the College of Social Work.
Why Study Aging?
You can complement your existing or in-progress degree with additional credentials. There is an increasing need for clinical and public health professionals to understand how to work with a growing aging population.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to be able to interpret the impact of biological, social and psychological changes on the physical, psychological and social well-being of older adults.
The Aging Certificate program is a perfect way for me to learn the science-based problems related to aging, allowing me to better serve others. As an older adult myself, this knowledge helps me in adopting a lifestyle that promotes healthy aging.
Who Should Apply
The Certificate of Graduate Study in Aging is open to current USC graduate students as well as individuals outside the university who hold a bachelor’s degree. Our program can enhance employment and advancement opportunities for nurses, teachers, public and mental health workers and more.
Curriculum and Courses
Students pursuing the Certificate of Graduate Study in Aging must complete 18 credit hours of program coursework.
Browse class offerings below and explore the Academic Bulletin.
Core Classes
9 hours
- HPEB 620 Nutrition Through the Life Cycle
- HPEB 713 Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity or EXSC 710 Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity
- HPEB 731 Health Promotion for Older Adults
- HPEB 820 Public Health Advocacy and Policy
- COMD 714 Gerontology and Communicative Disorders
- EPID 830 Seminar in the Epidemiology of Aging
- SOWK 772 Programs and Services for Older Adults
Electives
6 hours
Select electives chosen with the approval of the program director.
Practicum
3 hours
- HPEB 798B Public Health Practicum Fieldwork
The certificate program offered curated courses that address aging in different facets, and I was able to tailor course assignments, readings, and discussions to my research interests. It ultimately led me to my dissertation topic!
How to Apply
The Certificate of Graduate Study in Aging has rolling admissions.
Current USC students in the Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior apply by completing the Concurrent Enrollment form.
Other applicants outside of the department or university must apply through The Graduate School.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
- Grade point average of 3.00/4.00 or higher
- For international applicants, a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign
Language, TOEFL, with a minimum score of 80 internet-based, 230 computer-based, or
570 paper-based, or the International English Language Testing System, IELTS Academic
Course Type 2 exam, with a minimum overall band score of 6.5. This requirement may
be waived for applicants who have earned a prior degree from a U.S. institution.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are subject to change and vary based on enrollment status.
View tuition and fees through the Office of the Bursar.
Contact Us
Christine Blake, Ph.D., RD
Graduate Director
Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior
803-777-1484
ceblake@mailbox.sc.eduSarah Zilinsky
Program Coordinator, Public Health at The Graduate School
zilinsky@mailbox.sc.edu