Columbia University in the City of New York or simply Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university headquartered in New York. Established in 1754, it is considered the oldest institution of higher learning within the state with locations in Irving, Manhattanville, and Palisades. The university is a proud global leader in providing research and distinctive programs in many professional fields.

The Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center at Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health provides comprehensive academic programs and interdisciplinary research in order to advance the knowledge on increasing healthy lifespan and wellbeing. The center offers a Master of Public Health where students in the Sociomedical Sciences, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Sciences, Populations and Family Health, and Health Policy & Management can take a Certificate in Health of an Aging Society. The certificate program provides an ecological approach to aging and introduces comparative perspectives on aging in societies. More details about the program can be seen at aging.columbia.edu.

As America’s first research university founded in 1876, Johns Hopkins University (JHU) leads many world-class academic divisions that work together to bring knowledge to the world. Based in Baltimore Maryland, the university revolutionized higher education in the nation and in the present, continues to actively prepare students to become global leaders and citizens.

Offered by JHU’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, the Certificate in Gerontology is a program that is open to public health studies majors, and masters and doctoral students currently enrolled in any academic division within the university. With a wide range of aging-related courses, research, and conferences, students in the program acquire the knowledge and skills essential for success in the field of gerontologic studies. Some of the courses in the program are available through the School of Nursing, and School of Medicine. These include Epidemiology of Aging, Health Issues for Aging Populations, Mental Health in Later Life, Life Course Perspectives on Health, and Demographic Methods for Public Health. Learn more about the program requirements at jhsph.edu.

With more than 21 academic schools and units, the University of Southern California (USC) is among the top-ranked private research universities in the country based in Los Angeles, California. The university, accommodating more than 48,000 students since 1880, provides extensive academic and research opportunities as a global center for arts, science and technology, and international business.

At Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at USC, there are several gerontology undergraduate programs as well as an accelerated five-year undergraduate/graduate degree program that are taught by experts in fields of biology, psychology, sociology, neuroscience, and public policy. The Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Aging is a program that focuses on the biological and social development of humans across the lifespan. Students in the program may choose to take the Health Science track or the Social Science track. There is also a Bachelor of Science in Lifespan Health which is suitable for those who plan to pursue graduate school or careers in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, psychology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and related fields as it covers the biological and medical aspects of health which include disease detection, treatment, and prevention. Check the other program options at gero.usc.edu.

Offering one of the most flexible degree programs in Louisiana, Tulane University is among the most renowned research universities in the United States and is a member of the Association of American Universities. Started operating in 1834 as Medical College of Louisiana, the university offers over 70 majors across five schools and units that specialize in the fields of business, science and engineering, social sciences, architecture, and public health.

The Interdisciplinary PhD in Aging Studies offered by Tulane School of Medicine is a program that focuses on the study and research of aging processes at the individual and societal levels. With students and faculty members from the Schools of Medicine, Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Science and Engineering, Business, Social Work, Liberal Arts, Law, and Architecture, the program provides a comprehensive exploration of how people change over the lifespan, examination of the interrelationships among young people, older people, and social institutions, and determination of the societal impact of the changing age composition of the population. For additional information, go to medicine.tulane.edu.

With more than 11,000 students on its campus in  Cleveland, Ohio, Case Western Reserve University is among the top research universities in the United States. Established in 1826, the university aspires to solve the biggest issues of society in the present and future through its cutting-edge facilities, comprehensive programs, and innovative research.

The Gerontological Studies Program at Case Western Department of Sociology is a multidisciplinary program that integrates research and theory about human aging and development over the lifespan. With courses coming from three departments namely Sociology, Anthropology, and Psychological Sciences, students may choose from various courses according to their goals and interests. The program is also an appropriate second major or minor to undergraduates from different disciplines as the courses are firmly grounded in the liberal arts which can provide a wider knowledge base for effective thought process and communication. The School of Medicine also offers a Gerontology Certificate which is ideal for professionals serving the needs of the aging population. Explore the mentioned programs at sociology.case.edu.

The University of Maryland (UM) - College Park is a public research university located in College Park, Maryland, and is also considered the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland founded in 1856. With more than 40,000 students, the university aims to provide excellent teaching, research, and public service by being the national center for research within and beyond the state.

Offered by UM College Park’s School of Public Health, specifically The Center on Aging, the multidisciplinary Graduate Gerontology Certificate Program is a program that provides the knowledge and skills needed for professionals to work with the growing aging population. With an individually designed curriculum, supervised internships, and research work, students enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program within the University of Maryland System may take the certificate program. The research requirement on their program must be an aging-related topic. The program is also available to those who have already earned their master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited academic institution. Check more information about the program at sph.umd.edu.

As the oldest public land-grant research university in the United States, the University of Georgia (UGA) is a leader in world-class education with its main campus based in Athens, Georgia. The university, chartered in 1785 by the state of Georgia, continues to provide hands-on learning opportunities and extensive research collaborations to more than 38,000 students.

The Institute of Gerontology at UGA’s College of Public Health offers a master’s degree specialization and a graduate certificate in Gerontology that provides professionals the knowledge and expertise to work with the aging population. The Master of Public Health degree offers specializations in Environmental Health Science, Gerontology, Health Promotion and Behavior, and Biostatistics, among others. The Gerontology degree  specialization requires 5 courses, 4 of which can be chosen among Applied Aging Research, Social Work With Older Adults, Management of Public Health Organizations, Nutrition, Health, and Aging, and many more. There is also a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology program available for graduate students within the university or for those who previously earned their bachelor’s or advanced degrees. Access the complete program requirements at iog.publichealth.uga.edu.

Binghamton University or SUNY at Binghamton is a world-class institution of higher learning in the nation located in Binghamton, New York. Founded in 1946 as Triple Cities College, the university offers an interdisciplinary education and extensive research collaborations to students from all over the world. Binghamton is the first university to offer a Languages Across the Curriculum (LxC) program that allows students to learn four to five languages in a single class.

Offered by the best nursing school in the country, the Decker School of Nursing offers graduate-level and certificate programs in Adult/Gerontological Nursing. The Master of Science with a specialization in Adult/Gerontological Nursing provides an in-depth understanding of the health status and illnesses common in the adult and older adult populations. The program may be taken either full-time or part-time. The school also offers a Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontological Nursing for those who already earned their graduate degrees in nursing. This certificate allows them to sit for the certification examination in the New York state. Visit binghamton.edu to see the entire curriculum for each program.

California State University - Long Beach (CSULB) is a public research university situated in Long Beach, California. It operates under the 23-member California State University system and was initially named the Los Angeles-Orange County State College during its founding in 1949. Today, the university aims to enhance communities by providing high-impact education, innovative teaching and research, and action for the public good.

Offering several options in the Gerontology Program, the College of Health and Human Series at CSULB provides a superior curriculum and real-life opportunities in the field through partnerships with gerontologists all over the world. The Masters of Science in Gerontology is a program that provides a flexible interdisciplinary curriculum perfect for new and seasoned professionals. Through numerous field experiences, students are able to enhance their understanding of different concepts, principles, and skills related to aging at all life stages. The college also offers an upper-division undergraduate Gerontology Certificate which is open to all majors enrolled in the university. The courses in the program are drawn from the departments of Anthropology, Psychology, and Human Development which can address the interdisciplinary nature of the field. For further details about the programs, go to csulb.edu.

Started operating in 1897 as the San Diego Normal School, San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university based in San Diego, California, and is one of the institutions under the California State University System. The university enrolls more than 35,000 students engaged in bachelor's, master’s, and doctorate programs in 100 different areas of study.

The School of Social Work at SDSU offers a top rated Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology which provides students with an interdisciplinary curriculum tackling the physical, social, and economic conditions of the aging population. The courses in the program are broad enough to cover concepts and research in the biological, social, and behavioral sciences. Through this interdisciplinary culmination of ideas, students are able to have a deeper understanding of the social and mental impact of changing demographics on society. Some of the courses in the program are Diversity and Aging, Images of Aging in Contemporary Society, Analysis of Programs for the Aging, Principles of Family Development, and Intergenerational Issues and the Elderly. Inquire about more program details at socialwork.sdsu.edu.

With several campuses in New York City namely Wilf, Israel Henry Beren, Brookdale Center, and Jack and Pearl Resnick, Yeshiva University (YU) is a private Jewish research university that provides a unique dual curriculum of Jewish studies and liberal arts and sciences in its undergraduate and graduate programs. Students may choose to start their studies in Israel through the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program which is a formal arrangement between YU and seminaries in Israel.

Offered by the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva, the Master of Social Work certificate degree in Gerontology & Palliative Care provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to create meaningful experiences for the elderly or those with life-threatening illnesses. The program offers specializations in Gerontology, Palliative Care, Coping with Loss, and Health Care in Social Work where students can base the courses that they will take. Students are required to finish a two-year field training in elder and palliative care focused sites. All the courses in the program may be taken on-campus or online. Read more about the program at yu.edu.

The University of South Florida (USF) is a preeminent research university based in Tampa, Florida that provides knowledge to more than 48,000 students across 14 colleges and schools. Since 1956, USF has been empowering students to build successful careers in more than 180 areas of study in business, arts, and health, and engineering to give impactful contributions to society.

Under USF College of Behavioral and Community Services, the School of Aging Studies offers a wide variety of degree programs that focus on the field of gerontology. The Bachelor of Science in Aging Sciences is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program suitable for students who want to pursue graduate and professional work in the fields of aging and allied health. The school also offers a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology that allows professionals who have previously earned a graduate degree to get the knowledge, training, and expertise needed to understand the aging process and work with the aging population. The Master of Arts in Gerontology at USF is one of the oldest graduate degrees in aging and gerontology in the country and this program prepares professionals who want to pursue doctoral and advanced degree programs in the field of aging. Check the complete overview of each program at usf.edu.

The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is a public doctorate-granting research university situated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is part of the Association of American Universities. It is recognized as the top public university in the Northeast and it has been offering more than 100 undergraduate programs since 1787 in the fields of business, education, arts and sciences, engineering, health, and international studies.

The Gerontology Focus Area Certificate at Pitt’s School of Social Work aims to enhance students’ understanding of the aging process in order to equip them with the relevant, specialized skills to work with/for older adults and their family members. Through a wide range of courses and numerous field placement experiences, students in the program are exposed to the different roles and settings where aging takes part in the contemporary social work practice. Students are trained to understand the strengths of clients and their families, embrace diversity among the aging population, and comprehend the social, cultural, and policy contexts of aging. Explore the entire program description at socialwork.pitt.edu.

The State University of New York (SUNY) College at Oneonta or SUNY College at Oneonta is a public four-year liberal arts college based in Oneonta, New York that is a member of the SUNY System. The college values inclusivity, service, and sustainability as reflected in its undergraduate and graduate programs in the fields of business, natural sciences, social sciences, and education that are offered to more than 6,000 students.

Ranked as one of the best gerontology programs in New York, the Gerontology Studies program at SUNY Oneonta Sociology Department offers a personalized academic experience for students who have interests in working with or studying the aging population. The program focuses on different personal and policy issues involved with and related to the aging process through courses in sociology, psychology, anthropology, and human ecology. Students may design their program of study based on their interests and goals through electives in the said disciplines, independent research projects, and internships. Some of the courses in the program are Comparative Aging: A Global Perspective, Population and Social Change, Anthropology of Death, and Introductory Psychology. Go to suny.oneonta.edu to view the entire list of electives and program requirements.

With several campuses in Indiana namely Fort Wayne, Northwest, and Indianapolis, Purdue University is a public land-grant research university headquartered in West Lafayette that was founded in 1869 as the flagship campus of the Purdue University System. As the 5th most innovative school in the United States, the university provides over 200 top-ranked academic programs in the fields of science, business and management, engineering, technology, healthcare, law, agriculture, and visual and performing arts.  As the number of Americans over the age of 65 grows, the opportunities for careers in fields related to aging also continue to grow. A background in gerontology will be a valuable asset whether your field is pharmacy, nursing, fitness, nutrition, finance, or a host of other disciplines related to aging populations.

Open to all individuals with undergraduate and graduate degrees, the Center on Aging and the Life Course at Purdue offers a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology that is designed to educate students on the aging process in order to work with and for the aging population. The courses in the program include Multidisciplinary Gerontology, Health and Aging in Social Context, Aging and the Family, and Biology of Aging. The center also offers a dual-title PhD that links a discipline-based program of study with an interdisciplinary perspective on aging and aging studies. Some of the available disciplines eligible in the program are Communication, Health and Kinesiology, Nursing, Nutrition Science, Human Development and Family Studies, Pharmacy Practice, and Sociology, Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, and Anthropology. See more information about the programs at purdue.edu.

With campuses in Missouri and Spain, Saint Louis University(SLU) is a private Jesuit research university that offers more than 180 undergraduate and graduate programs. Founded in 1818, SLU is the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States, and today, it is recognized as a provider of world-class education, life-changing research, and compassionate health care.

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Gerontology at SLU’s College for Public Health and Social Justice is a program that trains students to become productive members of an interdisciplinary coordination team that examines human development and aging. Students of the program are required to complete courses that cover the foundational competencies such as general frameworks for understanding human aging, and different biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging, as well as the interactional competencies like ethics and professional standards, and communication with and on behalf of the elderly. Finally, the courses in the program also touch on the contextual competencies needed in the profession which include physical well-being, social health, mental health, and public policy. To learn more about the program, go to slu.edu.

The University of La Verne is a private university situated in La Verne, California that has been offering more than 60 on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 4 schools and colleges and eight regional campuses in Southern California since 1891. More than 7,000 traditional and adult learners at La Verne are mostly engaged in the arts and sciences, business, education, law, and public management.

In the absence of a degree in gerontology, the University of La Verne offers several graduate programs that have a concentration in gerontology. These include the Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Health Administration (MHA), and Master of Science in Leadership and Management (MSLM). The MPA program provides students with a practical and comprehensive curriculum that highlights different intellectual and theoretical foundations needed to take on socially responsible positions in public leadership and service. The MHA program, on the other hand, prepares health services professionals with the foundational competencies, specialized knowledge, and practical skills required to effectively manage healthcare organizations. To know more about the details of other program options, go to business.laverne.edu.

As one of the institutions in the California State University System, the California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a public research university based in Fullerton, California that serves as an intellectual and cultural center for Southern California. With more than 41,000 students, the university provides more than 100 degree programs, innovative educational experiences, and collaborative research.

The Aging Studies Academic Program at Cal State Fullerton College of Humanities and Social Sciences provides interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs in the field of gerontology. The Minor in Aging Studies is an undergraduate specialty program open to all undergraduates in the university to introduce the diverse applications of gerontology in different fields. The college also offers a Master of Science in Gerontology which is a flexible, 30-unit program of study that emphasizes administration and policymaking. Applicants in the program must have a bachelor’s degree or a minor in gerontology or related fields in an accredited institution. For more details about the program, visit hss.fullerton.edu.

Established as the Oswego Primary Teachers’ Training School in 1861, the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego or SUNY College at Oswego is a public comprehensive college situated in Oswego, New York. The college, with another campus in Syracuse, houses more than 8,000 students engaged in the fields of business, education, natural sciences, humanities, and many more.

The Gerontology Minor at SUNY at Oswego which is open to all undergraduates aims to educate students on the physical, biological, sociological, psychological, political, economic, and demographic aspects of aging. The core courses in the program are Fundamentals of Gerontology, Research in Applied Gerontology, and Community Engagement. Some of the elective courses, on the other hand, are Introduction to Family Systems, Disease: Lifestyle and Environment, Nutrition Concepts, Health Psychology, and Family Dynamics Across the Lifespan. Inquire about the program overview at oswego.edu.

With its main campus located in Blacksburg, Virginia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, commonly referred to as Virginia Tech, is a public land-grant research university with 9 undergraduate colleges and 1 graduate school in the fields of business, communication, education, engineering, health sciences, and many more. The university has locations in Roanoke, Northern Virginia, and across the state which serves more than 34,000 students.

The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology at the Center of Gerontology at Virginia Tech is a program of advanced study that aims to give students a multidisciplinary perspective of aging. The courses in the program cover the social, physical, and psychological aspects of aging which is a helpful tool to produce knowledgeable and skilled professionals in the field of gerontology. Students are required to submit a dissertation on any issue in adult development and aging. They also have the option to complete a practicum to widen their expertise and gain real-life experience. Access the complete program curriculum at liberalarts.vt.edu.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is a public research university in Baltimore, Maryland that is a member of the University System of Maryland. With more than 14,000 students, the university aspires to provide innovative teaching and learning, multidisciplinary research, and civic engagement to redefine excellence in higher education.

The Doctor of Philosophy program in Gerontology, jointly offered by UMBC and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, is an interdisciplinary program that integrates different perspectives on the process of human aging. Students may choose one track from the following: Aging Policy, Epidemiology of Aging, and Social, Cultural, and Behavioral Sciences. The program should be taken on-campus, on either a full-time or part-time basis. At the end of the program, students are expected to be knowledgeable and skilled in discussing interdisciplinary and integrative frameworks, paradigms, and research designs to explore the unique and dynamic nature of aging. Check the entire list of program requirements at gradschool.umbc.edu.

The University of South Carolina (U of SC) - Columbia is the state’s flagship public research university in Columbia, South Carolina, which was established in 1801. As part of the 8-campus University of South Carolina System, the university has grown into a major research university dedicated to making an impact on communities across the world. It offers various programs in the fields of business, arts and sciences, education, engineering, law, medicine, public health, and social work.

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Aging at U of SC Columbia The Graduate School is a program that aims to address the educational needs of full-time and part-time professionals who have plans to work in careers involving the planning, administration, and provision of services for the aging population. The program is recommended for students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in related disciplines to gain specialized preparation for careers in the fields of gerontology and geriatrics. The courses in the program include Health Promotion for Older Adults, Programs and Services for Older Adults, and Long-Term Care Administration. Access the complete program description at sc.edu.

With nearly 33,000 students on its campus in Salt Lake City, Utah, the University of Utah is a public research university founded in 1850 making it the flagship institution of the Utah System of Higher Education. The university houses 17 colleges and schools that encompass over 100 departments that provide programs in the fields of business, dentistry, education, fine arts, health sciences, medicine, nursing, social work, and more.

The Gerontology Interdisciplinary degree at the University of Utah’s College of Nursing is a program open to all students from different academic disciplines within the university. The program is also flexible as courses may be taken on-campus and online to allow working professionals to take courses with more ease. Under the program are options such as Master of Science in Gerontology, Gerontology Minor, and Gerontology Interdisciplinary Certificates. The Master of Science in Gerontology aims to equip students with an in-depth understanding of the major concepts, principles, theories, methods, and approaches to the study and research of the aging process by examining the fundamental physical, biological, social, and psychological dimensions of the process. Visit nursing.utah.edu to see the overview of each program option.

The University of North Carolina - Wilmington (UNCW), part of the University of North Carolina System, is a nationally-ranked public research university located in Wilmington, North Carolina. The university first opened its doors in 1947 with only 238 students and currently houses nearly 18,000 students to continue its commitment to excellence, innovation, diversity, student-centered learning experience, and community engagement.

The School of Health and Applied Human Sciences at UNCW offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the field of gerontology. The Gerontology minor is a program that focuses on the study of the aging process and older adults. The program includes courses from various related disciplines such as psychology, sociology, public health, recreation therapy, and social work. The school also offers a 4+1 Combined Program in Gerontology which integrates a Master of Science in Applied Gerontology and a bachelor’s degree in either Exercise Science, Public Health, and Recreation Therapy. Undergraduates may take graduate courses in gerontology in their final year in order for them to be counted in both degrees. View the entire list of program options at uncw.edu.

Started in 1892 as a music conservatory, Ithaca College is a private nationally-ranked, liberal arts college located in Ithaca, New York. The college offers personalized education and endless research opportunities to more than 6,500 students enrolled across 5 schools and units in order to produce bold thinkers that can build thriving communities.

Housed under the Gerontology Institute which was established in 1992, the Gerontology Department at Ithaca College offers an Aging Studies major that leads to either Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, as well as an Aging Studies minor. The programs aim to study the different physical, social, psychological, cultural, and other aspects of the aging process. With numerous opportunities for experiential learning in internships, research projects, field placements, and service-learning projects, the program offers an interdisciplinary course of study which covers the knowledge and competencies needed to enhance the well-being of the aging population. The courses in the program include Biology of Aging, Aging and Social Policy, Introduction to Developmental Psychology, Sociology of Aging, Counseling the Older Adult, and Memory Loss and Aging: Myths and Realities. Access the entire list of courses and requirements at ithaca.edu.