Undergraduate Certificate in Aging Studies

Understand aging. Empower lives.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to demonstrate the application of multidisciplinary theories of aging in practical interactions with older adults.
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast how age-related changes, disease, and self-perception influence physical, psychological, and social health and function.
  • Students will be able to identify personal, professional and societal views and biases influencing the aging experience.

Undergraduates in any area of study who have an interest in learning about or working with older adults are encouraged to earn the Undergraduate Certificate in Aging Studies. Students with a certificate in aging studies may find themselves to be more employable in a marketplace that increasingly works to meet the needs of a growing older adult population.

There are four undergraduate core gerontology courses that may be taken individually as electives, or may be completed together by students who want to earn the certificate or minor. The courses are open to:

  • all students currently enrolled in a degree program at UIndy
  • individuals in the community who wish to take the courses through the Lifelong Learning College

Students who wish to pursue more specialized knowledge in aging can sign-up for an 18 credit hours Aging Studies Minor.

Format

The courses are all offered 100% online, making it convenient for busy students to complete coursework around their other courses and work schedules. 

Students enrolled in these undergraduate courses can expect to interact with older adults in their own communities, engage in a curriculum that uses interactive media, and participate in discussions with classmates and experts from various backgrounds.

Certificate Requirements

Four courses (12 credit hours):

GERO 301* is an introductory, undergraduate-level gerontology course. It will provide the student with an introduction and overview of the field of gerontology including terminology, theoretical perspectives, research and demography, public policy, ageism, history of the study of aging, cross-cultural study of aging, end-of‐life issues, career exploration and professional ethics.

Course investigations will include readings from texts and articles, accessing websites, interviews, and case studies. Course assignments will include projects that will require students to interact with aging adults and projects that will require students to explore personal value systems and perceptions of aging.

*GERO 301 fulfills the following category in the General Education Core curriculum: Global Awareness

GERO 305 centers on the effects of aging on body systems and the influence of such changes on health and function. It will include opportunities for designing strategies that facilitate healthy aging. Learning experiences will be connected to real-world situations and are designed to facilitate reflection, critical thinking, and application of principles learned.

GERO 310 examines aging from both macro and micro perspectives to explore how the aging individual is affected by social and cultural forces, and, in turn, how the aging population affects the greater society. Students will draw on sociological perspectives to increase understanding of applied and theoretical issues in aging, examine the social aspects of aging through roles and relationships, and explore aging as it is related to social institutions and the concept of community. Finally, we will consider patterns of diversity in the aging population as evidenced by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender. 

GERO 320 examines psychological aging in terms of change processes. Psychological theories of aging will be covered as well as the content areas of cognition, personality, and mental health. Students will examine normal and pathological psychological development in these domains, and some of the factors that may influence variations in aging trajectories (i.e., patterns of change over time), including interventions. In addition, several issues in the psychology of aging will be addressed, such as suicide and recognizing the differences between dementia, delirium, and depression.

See when courses are offered

IMPORTANT NOTE: Course offerings are subject to change based on enrollment and other factors. Refer to UIndy’s online course search to verify that a course is offered in a specific semester:

  1. Select the Term in the drop-down menu
  2. Type "Gero" in the Subject field and select "Gerontology"
  3. Click "Search"

To enroll in the undergraduate certificate in aging studies

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Student Story
De'Shaun Harewood headshot
De'Shaun Harewood
Entry-Level OTD Student, Fall 2025

The undergraduate GERO courses here at UIndy have been a great help to me, not only with my knowledge but also with my appreciation of the aging population. I plan on working with the geriatric community throughout my career, and because of these courses, I am confident and well-equipped to do so. I am excited about what the future holds!

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