Learning Outcomes are aligned with the School of Health Professions Outcomes and include outcomes related to major competencies for aging.

While in the program, learners will: 

• Describe the psychological, , social, and biological processes that occur with aging;
• Analyze diverse and complex aging issues and outcomes such as elder care and social and healthcare policy for older adults, families, and society from an interdisciplinary perspective;
• Explain major concepts, theories, and approaches to research in the study of the aging process, including the knowledge of an interdisciplinary approach and the use of multi methods in the study of the aging process;
• Evaluate how the aging population can iinfluence social policy when applied in the public and private sector;
• Identify methods of effective communication with older adults and professionals in the field of aging;
• Evaluate the need for adaptive devices to maximize functional abilities in the the older population;
• Utilize the principles of evidence-based practice when providing service to older adult;

The population of Americans 65 and older is projected to double by mid-century, rising from 42 million today to 89 million in 2050. The aging population requires specialized health care by an inter-professional team trained to focused on the physical and mental well-being of older Americans.

Our program prepares graduates to fill a critical demand for highly qualified health professionals, service providers, planners, educators, and policy workers who understand the issues of aging and the aging population.

Rutgers is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a voluntary, nongovernmental, peer-based membership association dedicated to promoting standards of excellence and improvement in higher education.

The 15-credit fully online certificate program is for students currently enrolled in the BSHS or the School of Public Health or working healthcare professionals who want to develop or expand their skill set to work with the aging population.

The program is for those who are currently enrolled in the BSHS at SHP or are students at the Rutgers School of Public Health or who have established health care careers and those who desire to become teachers in aging education programs, continuing education programs, or provide staff development and in-service training.

The program prepares graduates to assume rewarding and high-demand careers within the health care industry with a focus on caring for the aging population. Graduates may work in government and private agencies, hospitals, community agencies and residential facilities.

Applicants do not need to take any standardized test such as the GRE and an interview is not required. However, applicants must be enrolled in the BSHS at SHP or have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 or greater.

You may apply online here   for the Master’s program and here for the certificate program. Along with the application, the following should be submitted:

• Statement of career interest and why the Aging program meets career goals
• Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended
• Resume/CV

Non-matriculants must follow the course sequence as delineated in the curriculum sequence. The student must take 2 classes each during the spring and fall and complete the Independent Study course during the summer session. The application for the certificate and courses can be found here.

The best source for financial aid information is at the Rutgers Student Financial Aid Office.  They can be contacted 973-972-4376 or by clicking here.

There are limited scholarships available for SHP students.