Center on Aging Studies
at the University of Missouri-Kansas City

GERONTOLOGY CERTIFICATE DESCRIPTION

INTRODUCTION TO THE
GERONTOLOGY CERTIFICATE COURSE OF STUDY

Older people make up an increasingly larger segment of the population, as the average life expectancy in the US has grown from 47 years in 1900 to almost 80 years currently.  This trend will continue until the elderly population reaches 80 million in 2050 (one in five Americans will be 65 or older). Every facet of life is touched by these changes, including the family, economy, health services delivery, government, the private sector, businesses, and religious institutions.  These trends result in a demand for professionals with knowledge and expertise in aging.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers a certificate in gerontology to prepare people for careers involving the older population.  A certificate in gerontology indicates to potential employers, clients, and other that you have completed an organized and specialized curriculum leading to a broad multidisciplinary understanding of aging processes.

Certificates: Graduate and Undergraduate