Gerontology
Overview
The Johns Hopkins certificate in Gerontology is awarded to qualified students who have acquired a body of knowledge that is essential for success in this exciting field. The University is known for its several centers of excellence in gerontologic studies. It offers a rich array of aging-related courses, conferences, research projects, and mentors across its medical institutions: the Bloomberg School of Public Health, the School of Nursing, and the School of Medicine. The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology is considered one of the best in the country, and the continuum of long-term and chronic care, located at the University’s Bayview Campus, has been referred to as the most complete in the United States.
Educational Objectives
- Increase understanding of the health issues confronting aging populations and commonly used terms, conceptual frameworks, and domains of gerontology study.
- Provide health professionals with skills for evaluating the health of an aging population.
- Foster knowledge of constructive interdisciplinary research and practice for improving the quality of health care and long-term services and supports for aging populations.
Eligibility
The certificate program is open to masters and doctoral students currently enrolled in any division of Johns Hopkins University, with the exception of JHSPH MAS students, who are not eligible to apply until they have completed their primary degree program. Undergraduate students at Johns Hopkins University enrolled in the public health studies major are also eligible to apply.
Admissions Process
Applicants must review the How to Apply page for important deadlines, and information about the application process, including links to the declaration of intent forms that current JHSPH students must complete.
The certificate program's review committee will review the applications and notify each applicant of their admissions decision. Only those approved and notified by the certificate admissions committee may earn the certificate.
Requirements for Successful Completion
Students must complete all certificate coursework for a letter grade, earn a minimum of a C in each certificate course, and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.75 for all certificate courses. Students must successfully complete at least 18 credit hours among the required and elective courses. The certificate program length is flexible; it varies from student to student, however, the certificate program must be completed within three years.
The student should review the section of the website that addresses completion before completing certificate program requirements The student's transcript will not indicate that the certificate was earned until the Notification of Completion has been submitted, verified by the certificate program, and processed by the Registrar.
Course of Study
Students should check the course catalog to confirm when courses are offered. The term and time may change from what is listed in the table below and some courses are only offered every other year. Students should also check for pre-requisites and whether instructor consent is required.
| Course No. | Course Title | No. Credits | Online Term | Campus Term |
Introduction to Online Learning All students are required to complete this free course before taking other online courses. | 0 | 1,2,3,4, Summer | - | |
| 550.860 | Academic and Research Ethics at JHSPH All students are required to complete this free online course during their first term of study. | 0 | 1,2,3,4, Summer | - |
| Required Courses: Students must complete 309.605 and 340.616. They must also complete EITHER 120.627 OR 260.665 | ||||
OR | Stem Cells and Biology of Aging and Disease OR Biological Basis of Aging* | 3
3 | 3,4
- | 3
3* |
| 309.605 | Health Issues for Aging Populations | 3 | - | 2 |
| 340.616 | Epidemiology of Aging | 3 | SI | 1 |
| Elective Courses: Students must complete at least 9 credits of elective coursework | ||||
| 120.627 | Stem Cells and the Biology of Aging and Disease | 3 | 3,4 | 3 |
| 260.665 | Biological Basis of Aging* | 3 | - | 3* |
| 330.618 | Mental Health in Later Life* | 3 | - | 4* |
| 330.623 | Brain and Behavior in Mental Disorders | 3 | - | 4 |
| 330.802 | Seminar on Aging, Cognition & Neurodegenerative Disorders* | 2 | - | *1,2,3,4 |
| 340.699 | Epidemiology of Sensory Loss in Aging | 3 | - | 3 |
| 380.604 | Life Course Perspectives on Health | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 380.603 | Demographic Methods for Public Health | 4 | 3 | 2 |
*Indicates course is offered every other year
Contact Information
Sponsoring Department
Health Policy and Management
Epidemiology
Certificate Program Contact
Name Pamela Davis
Phone 410.614.1580
Email HPM_Certificates@jhu.edu
Faculty Sponsor
Name Jennifer Wolff, PhD
Students interested in aging may learn about other aging-related training opportunities at Johns Hopkins University Center on Aging and Health.
Gainful Employment Program Information
At this time non-degree students enrolling in this certificate program are not eligible for federal aid. You may, however, pursue private education loans to assist you in meeting your program costs. Contact our Financial Aid Office with any questions.