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How to Apply

Currently accepting applications Next program starts: Anytime Program location: Online View an online information meeting: Certificate Program in Gerontology >> (see technical requirements >>) Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>   Program at a glance >>

• Admission Requirements
• Technology Requirements
• Application Process
• Earning the Certificate
• Fees and Tuition
• Single-Course Enrollment

If you are familiar with the program and application process, you can apply online or print an application form now.

Admission Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university is recommended, but an applicant's full range of educational and professional experiences and career goals are considered.
2. Non-native English speakers are expected to have adequate English language proficiency before taking this program, with a paper-based TOEFL score of 540, or computer-based TOEFL score of 207.

Technology Requirements

The courses in this certificate program are delivered online. Students submit assignments by e-mail or fax, and communicate with instructors by e-mail, phone or fax. A videocassette player is needed to view required videos.

Necessary Skills

Students must be able to:

• Follow links on a Web page, using the mouse, computer keyboard or alternate input device;
• Send and receive e-mail; and
• Search the Web using common search engines (tips are furnished for successfully searching the Web).

Equipment Requirements

• Ability to send and receive e-mail.
• Internet connection of at least 28.8 K.
• Version 5.0, or later, of Internet Explorer or version 6.2 or later, of Netscape Navigator. Version 5.0 browsers are recommended for users requiring disability accommodations. Browser must be set up to accept "cookies," and must have the browser's Java and JavaScript features enabled.
• Access to a videocassette player to view the required videos for this course.

Application Process

Applications for this program are now being accepted. All courses in this program are open for single-course enrollment on a space-available basis.

To Apply: You can apply online or submit one copy of the application form with a $50 certificate program fee* and two stapled application sets, which include the following clearly labeled documents:

1. A typed (250-word maximum) letter of application describing a) your relevant work and volunteer experience, and/or transferable skills and knowledge of the field, and b) how you expect the program will help you meet your professional goals
2. Your résumé listing education and applicable experience

Application Review: Applications are evaluated by a review committee designated by the advisory board. Selection of program participants is based on admission requirements. Applicants receive written notification of their acceptance or non-acceptance within two weeks after their application is received.

Enrollment: Applicants accepted to the program receive enrollment information for the first-term course and are encouraged to make their fall tuition payment early. Enrollment in the program is on a first-come, first-served basis, upon receipt of the first-term tuition payment.

Waitlist: Some programs maintain a waitlist for applicants accepted after the program has reached enrollment capacity. If space becomes available, waitlisted applicants will be notified and given an opportunity to enroll. If space does not become available, waitlisted applicants will be offered a space in the next program offering.

* The certificate program fee is not refundable and does not guarantee admission to, or enrollment in, the program.

Earning the Certificate

Students have three months to complete each course, and are expected to complete the entire certificate within two years.

Upon successful completion of the program requirements, the student receives a certificate.

Fees and Tuition

Tuition is payable on a course-by-course basis. Tuition for the entire program is $3,450*, excluding certificate program and registration fees, textbooks and videos. There is a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee to apply to this program and a $35 nonrefundable registration fee for each quarter (Summer Quarter 2008: June 14 - Aug 22; Autumn Quarter 2008: Aug. 23 - Dec. 12, 2008; Winter Quarter 2009: Dec. 13, 2008-March 20 2009; Spring Quarter 2009: March 21-June 12, 2009). The University's tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program. Fees and tuition are subject to change.

Information on registration and refund policies and procedures is included with registration materials.

Single-Course Enrollment

Interested in taking just one class? Some courses in this program (those courses designated by a ) are open for single-course enrollment to those who do not wish to earn the certificate. Because some courses require prior knowledge and experience in the field, those interested in taking individual courses need to submit these materials:

1. A completed application for single-course enrollment;
2. A résumé listing your work-related experience, and a typed (250-word maximum) letter of application describing your experience/knowledge and how it was acquired.

Please note that courses taken as a non-certificate student are not automatically applied toward a certificate of completion in the program. Single-course enrollments are on a space-available basis. No certificate program fee is necessary; tuition is not accepted until you are notified of eligibility.

*All fees are subject to change