Please note there is no application fee for graduate applications submitted by the Priority Deadline.

Why earn your Advanced Certificate in Aging Studies online at CUNY SPS?

The online Advanced Certificate in Aging Studies at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) provides graduate-level, interdisciplinary study of the psychological, behavioral, and health-related dimensions of aging. Students examine how biological, cognitive, social, and contextual factors interact across adulthood and later life to influence health, behavior, autonomy, and quality of life.

Through an 18-credit curriculum, students apply psychological theory and research to contemporary aging-related issues, with particular attention to prevention, care, well-being, research, and the diverse social and cultural contexts in which aging occurs. The program addresses the experiences of older adults across ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, and ability backgrounds.

Designed for graduate students and working professionals, the fully online, asynchronous advanced certificate can be completed as a stand-alone graduate credential or used as a pathway into the CUNY SPS MA in Psychology. Certificate coursework may be applied toward the master’s degree for students who continue their graduate studies at CUNY SPS.

About This Program

• Format: Fully Online, Asynchronous
• Credits: 18 total
• Credential: Advanced Certificate
• Level: Graduate
• Courses: 6
• Pathway: Coursework can apply toward the CUNY SPS MA in Psychology
• Start Term: Fall or Spring
• Time to Completion: 2 Semesters

Why This Program

• Develop graduate-level expertise in the psychological, behavioral, and health-related dimensions of aging
• Examine aging through biological, cognitive, emotional, social, cultural, and structural perspectives
• Apply psychological research and theory to real-world aging-related challenges
• Explore issues related to adult development, behavioral health, health disparities, care, policy, death and dying, and quality of life
• Build advanced research and analytical skills
• Examine the experiences of older adults from diverse backgrounds and communities
• Study fully online and asynchronously while balancing professional and personal responsibilities
• Earn a stand-alone graduate credential or apply coursework toward the CUNY SPS MA in Psychology

Who Is This Program For?

The Advanced Certificate in Aging Studies is designed for working professionals and graduate-level students who want to deepen their understanding of aging and older adulthood.

The program may be particularly relevant for individuals whose current or future work involves sustained engagement with older adult populations, including professionals in healthcare, behavioral health, social services, community-based organizations, policy, education, research, and related fields. It is also appropriate for students seeking advanced academic preparation before pursuing additional graduate study.

Because the program is fully online and asynchronous, it is especially well suited to adult and working learners seeking graduate-level study with greater flexibility.

Skills You’ll Gain

Through the Advanced Certificate in Aging Studies, students will learn to:

• Apply appropriate quantitative or qualitative methods to psychological research
• Evaluate physical, cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions of human development using psychological principles
• Assess major psychological concepts, theoretical perspectives, and their applications
• Analyze the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychological research, professional practice, and ethical decision-making
• Critically evaluate research related to aging and human development
• Apply research and theory to contemporary issues affecting older adults
• Design and conduct original research, complete a secondary analysis, or develop a research-based policy paper that reflects professional and ethical standards

Career and Professional Applications

The Advanced Certificate in Aging Studies can strengthen graduate-level preparation for professionals working in areas such as:

• Aging and older adult services
• Behavioral and mental health
• Healthcare and health services
• Social and human services
• Community-based organizations
• Public policy and advocacy
• Health education and outreach
• Research and program evaluation
• Program administration and development

The certificate can also support professionals seeking greater specialization in aging within an existing career or students preparing for continued graduate study.

Core Psychology Courses

Students select two of the following:

• PSY 600 – Cognitive Psychology and Learning
• PSY 605 – Biological Foundations of Behavior
• PSY 610 – Social Behavior
• PSY 615 – Theories of Personality

Students also complete:

• PSY 630 – Research Methods and Design
• PSY 650 – Perspectives on Developmental Psychology
• PSY 632 – Adult Development and Aging

Students then select one specialized aging course:

• PSY 642 – Policy Foundations in the Field of Aging
• PSY 652 – Death & Dying
• PSY 662 – Aging and Behavioral Health

Together, these six courses total 18 credits. The sample curriculum in the program proposal is organized as two 9-credit terms.

Program FAQ and Admissions Information

What are the admission requirements for the Advanced Certificate in Aging Studies?

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree.

Students must also have completed the following three undergraduate-level prerequisite courses prior to admission: Introduction to Psychology, Statistics for the Social Sciences, and Research Methods for the Social Sciences.

How many credits is the Advanced Certificate in Aging Studies?

The Advanced Certificate in Aging Studies requires 18 graduate credits.

How many courses are required?

Students complete six graduate-level courses totaling 18 credits. The curriculum includes two selected core psychology courses, Research Methods and Design, Perspectives on Developmental Psychology, Adult Development and Aging, and one specialized aging elective.

Is the Advanced Certificate in Aging Studies fully online?

Yes. The Advanced Certificate in Aging Studies is delivered fully online.

Are courses asynchronous?

Yes. The program is asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework online without regularly scheduled live class meetings while still following individual course requirements, assignments, and deadlines. The format was designed with working professionals and adult learners in mind.

Can I earn the advanced certificate as a stand-alone credential?

Yes. The Advanced Certificate in Aging Studies is designed to function as a stand-alone graduate credential for professionals and students who want to develop specialized expertise in aging without immediately pursuing a master's degree.

Can the Advanced Certificate in Aging Studies lead to the MA in Psychology?

Yes. The advanced certificate provides a structured pathway into the CUNY SPS MA in Psychology. Students who continue into the master's program may apply certificate coursework toward the graduate degree.

What will I study in the Advanced Certificate in Aging Studies?

Students examine aging from psychological, behavioral, biological, cognitive, social, and health-related perspectives. Specialized coursework addresses topics such as adult development, research methods, developmental psychology, aging policy, behavioral health, death and dying, health disparities, caregiving, and interventions designed to promote well-being and quality of life in older adulthood.

Who should consider this program?

The program is intended for individuals who currently work or plan to work in roles involving older adults, as well as those who want to strengthen their academic foundation in aging studies for professional advancement or continued graduate education.

General FAQ

 

Is this program fully online?

Yes. The program is delivered 100 percent online. 

Are courses asynchronous and what does that mean? 

There are no required live class sessions. Students complete coursework online on a set schedule with flexibility around timing. 

Is this program designed for working professionals? 

Yes. The fully online format and focused certificate structure are designed for individuals balancing school with work and other responsibilities. 

How do I request information about the program or contact admissions? 

You can request program information here or reach out to Admissions

Text: (646) 517-7876
Email: admissions@sps.cuny.edu
Phone: (646) 664-8544

When can I start? 

You can start during the Fall or Spring term. 

How long does it take to complete the certificate?

The certificate may be completed in as little as 1 semester, depending on course load. 

Is financial aid available?

Students enrolled in the Advanced Certificate in Nonprofit Management do not qualify for financial aid. However, students may wish to contact Financial Aid to discuss available payment plan options. 

Are there scholarships that I can apply for? 

Learn more about CUNY SPS scholarships, CUNY-wide scholarships, external scholarship opportunities, scholarships and grants for veterans, and general scholarship information here. 

What support services are available for students? 

Students have access to academic advising, career services, professional development resources, counseling, disability services, veteran services, writing support, tutoring, library resources, and a range of student support services. 

How do I learn more about student life? 

You can learn more about student life here, and view our list of student clubs and organizations here. 

Is CUNY SPS accredited? 

Yes. CUNY SPS is part of the accredited City University of New York system.