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

The online Certificate in Aging Studies at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) provides focused, interdisciplinary study of the psychological, behavioral, and health-related aspects of aging. Students explore how biological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors shape the experience of aging and influence health and well-being later in life.

Through a 15-credit curriculum, students examine topics including cognitive and behavioral development, access to health services, prevention and self-care, and the diverse experiences and needs of older adults. The program emphasizes aging across ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, and ability backgrounds, preparing students to better understand and serve a rapidly changing population.

Designed for adult and working learners, the fully online, asynchronous certificate can be completed as a stand-alone credential or provide a pathway toward further undergraduate or graduate study in psychology and aging-related fields.

About this Program

• Format: Online, Asynchronous
• Credits: 15 total
• Courses: 5
• Credential: Undergraduate Certificate
• Pathway: Certificate coursework can apply toward the CUNY SPS BA in Psychology
• Start Term: Fall or Spring
• Time to Completion: 2 Semesters

Why This Program

• Gain focused knowledge of the psychological, behavioral, and health-related dimensions of aging
• Explore the biological, cognitive, emotional, social, and contextual factors that shape later life
• Understand strategies that support health, autonomy, self-care, and overall well-being among older adults
• Examine aging through the experiences of people from diverse ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, and ability backgrounds
• Build research and critical-thinking skills grounded in psychological science
• Study fully online and asynchronously, with the flexibility to balance education with work and other responsibilities
• Earn a stand-alone credential or build a foundation for continued study in psychology and aging-related fields

Who Is This Program For

The Certificate in Aging Studies is designed for students interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with an aging population. It may be especially valuable for individuals who currently work—or plan to work—in settings that involve regular interaction with older adults, as well as those seeking additional academic preparation for study in psychology, aging, health, or related fields.

The program is also well suited to adult and working learners who want a focused academic credential without immediately committing to a full degree program. Its fully online, asynchronous format allows students to pursue their studies with greater flexibility.

Skills You’ll Gain

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

• Apply psychological principles to physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development
• Understand major psychological theories, concepts, historical trends, and ethical considerations
• Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological and behavioral phenomena
• Identify fundamental research methods and research design in psychology
• Critically evaluate psychological research, data, and findings
• Examine how diversity, equity, and inclusion inform psychological research, practice, and ethical considerations
• Design research or projects that address contemporary social issues
• Analyze the factors that influence health, behavior, autonomy, and quality of life among older adults

Career and Professional Applications

The Certificate in Aging Studies can strengthen preparation for work in fields and organizations that serve older adults, including:

• Aging and older adult services
• Health and human services
• Community-based programs
• Health education and public outreach
• Patient and client support services
• Social service organizations
• Research and program support
• Advocacy and community engagement

It can also provide an academic foundation for students interested in continued undergraduate or graduate study in psychology, aging, and related disciplines.

Program FAQ and Admissions Information

 

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

The Certificate in Aging Studies is an undergraduate certificate program. Applicants must hold a high school diploma.

How many credits is the Certificate in Aging Studies?

The Certificate in Aging Studies is a 15-credit undergraduate certificate consisting of five courses.

What courses are included in the Certificate in Aging Studies?

The certificate program includes the following five courses:

• PSY 101 – Introduction to Psychology
• PSY 350 – The Psychology of Aging 
• PSY 352 – Aging, Society, & Culture
• PSY 354 – Death & Dying
• PSY 356 – Aging and Behavioral Health
   

Can I complete the Certificate in Aging Studies as a stand-alone credential?

Yes. The certificate is designed to serve as a stand-alone academic credential for students who want focused study in aging without immediately pursuing a full degree. It can also serve as a starting point for continued undergraduate or graduate study in psychology or aging-related disciplines.

Can the certificate lead into the BA in Psychology at CUNY SPS?

Yes. The Certificate in Aging Studies is connected to the CUNY SPS BA in Psychology, and those who complete the certificate can transfer into the program.

Is the Certificate in Aging Studies fully online?

Yes. The program is delivered fully online.

Are the courses asynchronous?

Yes. Courses are asynchronous, allowing students to complete their coursework online without required live class meetings while following course schedules and deadlines. The program was specifically designed to provide flexible access for adult and working learners.

What will I study in the Aging Studies certificate?

Students will examine aging from psychological, behavioral, biological, cognitive, social, and health-related perspectives. Topics include physical and cognitive development, health and well-being, prevention and self-care, access to health services, research methods, and the ways that social and contextual factors shape the experiences of older adults.

Who should consider the Certificate in Aging Studies?

The program is designed for students who are interested in aging and older adulthood, including those who currently work or hope to work in careers involving older adults. It may also appeal to students who want to strengthen their academic foundation before pursuing additional study in psychology, aging, health, or related areas.

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 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.