Graduate Certificate in Geropsychology

Equip yourself with the specialized knowledge to understand the unique needs of older adults and their families. Our Graduate Certificate in Geropsychology from Thomas Edison State University (TESU) provides the skills and knowledge you will need for a meaningful career working with aging adults in various settings including private homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care centers.

As the population in the United States ages and people are living longer, there will be a greater need for skilled professionals with an understanding of the aging process and the ability to support older adults. According to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging, more than 39 million were living in the United States in 2009, which is expected to increase to approximately 72.1 million by 2030.

Our online program prepares you to work with older adults, recognize the complex psychological issues they face as they age, and understand legal and ethical issues and interdisciplinary models of care.

Geropsychology Certificate Outcomes

Upon completion of the certificate, students will be able to:

• Apply psychological theories of aging to the understanding of biopsychosocial changes involved in normal adult development and the sociocultural factors that impact the aging process.
• Assess cognition, behavior, mood, functional capacities, decision-making, and level of risk in older adults and analyze the relationship between these factors and biosocial factors.
• Apply psychological theory and research in order to design effective psychological interventions and health promotion and prevention programs across a variety of settings for older adults.
• Apply psychological theory and relevant ethical and legal standards in consultation and collaboration with diverse health professionals.