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Advanced study in health administration and aging studies is available through a dual degree and certificate program co-sponsored by the Department of Health Administration and the Department of Gerontology in the College of Health Professions.

The program allows students to earn a Master of Health Administration and Certificate in Aging Studies with a minimum of 71 credits rather than the 74 credits necessary if the two degrees were pursued separately. This efficiency lowers the overall cost of tuition while also reducing time to earning both degrees.

Program goals

The objectives of this dual degree and certificate program are to:

  • Prepare graduates to address the complex needs of a diverse aging population using holistic knowledge of the biopsychosocial aging process
  • Provide graduates with an understanding of empirically and theoretically based components contributing to optimal aging using evidence-based, best-practice approaches
  • Prepare graduates to discuss and critically analyze health-related principles and policies that impact older adults
  • Prepare graduates to work with interprofessional teams in organizations and institutions to benefit and support older people and caregivers.

Among the many benefits offered by participation in the dual degree and certificate program are the following:

  • Students holding these degrees will be more competitive in the job market and will have expanded opportunities for career advancement in the aging services sector.
  • Students will have advanced knowledge of aging-related trends, social issues and policies that impact older adults in all settings

The diplomas for this dual degree and certificate program may be awarded simultaneously. However, students must complete a separate graduation check out for each program.

Student learning outcomes

See the individual program pages for student learning outcomes.

Other information

Advising

The student is assigned an adviser from each program to develop a plan of study. Advisers from each program will provide guidance on course requirements for their respective programs.