Female Community Nurse Visits Senior Man At Home

Meet the needs of an aging society.

Gerontology Course Bundle

Challenge misconceptions about aging and replace them with information firmly grounded in reality.

Through UVM coursework, students will gain specialized knowledge and skills that prepare them for entry-level, elder-related career fields or advanced gerontology studies.

View Courses and Register Request Information

Program Snapshot

Fall Start Date

August 31, 2026

Fall Application Deadline

August 24, 2026

Cost

Contact an Enrollment Advisor

Learning Format

On Campus, Online, Hybrid

VA Benefit Eligible

Yes

Additional Details

HOW TO REGISTER AS A NEW UVM Advance/Non-Degree STUDENT:

  • Complete the Pre-Registration form
  • Within 1-2 business days you’ll receive an email from the Registrar’s Office with further instructions
  • Activate your UVM student account (also called your NetID)
  • Log into MyUVM dashboard to register for course(s)
  • Need help? Please reach out by filling out this contact form, chat with us, or give us a call at 802-656-2085

Overview

Work with Elders? This program is for you.

Not only are people living longer today, they are remaining in better health than in past generations. Yet myths and stereotypes about seniors are more common than facts and knowledge. The University of Vermont’s Gerontology-focused coursework provides a multi-disciplinary perspective on aging, with information firmly grounded in current science.

Students will learn:

  • Foundational knowledge of biological, psychological, and sociological aging
  • The direct practice and ethical issues common to working with elders
  • The effectiveness of social service programs, public policies, resources, and settings designed to support elders

Students will know how to participate more effectively in their aging processes and that of their elderly family members and communities. These skills can also drive impactful change in age-related institutional/policy-level endeavors.

Most courses are offered on-campus, with some online courses. Please refer to the Curriculum section to view course learning formats.

What sets UVM apart

Learn from experts in medicine, social work, and aging.

Gain knowledge from faculty in the UVM Larner College of Medicine, College of Education and Social Services, and College of Nursing.

Most courses are conveniently offered online.

Start at any time—courses are available year-round

Admissions

UVM Gerontology coursework is designed for:

  • Healthcare professionals who want to work with elderly populations or who wish to earn academic credit in Gerontology
  • Individuals seeking entry-level positions in the health and social service fields and work with elders in a variety of settings
  • Adults interested in better understanding and preparing for the aging of their loved ones and themselves

Among the highlights

  • Access to faculty experts from UVM’s College of Education and Social Services, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, and Larner College of Medicine
  • Interdisciplinary courses are open to working professionals and current students

Getting Started

Start anytime—courses begin in Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.

If you have any questions about the application process feel free to contact us at (802) 656-2085 or by email at Learn@uvm.edu.

Curriculum

Choose from courses offered all year long:

Example Sequence of Courses

Students Taking Two Courses Per Year:

Year 1: (1) HDF/SOC 1320; (2) Elective Course 1
Year 2: (3) HLTH 2000 or HDF 3210 Spring; (4) Elective Course 2 (possibly the other of HLTH 2000 or HDF 3210)
Year 3: (4) HDF 2991 Internship

Students Taking One Course Per Year:

Year 1: HDF/SOC 1320
Year 2: HLTH 2000 or HDF 3210
Year 3: Elective Course 1 (may be the other of HLTH 2000 or HDF 3210)
Year 4: HDF 2991 Internship or Elective Course 2
Year 5: HDF 2991 Internship or Elective Course 2

Instructors

FAQ

For information about Professional and Continuing Education tuition and financial aid, please visit Student Financial Services. Summer tuition is offered at a discounted rate and can be found here.

Learn about options for discounts, grants, loans, scholarships, and more on our tuition and financial aid page.

The University cannot issue immigration documents for entry to the US for purposes of enrolling in credit courses as a non-degree student, thus you will not be able to complete this program.

Courses are available online and on-campus in Burlington, Vermont.

Ready to get started?

Request Information

Submit this form to receive additional program information.