Excellence in Aging Micro-Credential

The Excellence in Aging micro-credential is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to improve the care and well-being of older adults, their families, and caregivers, and to prepare current and future professionals to successfully work with and on behalf of the older population. The program is intended to strengthen and increase the availability of providers, and to enhance direct practice and leadership skills in gerontology. This micro-credential consists of two courses and a non-credit seminar series, which may be completed in a fully online or hybrid format.

For more information and to apply visit the Office of Micro-Credentials.

Course Requirements

Excellence in Aging Core (6 credits)

SW 706LEC - Aging Population & Family Credits: 3
SW 721LEC - Social Policy and Programs for the Aging Population Credits: 3

Additional Requirements

Emerging Topics in Aging Seminar Series:
- Presented by local, regional and national experts, the seminars cover a range of aging-related topics. Attendance (in person or online) is required to complete the micro-credential.
Final Reflection Paper:
- After completing the two-course sequence and seminar series, you should submit (electronically) to the director a 3-to-5-page reflection paper (double spaced in APA 6th edition formatting) that addresses the following components:
  - What have you learned through the series of courses and the seminars? Did the content meet your expectations? Why or why not?
  - What do you view as the primary needs to the aging population? Has your perception of these needs changed as the result of participation in this program? Why or why not?
  - How were the courses and seminars related to one another and/or your current internship and/or employment?
  - How has the content provided through the coursework and seminars prepared you to work with and on behalf of the aging population? If you are currently employed in the field of aging, how has content impacted your current work?
  - How do you foresee using the knowledge and skills you developed through this program in the future?

Total Credit Hours: 6

3.0 GPA required

Program Note

SW 706 and SW 721 courses are approved for NYSED social work contact hours to renew your license registration. If you have a license in another state, check with your state regulatory board to determine if New York hours will be accepted in your state.

Instruction Method

Online (100 percent of the degree requirements can be fulfilled online) or
Hybrid (some of the micro-credential requirements can be fulfilled online)

Average Time to Completion

Three Semesters