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The University of Arizona Innovations in Aging Graduate Interdisciplinary Program

The Innovations in Aging program prepares professionals to stand out, advance, and lead in today’s rapidly evolving health, policy, and systems environments. Whether you are looking to upskill, pivot, or move into leadership, Innovations in Aging equips you with practical, in‑demand expertise you can apply immediately. The Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs in Innovations in Aging were developed to prepare professionals in diverse fields to embrace age-inclusivity as they serve people across the life course in today’s rapidly evolving social, economic and health care environment. Expertise in aging strengthens careers across research, policy, health care, business, and the arts and similarly innovation‑driven fields like technology—because nearly every system serves people across the lifespan. The programs are part of the University of Arizona Graduate College and involve an interdisciplinary approach through collaboration among faculty from the University of Arizona Center on Aging and diverse colleges.  The programs are available domestically and internationally—everywhere you are and are offered 100% online.

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The programs are designed for you if you want to:

• Differentiate yourself in a competitive job market
• Expand your leadership and systems‑level skills
• Apply new knowledge directly to your current role
• Gain a nationally relevant specialization without stepping away from work
• Keep future options open—without over‑committing

Graduates leave with a stronger professional profile, broader career options, and the confidence to lead in complex environments shaped by demographic, policy, and organizational change. The programs are flexible and you can choose your path. 

The Graduate Certificate Program requires 13 credits of coursework and can be completed in one year. The graduate certificate is an ideal entry point for professionals who want to enhance their expertise without committing to a full degree.  It offers: 

• A focused, graduate‑level credential you can complete while working full‑time
• Practical knowledge you can apply immediately to your career
• Increased competitiveness for advancement, leadership, or transition into new roles
• A low‑risk way to explore graduate study.

Students can use the certificate to strengthen public health or healthcare roles; move into supervisory or program leadership positions; and build specialized expertise that sets them apart. Transition to the Master of Science program is seamless since all certificate credits earned in the certificate apply directly to the MS in Innovations in Aging. 

The Master of Science Program is designed for professionals ready to move beyond program delivery into leadership, strategy, and systems change. This program prepares you to analyze, design, and lead initiatives across health, policy, and community systems affected by demographic and social change. It also provides a foundation for doctoral study. The Master of Science degree requires 36 credits of coursework and can be completed in two years. 

The MS provides new career options as it is design to: 

• Position you for leadership and decision‑making roles
• Strengthen your ability to influence policy, programs, and organizations
• Expand your credibility across disciplines and sectors
• Build systems‑level thinking employers value
• Support long‑term career mobility and impact.

Graduates pursue roles in leadership, program direction, policy analysis, management, innovation, and advanced practice across a wide range of sectors. 

To enhance flexibility, the Graduate Certificate and Master of Science degree are stackable, meaning credits for the Graduate Certificate fully apply to completion of the Master of Science degree and constitute one-third of the course requirements. As a result, you can earn both a Graduate Certificate and a Master’s Degree. There is are also a stackable options in the master’s program with the Aging Law and Policy Graduate Certificate and the Indigenous Health Graduate Certificates whereby you can earn a Graduate Certificates and a Master’s degree in Innovations in Aging and a Graduate Certificate in Aging Law and Policy with the same number of credits as a Master’s Degree alone. 

The Innovations in Aging program is one of 20 Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (GIDP) approved and established by the Arizona Board of Regents. GIDPs transcend departmental boundaries by creating unique opportunities for students to pursue new research opportunities.  The program is affiliated with the Arizona Center on Aging, which works to improve the quality of life for older adults through comprehensive programs in research, education and training, clinical care, and community engagement.