What Is Competency-Based Education?
Designed to leverage your previous knowledge, college coursework, and work experience, competency-based education enables you to earn your degree at your pace as you demonstrate mastery of relevant academic content.
How our YourPace online programs save you time and money:
- Prove your knowledge, move ahead—the faster you advance, the more you save
- Flat tuition rate per 8-week session, no matter how many courses you complete
- With no weekly deadlines, you control the speed of completion*
*Time to completion varies by student and is based on several factors including prior college coursework, relevant work experience, amount of time dedicated to studying, and the number of courses completed each session.
Upcoming Session Dates
The Dates YourPace Students need to know
There are six opportunities throughout the year to begin our YourPace online program. Find the start date below that works best for you and apply before the application deadline. Please note, application and document deadlines are the same. UMPI must receive all documents including official transcripts by the document deadline to be considered. Transcripts can often take 10 or more business days from the request date to be received by UMPI, please plan accordingly.
YourPace Gerontology Certificate Program Offering
The University of Maine at Presque Isle offers a range of certificate programs in the YourPace modality designed to match your career goals. With flexible options and expert faculty, we provide the tools and support you need to succeed in the exciting field of Gerontology. Explore our program offerings below and find the perfect pathway to build your future.
Practical Skills for a Meaningful Career
UMPI’s YourPace Gerontology program prepares you for real-world roles in mental health rehabilitation. With a focus on flexibility and career readiness, this program equips you with the tools to support individuals in their communities while you advance your professional goals.

YourPace Tuition
Learn more about our affordable tuition
The YourPace Gerontology Certificate Online Program offers an affordable flat tuition rate, ensuring you pay the same amount per session regardless of how many courses you complete. With no hidden fees or additional textbook costs, this flexible competency-based education program allows you to save more the faster you finish. Whether you’re looking to accelerate your degree or complete courses at your own pace, you’ll benefit from transparent pricing and a cost-effective learning experience through the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans on the FAFSA website. UMPI school code 002033
Tuition breakdown:
$1,800 per session
Flat-Rate Tuition
Have questions or need more information about competency-based education?
Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from UMPI?
UMPI is ranked as one of the top 10 Regional Colleges in the North for graduates with least debt—UMPI is the top institution in Maine and all of New England to appear on this list. – U.S. News & World Report, 2024.
EXPECT to Finish at YourPace
YourPace Admissions
Requirements for these Gerontology Certificate program offerings
We’ve made the admission process simple and streamlined so it’s easier for you to get started. Those interested in earning their competency-based education degree in Gerontology should have the equivalent of a high school diploma and possess some prior college credit and/or work experience.
Admission Requirements:
No Application Fee
Minimum 1.75 GPA
YourPace Gerontology Certificate Courses
The mission of the undergraduate, interdisciplinary gerontology certificate is to prepare students for work with older adults, and older adult caregivers. Coursework in areas of biological, social, and psychological aging as well as policy provide comprehensive knowledge and skills for graduates to positively influence issues of aging.
Gerontology Certificate Competency-Based Domains and Course Mapping
Program Goals
- GER 1) Describe the biological, psychological, social, and cultural processes of older adult maturation and aging.
- GER 2) Apply relevant frameworks for providing meaningful and culturally sensitive social and health related services for older adults.
- GER 3) Utilize knowledge of age-related policies and programs to advocate for improved access and evidence-based interventions.
- GER 4) Select evidence-based strategies for assessing, planning, and implementing interventions to address health and social service needs of older adults and caregivers.
NECHE
The University of Maine at Presque Isle is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
University of Maine System
UMPI is a respected member of the University of Maine System.
C-BEN
UMPI is proud to be a member institution in the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN).
Next Step: Admissions
We’re so excited that you’re considering the University of Maine at Presque Isle! As a student at UMPI, we want your experience to be anything but ordinary! So what makes UMPI extraordinary? Our Learning Environment, Our Student Engagement and Our Location!
No matter what stage of life you are in, we can help you take the plunge into higher education and put you on YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS!
