Aging, BS
Are you interested in addressing challenges to create a better future? Older adults are the fastest-growing demographic segment, creating dramatic changes in the economy, in the workplace and in society. Prepare to develop solutions to adapt institutional and social arrangements to aging populations and shifting demographics.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or any math course that meets the MATH designation
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Aging degree description
The world's population is rapidly aging, and older adults now compose the largest-ever demographic segment. Although longer life spans are an enormous gain for human welfare, this rapid shift presents tremendous challenges, including health care costs, labor-force shortages and long-term care demands.
In the Bachelor of Science program in aging, you develop skills in identifying challenges and developing solutions that are critical to managing these profound demographic trends. Completing courses such as Communication and Aging, Aging and the Life Course, and Supporting the Health of Older Adults gives you the skills and mindset to contribute solutions as the proportion of retired adults increases faster than the number of people in the workforce. Completion of the degree includes a culminating experience, such as a capstone project or internship experience for learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
This program prepares you to be a leader in this burgeoning field. You learn to develop solutions in areas of personal finance, transportation, increased demands for health care, assisted-living options and recreational needs for an aging population.
Why study aging at ASU?
You explore how psychology, sociology, communication and health sciences intersect in this aging degree, building a broad understanding of the aging experience.
A required internship gives you the chance to apply your knowledge in a professional setting, develop career-ready skills, and expand your professional network. You also have the option to participate in the New College Undergraduate Inquiry and Research Experiences, working alongside faculty on research projects that deepen your expertise and strengthen your preparation for graduate study or future careers.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| ASB 102 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology |
| COM 417 Communication and Aging |
| PSY 447 Psychology of Aging |
| SBS 430 Aging and Social Policy |
| PSY 230 Introduction to Statistics |
| SBS 484 Internship |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
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See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students in the aging program are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in a study abroad program provides students with the heightened cultural competency and strengthened leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings worldwide.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advocate | 7.4% | $45,930 | Learn more |
| Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) | 5.6% | $64,070 | Learn more |
| Community Health Worker | 12.7% | $51,850 | Learn more |
| Fitness and Wellness Coordinator | 6.2% | $69,770 | Learn more |
| Health Care Support Worker (General) | 4.8% | $48,430 | Learn more |
| Human Behavior Researcher | 5.0% | $61,990 | Learn more |
| Lawyer | 4.7% | $159,670 | Learn more |
| Mental Health Counselor | 18.4% | $59,350 | Learn more |
| Occupational Therapist (OT) | 14.8% | $100,330 | Learn more |
| Social Services Director | 7.2% | $80,390 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this aging degree prepares you for
Career opportunities for graduates include advising organizations to better serve older adults, researching service delivery modalities, developing policies for public and private organizations, and providing services directly to older populations. Employment in associated career fields is expected to increase commensurately with the needs of a growing and diverse population. People who work with aging populations are employed in public and private agencies that deal with a wide variety of social issues, including:
- access to primary and specialized health care
- assisted-living facility management
- disabilities
- discrimination
- elder abuse and family support
- health, mental health and end-of-life decisions
- housing
- recreational opportunities
- transportation
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
|
FAB N101
SBSadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
