NDSU Distance and Continuing Education has announced an online option that addresses the increasing need for individuals trained to work with the aging population. The option in adult development and aging is under the online Bachelor of Science in human development and family science degree program.
Coursework in the online program focuses on typical developmental stages of adults in later life with a particular emphasis on contextual influences. The adult development and aging undergraduate option also includes a field experience component. All students are given the opportunity to work in a professional placement during their undergraduate program. This requirement enables students to apply their coursework to a professional position as they prepare to move into important careers with adults and aging individuals.
“With the baby boomer generation retiring and requiring additional aging-related services, this is an excellent time for individuals to train for a career working with aging adults as the career field is set for massive growth,” said Connie Jadrny, marketing coordinator for NDSU Distance and Continuing Education. “It also is interesting to note that at some of the aging-related trade shows I've been at, I've had numerous nursing home directors ask me how they can find qualified individuals who have a degree in gerontology. Having this degree online would allow individuals from across the state and region to earn credentials that would fulfill the job vacancies in smaller communities without having to temporarily move to Fargo to complete the program.”
Adult development and aging is a field that is rapidly expanding. Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that in 2030 nearly one in five U.S. residents is expected to be 65 and older. This age group is projected to increase to 88.5 million in 2050, more than doubling the 38.7 million in 2008.
For more information regarding the online Bachelor of Science in human development and family science: adult development and aging degree program, contact NDSU Distance and Continuing Education at 1-800-726-1724 or ndsu.dce@ndsu.edu.
NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.