Ashford University has introduced the new Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology. This degree is designed to instruct students about the intricacies of America’s aging citizenry, and give potential caregivers and supporters a leg up in the rapidly expanding fields of aged care and support. 

As more Americans enjoy longer lives, the social and healthcare mechanisms supporting them will require additional professionals who understand those longer lives. The trend is borne out by statistics: the U.S. Census projects that by the year 2030, 22 percent of America’s citizens will be older than 65, and the number of Americans over 85 will double between 2003 and 2030, doubling again by 2050. As described in the U.S. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition, increases in our elderly population, including the pending wave of retiring baby boomers, will put further pressure on applicable social services and spur demand for trained providers who can satisfy the needs of the aged and elderly (www.bls.gov/oco). 

Created in direct response to this growing population, Ashford’s BA in Gerontology addresses the swing of America’s demographic scale toward a greater average age. This degree has been shaped to target developing trends, and contains courses that can form a platform for careers dealing with all aspects of the elderly: healthcare, daily support, community services, counseling, research, advocacy, business opportunities and lifestyle enhancement.  

According to Dr. Alice Vestergaard, Ashford University’s College of Health, Human Services, and Sciences program director, “This new interdisciplinary degree provides graduates with insights and understanding of aging based on current research, in order to work with and advocate for a growing aging population.” Dr. Vestergaard added, “Students who study in this degree program will develop the skills necessary to analyze aging issues, policies and challenges, and make recommendations for improvement and change to promote positive aging models.”  

As retiree and senior populations continue to expand, careers focusing on their needs must grow as well. The corresponding increase in opportunity will demand professionals who have been educated in the requirements of supporting elderly and aging citizens. Ashford University’s Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology is ideally suited for this, and is one of the few Bachelor’s-level degrees in this field available completely online. To that end, students who are already in the workforce can use this program to enhance careers they’ve already begun.

Ashford University’s Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology is currently available online. This degree does not lead to licensure or certification of any kind.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.