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Aging ,BS

Aging, BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Aging

Age, Communication, Community, Gerontology, Health, Human Behavior, Human Development, Psychology, law, sociology

Are you excited to anticipate challenges and solve problems to create a better future? Older adults are the fastest-growing demographic segment, creating dramatic changes in our economy, workplace and society. Explore these changes and prepare to develop solutions to adapt our institutional and social arrangements to aging populations and shifting demographics.
Program description ▲

The world's population is rapidly aging, and older adults now compose the largest-ever demographic segment. While 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.

The BS program in aging offers students the opportunity to 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 students the skills and mindset to contribute solutions as the proportion of retired adults increases faster than that of persons 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 students to be leaders in this burgeoning field. Students learn to develop solutions in areas of personal finance, transportation, increased demands for health care, assisted-living options and recreation needs for an aging population.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: West Valley campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

At a glance ▲
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
    or any math course that meets the MATH designation
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map) ▲

Concurrent program options▲
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission requirements ▲

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information▲
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements▲

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options▲

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities▲
Global experience

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available, students in the aging program are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Career opportunities▲

Career opportunities for graduates of the degree program in aging 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 working 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

Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.


Career *Growth *Median salary
8.6%
$38,520
7.2%
$59,990
14.1%
$46,190
4.3%
$56,090
5.7%
$40,420
4.8%
$50,470
Lawyer   Bright Outlook
7.5%
$135,740
18.4%
$49,710
11.5%
$93,180
9.1%
$74,240
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information▲
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
What are concurrent programs?
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.
What are joint programs?
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.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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