Oct 07, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Aging Services Leadership Major, B.S.


Department of Health Professions   Available Program Format(s): Online  
College of Health and Human Sciences    

About the Program


A degree in Aging Services Leadership will provide students with a broad understanding of the field of aging services and long-term care. Aging services is the umbrella term for the field including but not limited to long-term care (LTC), senior living, eldercare, long-term services and supports (LTSS), and gerontology. By completing the Aging Services Leadership degree, students will have foundational knowledge pertaining to the wellspan and healthspan, physiological, and social aspects of aging, coupled with the skills required to implement patient-center care, including understanding the rising needs of our aging population, demographic shifts, LTC business acumen, and the role society plays in the aging process. Students will gain hands-on experiences in the aging services sector through immersive classroom experiences, expert course content, and the senior experience - all which prepare students to be advocates working towards improving the quality of life and aging experience for this growing population.

Student Outcomes


Upon completion of the Aging Services Leadership Major, students will:

  1. Identify characteristics of older adults,
  2. Describe shifts in population aging,
  3. Recognize stereotypes and myths surrounding ageism,
  4. Investigate common health disparities in older adults,
  5. Evaluate programs and services for our older population,
  6. Explore workforce development and career exploration in the aging services field,
  7. Recognize topical issues surrounding aging and caring for our older population,
  8. Assess the knowledge and skills encompassed in the business side of providing aging and long-term care services,
  9. Understand the role patient-centered care and innovation plays in the future of providing care for our older population, and
  10. Evaluate characteristics required to cultivate an age-friendly society.

General Degree Requirements


To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements. 

Program Requirements


  • A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation.
  • A grade of C- or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits


Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.  

  • Written Communication (6 credits) 
  • Oral Communication (3 credits) 
  • Quantitative Literacy (3 credits) 
  • Arts and Humanities (6 credits) 
  • Historical (3 credits) 
  • Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits) 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits) 
  • Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

 

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences. 

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits


Required Ancillary Courses: 6 credits


All students must complete the following courses. These courses can also count towards the General Studies Requirements.

Restricted Electives: 12 credits


A minimum of 6 credit hours must be upper division.

Summary of Requirements


General Studies Requirement 33 credits
ESSJ Requirement 0-3 credits
Ancillary Courses 6 credits
Major Requirements 45 credits
Restricted Electives 12 credits
Senior Experience 3 credits
Unrestricted Electives 18-27 credits (Depends on if a minor is chosen or if a student has an associate’s degree in a related health care field.)

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.