Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Human Development and Family Studies - Gerontology] From Kent State University

The Gerontology concentration prepares graduates for professional positions in the diverse field of aging, including health and wellness, community-based social services, retirement communities, adult-care centers and nursing homes. The curriculum provides students with a solid understanding of typical age-related changes and how these changes affect a person physiologically, psychologically and socially. According to the U.S. Census, 20 percent of the total population will be 65 or older by 2030. Because of the increasing number of older persons and the fact that people are generally living longer, there is a growing need for people to work in the field of aging.

Career Opportunities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections for 2008-2018 include a 47 percent increase in the number of jobs in individual and family services and a 23 percent increase in aging related jobs.
Students graduating with a degree in HDFS find employment in a variety of human services setting and non-profit organizations such as children’s services, early head start, residential youth centers, after-school programs, domestic violence shelters, homeless services, mandatory family support services, retirement communities, nursing homes and many more. Students graduating with a degree in HDFS are not eligible for social work licensure.