Gerontology majors triple at UNI
The University of Northern Iowa is the only college or university in the state that offers an undergraduate major in gerontology. More and more students are choosing the program because they see growing career opportunities as the baby boomer generation ages.
According to the Iowa Department on Aging, the number of Iowans over the age of 65 will increase by 7.5 percent by the year 2030.
The state will need more nursing home and assisted living administrators, senior center directors, counselors, and even travel agents, financial planners and athletic trainers who have expertise on aging.
UNI’s gerontology program marked its 10th anniversary in 2012. Students study the physical, social and psychological aspects of aging, while also learning how to interact with aging families and create aging policies.