In the coming years, the number of adults over age 65 – and even those over 85 – is expected to grow exponentially. This population surge will require care, services, and other programs focused on older adults and their needs.
The Bachelor of Arts in Aging Studies prepares students for many potential professions that deliver high quality care and services within community organizations, government agencies, long-term care and senior living organizations, hospitals, home health companies, and more.
“It's not how old you are. It's how you are old.” —Jules Renard
The Aging Studies degree at Bellarmine engages students with an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on the psychological (cognitive) and physical changes that occur with aging and equips students with knowledge of the health care system.
Students in the program also complete a 90-hour internship with local and community partners in the Louisville area, providing an opportunity to aid the older adult population or persons with disabilities through projects and support, and to prepare students for a future career in various professions.
Faculty members who teach in the program are recognized as national experts and serve on committees for state and national organizations, which presents numerous travel and networking opportunities for students in the department.
Experienced leaders of highly regarded organizations in the fields of health care, senior living, public health and aging services serve as mentors during internships designed to familiarize students with such operations. Every students can expect to gain first-hand, relevant career experience by completing a departmental rotation in a care center, participating in internal and external meetings, or performing approved projects for the host organization.
Potential careers you can pursue with a degree in Aging Studies include:
In addition to a rewarding career, salaries in these fields range from $43,060 – $76,970 per year, depending on your chosen profession.
Career Development Center
Jessica Hume, Ph.D., MFA, Department Chair (email)Anne Veno, DNP, MBA, RN (email)Harry Dadds, J.D., LL.M. (email)Chris Ekstrom, Department Assistant
The Department of Health Care Administration and Public Health at Bellarmine University is one of only 15 programs in the nation accredited by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB). NAB granted accreditation in 2021 for the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration degree. Students with this degree are eligible to sit for the national nursing home administrator and assisted living licensure exams, and are eligible for licensure in the majority of states following graduation.
Undergraduate AdmissionsPhone: 502.272.8000Email: admissions@bellarmine.edu