º£½ÇÉçÇø

Become an Advocate for Older Adults

This multidisciplinary program addresses the demand for professionally trained social workers to meet the needs of the older adult population. In 2011 the first baby boomers turned 65 years old. Today roughly 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 every day. By 2030, one out of every five people living in the United States will be an older adult, creating an unprecedented demand for social workers trained in working with a diverse and aging population.

The aging, adulthood and gerontology track is designed to give you an overview of aging across the middle and later years. This includes a national and global understanding of how the rising number of older adults affects individuals, families, systems and society. 

• Gain hands-on experience through a placement working directly with aging populations
• Courses taught by leading faculty and experts in gerontology

What You’ll Learn

º£½ÇÉçÇø recognizes that social work professionals working with aging populations and their families require specialized knowledge of the unique issues they face.

You’ll learn to conduct geriatric assessments and employ effective social work interventions with empathy and respect, while assessing the needs of caregivers and mediating with family. You’ll be able to apply ethical principles to decisions on behalf of older clients, with special attention to those who have limited decisional capacity. And you’ll become an advocate for older adults and their families, and for the creation of age-friendly communities.

Students will become familiar with the resources and programs available to older adults and their families and be able to advocate for them where gaps exist.

All courses are taught on campus and online by leading faculty and experts in gerontology. You’ll enjoy access to a variety of placement options where you will work directly with aging populations. You’ll be ready to provide competent service to this important population and to advocate for its social and economic well-being. 

Required Courses

Students in the aging, adulthood and gerontology track are required to take the following courses in addition to the general MSW curriculum:

• SWK 663 Global and Practice Perspective in Aging Care
• And one of the following two:
  • SWK 678 Successful Aging Communities Care Intergenerational Experience
  • SWK 686 Advanced Practice with Older Adults

What to Expect as You Earn Your MSW at Dominican

The º£½ÇÉçÇø experience is one that embraces unique viewpoints, values hands-on learning and fosters collaborative relationships—among faculty, students and the communities that we hope to influence through our values-centered degree programs. When you study for your Master of Social Work here, you’ll get the benefit of modern learning designed for working professionals as well as a relationship-focused atmosphere that will help you become a stronger leader in your field. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)