Welcome to the School of Aging Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of South Florida

The University of South Florida School of Aging Studies, formerly Department of Gerontology, was established in 1967. It is one of the nation's oldest and largest degree-awarding programs in Gerontology. Its graduate and undergraduate degree programs are multidisciplinary. Our faculty members have degrees in diverse areas including Aging Studies, Anthropology, Economics, Education, Gerontology, Law, Medicine, Neurosciences, Nursing, Pharmacology, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Public Health, Social Work, and Sociology. Faculty bring their expertise in these scholarly and professional areas, and their specialized experience in gerontology, to bear on the many complex issues faced in understanding the biological, psychological, social, and public policy aspects of aging.

Our faculty are engaged in extensive research activities concentrated in three areas; Aging and Health; Cognitive Aging and Alzheimer's Disease; and Public Policy and Long-Term Care. We have a particular emphasis on applied research that is aimed at improving clinical practice, public policy, and the well-being of older adults and their families.

We offer programs that can be completed by full-time or part-time students and most of our degree programs allow students a great deal of freedom in choosing electives that suit their interests.

At the undergraduate level, the School of Aging Studies offers courses of study leading to a minor in Gerontology, Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology, and Bachelor of Science in Gerontology (Long-Term Care Administration).

At the graduate level, we offer a Master of Arts in Gerontology. The Department also hosts the University-wide interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Aging Studies program.

We also offer several graduate certificate programs which can be completed without having to take the GRE or be formally admitted to the graduate program. These include the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, the Advanced Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, and the Advanced Graduate Certificate in Geriatric Social Work/Clinical Gerontology.

Because of tremendous growth in the older adult population in Florida and the nation, job prospects are good for students with gerontology training. Find out what kins of jobs are available for gerontology graduates and read some success stories of graduates of our gerontology programs.