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CIP 19.0702 Family and Consumer Sciences

Adult Development and Aging

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

88

2025 · 21 schools

International share

2.3%

2 international students

Bachelor's degrees

2

0.0% international

Master's degrees

26

3.8% international

Overview

Adult Development and Aging is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the psychological, social, and biological changes that occur throughout adulthood and into old age. This program typically encompasses a wide range of topics, including lifespan development, cognitive aging, emotional well-being, and the impact of societal structures on older adults.

Students in this program explore theories of adult development, examining how individuals grow and change in their personal and professional lives. They also delve into the challenges faced by aging populations, such as health issues, social isolation, and the importance of social support systems. The curriculum often includes courses on gerontology, human development, and the impact of aging on families and communities.

Graduates of Adult Development and Aging programs are well-equipped to work in various settings, including healthcare, social services, and academia. They may pursue careers as gerontologists, counselors, or researchers, focusing on improving the quality of life for older adults and advocating for policies that support aging populations.

Additionally, this field is increasingly relevant as societies around the world face the implications of an aging population. By studying the complexities of adult development and aging, professionals can contribute to better understanding and addressing the needs of older adults, making significant impacts on individual lives and broader community well-being. Overall, Adult Development and Aging is a vital area of study that combines theory and practice to enhance the lives of aging individuals and promote healthy aging in society.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2003 to 2025, graduates fell 23% and the international share went from 4.3% to 2.3%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
28.4%
Asian
4.5%
Hispanic
25.0%
Black
17.0%
Other
22.7%
Intl.
2.3%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 21 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#121 Arizona State University-Tempe Arizona 1 0
#156 Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia 4 0
#288 Wichita State University Kansas 6 1
#342 Cleveland State University Ohio 2 0
— Arizona State University Digital Immersion Arizona 15 0
— North Shore Community College Massachusetts 13 0
— American River College California 8 1
— CUNY Hostos Community College New York 8 0
— Pitt Community College North Carolina 6 0
— Chaffey College California 5 0
— MiraCosta College California 4 0
— Harrisburg Area Community College Pennsylvania 4 0
— Pasadena City College California 3 0
— Sacramento City College California 2 0
— Coastline Community College California 1 0
— Los Angeles Mission College California 1 0
— Minnesota State University-Mankato Minnesota 1 0
— Nash Community College North Carolina 1 0
— Piedmont Community College North Carolina 1 0
— Wake Technical Community College North Carolina 1 0
— Rhode Island College Rhode Island 1 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 37,100 $51.78 $107,690
Psychologists, All Other 18,820 $53.47 $111,210
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 2,770 — $81,940

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.