Adult Development and Aging
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
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2003 to 2025, graduates fell 23% and the international share went from 4.3% to 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.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #121 | Arizona | 1 | 0 | |
| #156 | Virginia | 4 | 0 | |
| #288 | Kansas | 6 | 1 | |
| #342 | Ohio | 2 | 0 | |
| — | AArizona State University Digital Immersion | Arizona | 15 | 0 |
| — | NNorth Shore Community College | Massachusetts | 13 | 0 |
| — | AAmerican River College | California | 8 | 1 |
| — | CCUNY Hostos Community College | New York | 8 | 0 |
| — | PPitt Community College | North Carolina | 6 | 0 |
| — | CChaffey College | California | 5 | 0 |
| — | California | 4 | 0 | |
| — | HHarrisburg Area Community College | Pennsylvania | 4 | 0 |
| — | California | 3 | 0 | |
| — | SSacramento City College | California | 2 | 0 |
| — | CCoastline Community College | California | 1 | 0 |
| — | LLos Angeles Mission College | California | 1 | 0 |
| — | MMinnesota State University-Mankato | Minnesota | 1 | 0 |
| — | NNash Community College | North Carolina | 1 | 0 |
| — | PPiedmont Community College | North Carolina | 1 | 0 |
| — | WWake Technical Community College | North Carolina | 1 | 0 |
| — | RRhode Island College | Rhode Island | 1 | 0 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean 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.