Gerontology Program
 

A Brief History of the Gerontology Program

The Gerontology Program at Iowa State University began in 1970 when a group of interested faculty first met to discuss their concerns and plans. Since the inception, there has been a steady growth in gerontological teaching and research at ISU, as well as an increase in the number and diversity in the faculty interested in aging.

Our Gerontology Program provides two different kinds of graduate programs, a web-based master’s degree program and the interdisciplinary Graduate Minor in Gerontology. The web-based master’s degree program in gerontology is offered jointly through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (www.gpidea.org). The Great Plains Distance Education Alliance offers post-baccalaureate programs through distance education to students whose family or career keeps them from completing an on-campus degree. Next, the Interdisciplinary Graduate Minor in Gerontology is designed for students interested in specializing in the area of aging and for students who are preparing themselves to work with older adults. Students participate in several courses developed to study particular topics in aging. In addition, courses are offered that deal with aging and age groups as part of a broader topical concern. Iowa State is the only educational institution in the state of Iowa that offers master’s and minor programs in gerontology.

Mission of the Iowa State University Gerontology Program

The mission of the Gerontology Program at Iowa State University is to provide instruction, promote interdisciplinary research, and provide services that advance an understanding of gerontology. The program offers undergraduate and graduate minor degrees and seeks to attract and educate students who will become leaders in both academic and applied settings in order to improve the quality of life for older individuals and their families in Iowa, the nation, and the world. The Gerontology Program initiates and facilitates interdisciplinary research in aging. A strong connection to extension assures that aging-related knowledge is disseminated to the communities.

We are located at 1085 Elm Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011

Directions to Elm Hall