Adult Student Services Blog

Archives for September 2024

Make the “Golden Years” Brighter – Study Gerontology

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Gerontology – the study of aging – prepares you to engage with, care for, and support middle aged and older adults.

The Census Bureau estimates that by 2030, 21% of the world’s population will be over the age of 65 and that in 2034, older adults in the U.S. will outnumber children for the first time. This means there is and will continue to be a demand for workers with skills and knowledge to support this diverse population. The Missouri State Gerontology program equips students with the necessary tools to work with this population and approaches the field with a positive outlook on aging.  

MSU’s bachelor’s degree in Gerontology was the first program to be certified as a Program of Merit by the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education in 1999, and it remains the only bachelor’s degree in Gerontology available in Missouri.  

Pursuing a degree in Gerontology will provide you with an interdisciplinary foundation that will benefit you in your career pursuits – and the opportunity to double major in Gerontology and another program of your choosing can make you even more marketable to recruiters and hiring panels. Students will take courses in communication, psychology, and sociology; at least 9 hours of electives can be from other programs on campus, if the content is related to aging. With an educational background in Gerontology, you’ll be able to work in a variety of career fields: administration, business/finance, education, social services, and health care related fields. The options are almost limitless!

And employers will want to hire you. In an alumni survey, 99% of respondents reported they found a job within three months of graduation. The courses you take will have applicable content to help you in your practicum courses and ultimate career field. Explore Careers and Outcomes. 

Learn more about the Gerontology Program online. 

Gerontology is also available as a minor or undergraduate certificate. 

If you have any questions about Gerontology, contact the program coordinator: Dr. Lisa Hall at LCHall@MissouriState.edu. 

This is one of the many quality programs offered at Missouri State – explore all available programs.

 

Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant Application Now Available!

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Qualifying adult students may receive free tuition with this grant to pursue a certificate, degree or industry-recognized credential in an area designated as high need. 

The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is now available for the 2024-2025 academic year! The Fast Track grant is designed to ensure, when combined with other governmental financial aid, that tuition and fees are fully covered.  

There are many program areas with eligible programs including business, computer science, education, health care and more! Review qualifying majors and certificate programs.

To be eligible for Fast Track funding , students must:

  • Be either:
    • At least 25 years old, or
    • Have not enrolled in an educational program (high school or post-secondary) in the last two years
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Be a Missouri resident, an active member of the U.S. military transferred to Missouri, or the spouse of an active duty military member
    • If you are a student who is a Missouri resident, you must have been a Missouri resident for at least two years prior to receiving the grant
  • Have filed the FAFSA
  • Enrolled in an eligible program at least half-time

Eligibility will expire if:

  • Receipt of the grant for four semesters or the equivalent.
  • Receipt of a bachelor’s degree.
  • Reaching 200 percent of the academic time typically required to complete the program of study.

Learn more on our website and apply today!

 

If you’d like to discuss the grant and your potential eligibility, schedule a meeting with advisor Jaime Ross.