Adult Development and Aging: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Adult Development and Aging is a specialized academic field dedicated to understanding the multifaceted experiences of individuals as they age, with a focus on promoting well-being across the lifespan. This program equips students with a comprehensive foundation in the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of aging, preparing them to address the evolving needs of older adults in diverse environments.
- Biological and psychological stages of aging: Explores the physiological changes and cognitive-emotional development that occur throughout adulthood, including neurobiological shifts, sensory decline, and mental health dynamics.
- Dependent care practices: Focuses on strategies and ethical considerations in supporting older adults with daily living activities, emphasizing dignity, autonomy, and person-centered approaches.
- Social and economic needs of aging populations: Investigates income security, housing, long-term care access, and social integration to foster independence and quality of life in later years.
- Psychological adaptation to aging: Examines emotional resilience, identity formation, and coping mechanisms in response to life transitions such as retirement, loss, and changing family roles.
- Public policy and aging: Analyzes national and local policies affecting elder care, healthcare delivery, social services, and legislation aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of older adults.
- Community resources and support systems: Reviews the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services—ranging from senior centers to telehealth initiatives—that enhance community engagement and access to care.
Adult Development and Aging Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Adult Development and Aging Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Adult Development and Aging degrees, including Psychologists, All Other, Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other and Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 57,390 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologists, All Other 19-3039 | $117,580 | $51,410 - $163,570 | 17,790 | $56.53 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099 | $100,340 | $62,570 - $160,810 | 36,970 | $48.24 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1192 | $77,280 | $47,580 - $133,180 | 2,630 | N/A |
Adult Development and Aging Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $68,105 in West Virginia to $137,990 in Nebraska—a 103% difference. The highest-paying states include Nebraska, Tennessee, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 57,390 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Adult Development and Aging by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 37 institutions offering Adult Development and Aging programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Adult Development and Aging is found at Ferris State University (FSU) (31 graduates), Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (17 graduates), Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) (16 graduates), University of Arizona (15 graduates), and Pitt Community College (PCC) (13 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 238 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Other Award
|
31 | Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| Arizona State University |
Master's
|
17 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) |
Bachelor's
|
16 | Lawrenceville, Georgia | Public | ggc.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
15 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Pitt Community College (PCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | Winterville, North Carolina | Public | pittcc.edu |
| North Shore Community College (NSCC) |
Associate's
|
12 | Danvers, Massachusetts | Public | northshore.edu |
| Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | Public | hacc.edu |
| Saddleback College |
Other Award
|
11 | Mission Viejo, California | Public | saddleback.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU) |
Master's
|
11 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wichita.edu |
| Pasadena City College (PCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | Pasadena, California | Public | pasadena.edu |
| CUNY Hostos Community College |
Associate's
|
9 | Bronx, New York | Public | hostos.cuny.edu |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) |
Master's
|
9 | Richmond, Virginia | Public | vcu.edu |
| Modesto Junior College (MJC) |
Other Award
|
8 | Modesto, California | Public | mjc.edu |
| East Los Angeles College (ELAC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Monterey Park, California | Public | elac.edu |
| MiraCosta College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
5 | Oceanside, California | Public | miracosta.edu |
| Piedmont Community College (PCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
5 | Roxboro, North Carolina | Public | piedmontcc.edu |
| Utah Tech University (UT) |
Other Award
|
5 | Saint George, Utah | Public | utahtech.edu |
| American River College (ARC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Sacramento, California | Public | arc.losrios.edu |
| Chaffey College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
4 | Rancho Cucamonga, California | Public | chaffey.edu |
| Fresno City College (FCC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Fresno, California | Public | fresnocitycollege.edu |
| Minnesota State University |
Master's
|
4 | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | mnsu.edu |
| Cypress College |
Other Award
|
3 | Cypress, California | Public | cypresscollege.edu |
| Georgia State University |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
3 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gsu.edu |
| Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
3 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | waketech.edu |
| Sacramento City College (SCC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Sacramento, California | Public | scc.losrios.edu |
| Florida Atlantic University (FAU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Boca Raton, Florida | Public | fau.edu |
| Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Public | grcc.edu |
| Nash Community College |
Associate's
|
2 | Rocky Mount, North Carolina | Public | nashcc.edu |
| Eastern Washington University (EWU) |
Other Award
|
2 | Cheney, Washington | Public | ewu.edu |
| Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) |
Other Award
|
1 | New Britain, Connecticut | Public | ccsu.edu |
| Indiana Institute of Technology (Indiana Tech) |
Other Award
|
1 | Fort Wayne, Indiana | Private | indianatech.edu |
| Lansing Community College (LCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Lansing, Michigan | Public | lcc.edu |
| Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Henderson, North Carolina | Public | vgcc.edu |
| Cleveland State University (CSU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | csuohio.edu |
| Geneva College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania | Private | geneva.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| Indiana Institute of Technology |
Other Award
|
1 | Fort Wayne, Indiana | Private | cps.indianatech.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Adult Development and Aging programs
How much can I earn with a Adult Development and Aging degree?
Salaries for Adult Development and Aging graduates vary by role and location. Psychologists, All Other earn a median of $117,580 annually, while Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other earn around $100,340. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Nebraska average $137,990 compared to $68,105 in West Virginia. Approximately 57,390 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Adult Development and Aging programs?
Currently 37 accredited institutions offer Adult Development and Aging degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ferris State University (FSU) (31 graduates), Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (17 graduates), and Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) (16 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Adult Development and Aging growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 219 in 2010 to a peak of 324 in 2020, before declining slightly to 238 in 2023-24. This represents a 9% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Adult Development and Aging degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Psychologists, All Other, Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, and Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 57,390 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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