Nov 05, 2014 11:14 AM EST By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha will soon be able to apply for a bachelor's degree in gerontology as soon as next spring, school officials announced.

The university's Department of Gerontology has existed since the early 1970s, but up until this point has only been able to offer three non-degree options, including a minor, certificate and a concentration as part of the Bachelor of General Studies degree. Now, students will be able to declare gerontology -- the study of the social, psychological and biological aspects of aging -- as a stand-alone major and receive a Bachelor of Science in Gerontology.

The push for a degree for the first time in the department's more than 40-year history came because of student demand.

"Students would come to us wanting a degree option, but because we didn't have one, we had to be more creative with course options," Julie Masters, chair of the department of gerontology, said in a statement. "Now, that is no longer a problem for us or our students."

As part of the degree, students will take eight core courses dealing with how aging affects physical and mental health; programs and services available to the elderly; and the sociological issues of death and dying. Students will also have the chance to take relevant electives to round out their coursework.

Students will also be required to take at least one practicum experience in the field at local businesses such as assisted living facilities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and human service agencies.

"Requiring a practical experience in the field will allow students to network and make connections that they otherwise wouldn't be able to make," Masters said. "This will only help them after they graduate and are looking for employment."

According to the last Census report, data projects that adults over the age of 65 will make up more than 20 percent of Nebraska's overall population compared to 13.8 percent in 2012. This means there will be a surge in demand for more jobs requiring a familiarity with the needs of older adults.

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