Saint Louis University and University of Missouri-St. Louis

Specialized Structure: Area of Emphasis

Lack of social work student interest in working with older adults is troubling given that the U.S. population is graying. Researchers have found that providing opportunities for direct contact with older adults increases student interest in working with this population. This is the underlying force behind the joint project with the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) School of Social Work and Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Social Work in offering an Emphasis in Gerontology to undergraduates.

This project consisted of two courses designed to interest undergraduates in gerontological social work and completion of a field practicum working with older adults: (1) Introduction to Gerontological Practice, taught at UMSL, introduced key concepts and practices in the evaluation and care of older adults; (2) Interprofessional Practices in Gerontology, offered at SLU, introduced students to interprofessional team work and team building, and provided opportunities to understand different disciplines’ contributions to working with older adults and their families.

Upon completion of the above courses and a practicum working with older adults, the undergraduate students in social work have an emphasis in gerontology and are better equipped to work with the growing number of older adults needing social work services.