As the School’s mission statement reflects, the use of family-centered and community-based practice approaches is central to the School’s curriculum which prepares culturally competent social work scholars and practitioners with a commitment to social justice and social work values and ethics. The application of these theories and practice approaches to the development, implementation and evaluation of social welfare policy and practice with vulnerable populations across the life-span is a focal point for curriculum and faculty research. Addressing the needs of older persons and their families is of particular concern as the population of the United States is aging rapidly, with 20% of the population expected to be 65 years and older by the year 2030. This creates a need for more gerontologically-prepared social workers who can work with the older population and their families. At present, there is a severe shortage of social workers who have the knowledge and skills required to work with older persons, with an estimated 60,000-70,000 more needed.). The need for all social workers to have basic knowledge and skills about aging is particularly evident in the state of Iowa, which consistently ranks fourth or fifth in percentage of persons aged 65+ (presently over 15%). Iowa ranks second in percentage of very old elders (85+ and centenarians). To learn more about Gerontology (Aging Studies) in Social Work at The University of Iowa and the need for social workers in this area click here for a powerpoint presentation.

The School of Social Work is committed to increasing the number of students who are prepared to serve older persons and their families. In recent years, the School has been involved in many projects funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation of New York to increase the number of gerontologically-prepared social workers. Faculty work closely with the UI interdisciplinary Aging Studies Program (coordinator, Richard MacNeil, 410 Jefferson Building, richard-macneil@uiowa.edu), and two of our faculty hold appointments in the Aging Studies Program as well as in Social Work. Along with their Social Work degree, students at all three academic levels (BASW, MSW, and Ph.D.) can earn a Certificate in Aging Studies (21 s.h.). BASW students can also earn a minor in Aging Studies (15 s.h.) and MSW students can choose aging studies/gerontology as a field of practice. Many courses in the School are cross-listed with the Aging Studies Program, carrying credit in either program. Examples are the following:

Link to Aging Studies Website: http://www.uiowa.edu/~interdi/aging/

Resource Page for Nursing Home Social Workers

I credit my knowledge about The University of Iowa to my grandfather, Joseph Gunderson, who graduated from Iowa’s Law School in the early 1930's. Upon completing my Ph.D and starting my academic job search, I was instantly drawn to The University of Iowa due to my family legacy, as well as my desire to live and work in a rural state. Also, I was interested in working at a university that was part of the Big Ten, thus allowing my husband and me to fulfill one of our main passions, which is Big Ten Football.

At Iowa, I have the opportunity to teach both undergraduate and MSW students, mentor PhD students, and also teach in my area of expertise, end-of-life and gerontology. Additionally, I have the opportunity to network with community-based agencies and keep a finger in the world of clinical social work. I am truly lucky to be at Iowa!"

- Sara Sanders, (PhD, MSW) Assistant Professor

The UI Social Work program offered me the opportunity to complete my MSW in Des Moines. This option allowed me to gain valuable practicum experience with the State Mental Health Department, and with the only Alzheimer’s Disease Chapter in Iowa (at the time). I moved to Washington D.C., and began a 12 year volunteer experience with the Alzheimer’s Association and completed a paid internship at the Social Security Administration, which was arranged by my Des Moines social work professor, Martin Tracy. I remained in D.C for eight years working on national projects that enhance the lives of older adults. The MSW proved to be an asset!

In 2004, I returned to Iowa as a professor. I conduct research and develop courses in aging with colleagues at The UI Center on Aging, Aging Studies Certificate Program, and School of Social Work. During the practice lifetime of our students, the country will experience the largest cohort of elders in our history. People are entering older adulthood just as our society is finally recognizing the resource that our elders are. Students have lots to learn from elders and vice versa. Social workers, nurses, dentists, and others educated to work with people in older adulthood will continue to be in demand.”

- Mercedes Bern-Klug (PhD, MSW ‘84, MA)
Assistant Professor in Social Work, The University of Iowa; Joint Appointment with the Aging Studies Certificate Program