Department of Family, Aging & Counseling
The Department of Family, Aging & Counseling offers programs focused on the health and well-being of families, communities and individuals, across the lifespan.
Our undergraduate programs in family services and gerontology provide a strong foundation on family dynamics and healthy aging, preparing students for a future career or advanced education across a variety of fields and placements.
The department also houses a flexible graduate counseling program, purposely designed for working professionals, with an option add a dual specialization in school counseling or distinction in gerontological counseling.
Master of Arts in Counseling
UNI’s Counseling Program caters to student needs by providing one-on-one advising, intimate class size, and small student-to-faculty ratios. Classes are largely based on interactive discussion and application of counseling skills. Students gain valuable, hands-on experience through a rigorous practicum and internship with highly skilled and trained professionals currently in the field.
Family Services
Our family services program focuses on the theory and research on family relationships and human development, with an applied focus in order to help prepare students for work in the human services field or to attend graduate school.
Gerontology
As the ONLY four-year gerontology program in the state of Iowa, UNI prepares students for a career in caring.
The major offers two tracks: social sciences and long-term care administration. Approximately half of UNI gerontology students work in nursing homes after graduation, with others working in a wide variety of senior support services.
Dementia Simulation House
The Department of Family, Aging & Counseling also houses UNI's Dementia Simulation House, an innovative hands-on learning experience that helps educate campus and community partners on what it’s like to live with dementia.
