The Direct Practice in Aging specialty provides advanced social work students the opportunity to work at the micro and macro levels to develop and implement effective interventions, programs, and policies specific to the unique needs of older adults, their families, and caregivers. Students in this specialty learn to work with diverse older clients while using interpersonal skills to engage in collaborative, therapeutic relationships. In addition to working directly with clients, the curriculum and field experiences prepare students to partner with practitioners, community agencies, and systems of care improving the lives of older adults. Specific skills gained include evaluating, selecting, and implementing appropriate assessment, intervention, and evaluation tools.
Students graduating from the Direct Practice in Aging specialty facilitate change for individuals and families at a micro level. They partner with individuals, families, and caregivers to improve lives by:
If you are interested in joining the Direct Practice in Aging specialty, here are a few quick things to keep in mind:
Do you have questions about registering for Direct Practice in Aging courses? Admitted and current students can schedule an appointment with their Academic Advisor today!
I recommend the Aging program because it truly delivers a well-rounded educational experience that prepares you to step right into a career working with older adults. I was able to get licensed right after I graduated and landed my dream job shortly after that.
By graduation, students specializing in Aging will achieve the foundation objectives and the following advanced specialization objectives:
Aging students successfully find a variety of field placement and post-graduation jobs. Many of our students are placed in leading organizations for their internship and find job opportunities at the same organization directly after graduation. These organizations run from local to national, government to nonprofit, and much more.
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Personal Pronouns: He/Him
Research Interests: Lived experience of tension, Live music performance in hospice-based settings, Sex and intimacy at end-of-life, Bucket lists and end-of-life dreams, Psilocybin and existential distress
Research Interests: Reproductive ethics, specializing in LGBTQ advocacy and inclusivity, moral distress, and clinical social work ethics.
Research Interests: Aging in Place, Home and Community-based Services, Family Caregiving, Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia, Assistive Technology, Transportation Equity
Associate Professor with Tenure
Personal Pronouns: She/Her
Research Interests: Health and well-being of older adults with cognitive impairment, non-pharmacological interventions, social engagement, minority older adults and family caregivers, home- and community-based services, and health disparities.
DSW Program Director (project lead for creating new program)
Associate Professor of Practice
Personal Pronouns: She/Her
Research Interests: Aging, mental health, health promotion, long-term care, hospice, dementia, sustainability, environmental justice
Research Interests: Aging, Social Integration/Isolation, Social Network Analysis, Social Support and Generosity
Research Interests: Adolescent social problems , Reproductive health , National and International social policy, Population, Community Planning, Demographic Techniques, Zambia, Social Policy, Reproductive rights, Development
Research Interests: Aging, grandparents, ethnicity (Chinese), assistive technology, Intergenerational Support and Healthy Aging, Health Disparity, Health Care Utilization, Acculturative Stress, Social support and Well-being of Older Adults, Asian American Older Adults
Brianna Gibbs
Academic Recruiter
Primarily Graduate Admissions
Email: brianna.gibbs@uta.edu
Phone:817-272-2551
Office: SWSH 203O
Dolores Bevins
Admissions Counselor II
Email: doloresbevins@uta.edu
Phone: 817-272-1044
Office: SWSH 203Q
Darlene Santee
Manager for Recruiting and Admissions
Email: santeed@uta.edu
Office: SWSH 203U
Antwan C. Williams, J.D.
Asst. Director of Communications, Marketing, Recruiting, Admissions,
and Community Outreach
Email: antwan.williams@uta.edu
Office: SWSH 203S
