MSW CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Ann Nolan Reese Penn Aging Certificate
The Ann Nolan Reese Penn Aging Certificate (PAC) is designed to prepare a new generation of SP2 graduates for practice and leadership roles in organizations serving older adults. The PAC offers specialization in geriatric social welfare, preparing students to be change agents in the growing field of gerontology.
“By combining clinical research and education with programmatic solutions, SP2 ensures that our graduates are equipped to redefine the possibilities for the clients they serve.”
– Ann Nolan Reese, CW’74, Sponsor of The Ann Nolan Reese Penn Aging Certificate (PAC) Program
Why this certificate?
- The number of Americans aged 65+ is expected to increase by 47% by 20501
- Growing numbers of communities across the US will soon have more people over the age of 65 than under the age of 182
- More Americans are living longer with chronic illness3
- Over the next 25 years, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to double, from 6 million to 13 million4
- Increasing numbers of older Americans seek mental health service, substance abuse treatment, assistance with childcare of dependent grandchildren, and other social welfare programs not typically identified as aging services5
- Demand for social workers in long term care settings projected to grow fastest among all healthcare professionals over the next 10 years6
- States are working quickly to adjust policies around public benefits, healthcare, independent living, and income security to keep up with their aging populations7
- Nonprofit organizations are stepping up to fill the gaps in services for the aging populations in their communities8
1US Census Bureau (February 12, 2025). 2023 National Population Projections Tables: Main Series. US Department of Commerce
2US Census Bureau (June 26, 2025). Older adults outnumber children in 11 states and nearly half of U.S. counties. US Department of Commerce
3Watson, K.B. et al. (April 17, 2025). Trends in multiple chronic conditions among US adults by life stage, behavioral risk factor surveillance system 2013-2023. Preventing Chronic Disease.
4Alzheimer’s Association. (2023). 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimer’s and Dementia, 9(4).
5National Association of Social Workers (2010). NASW standards for social work practice with family caregivers of older adults. NASW Press
6HRSA Health Workforce. (November 2024). Long-term services support: Demand projection, 2022-2037. National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, Health Resources & Services Administration
7National Council on Aging. (2025). Our policy positions. NCOA
8Leadership Council of Aging Organizations. (2025). About LCAO.
The population of Americans over the age of 65 is expected to increase by 47% over the next 25 years. Older adults are working longer, have higher levels of education, and are staying independent longer than previous generations with the use of assistive technology. They are also aging with more chronic conditions and are more likely to live alone.
Every area of social welfare practice is impacted by this growth in an aging population. Mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, healthcare, homelessness, immigration, and justice system programs will see increasing numbers of older adults among their client populations. Expertise in gerontology is urgently needed now and will remain increasingly important to all fields of social policy and practice.
To learn more about working with older adults as social workers, nonprofit leaders, or policy advocates, check out some of the links below:
Certificate Requirements
Students of any degree program seeking the PAC certificate will need to complete two courses with special focus on working with older adults:
SWRK 7940: Practice with Older Adults
SWRK 7690: Aging: The Intersection of Policy & Practice
Field placement in an agency with a focus on older adults is not required but is highly recommended.
Application Process
Applications are due March 15, 2026 for students interested in obtaining the PAC during the second year of the program. To apply, please send an email to SP2PennAging@sp2.upenn.edu expressing your interest in the certificate. Please include your full name, your first-year field placement, and if known, your second-year field placement.
Information sessions will be held in October and February each year. The next information session is scheduled for Wednesday October 22, from 2:30-3:30 in the Caster Building.
Contact Us
Tamara Cadet, PhD
Director, Ann Nolan Reese Penn Aging Certificate
215-898-5501