GERONTOLOGY
College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Gerontology Program provides an applied interdisciplinary approach to studying the human aging process and the challenges encountered by older adults and their families as they interact in contemporary society. The curriculum is anchored in life course and humanistic theory, and concentrates on the needs of both healthy and chronically ill elders.
In order to better understand life’s complexities, the program guides students to critically examine and explore the issues, impacts, and interventions for elders and their families from an interdisciplinary framework. Throughout coursework, students are exposed to the bio-psycho-social-cultural and gender contexts that exist individually and in aggregate groups within society. Course content challenges all students to identify and analyze existing generalizations, theories, and concepts about aging in order to develop valid understandings based on current research in the discipline. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to actively advocate concerning elder issues.
The program offers a major and minor in Gerontology. Students are encouraged to blend other disciplines of study with Gerontology in order to facilitate varied career alternatives. They are helped in constructing an individual (elective) program of study within their major that reflects their own interests. Using elective courses to begin to build a minor in this area is highly encouraged. The program also assists students in constructing a special master's degree. Currently the gerontology graduate courses needed for this are housed in the College of Continuing Education (CCE).
Career opportunities for gerontologists are growing rapidly. Employers are realizing the benefits of employing people who have backgrounds in aging along with abilities to address the needs of their older consumers. Gerontology graduates enter careers in both the public and private sectors with healthy and chronically ill elders. The careers are as varied as the goals of the individual and the needs of the organization. Graduates often work in such positions as counselors, advocates, analysts in state agencies for older adults, social workers, nurses, and information and referral specialists. Others have created their own careers in such areas as dental hygiene, human services, food services, travel, and Web design.
Gerontology graduates also often go on to graduate and professional schools in fields such as sociology, psychology, counseling, nursing, criminal justice, family services, and social work.
Specializations
BS: Applied Service and Administration / General Focus
Special Features
The focus of the curriculum is upon the biological/psychological/social aspects of aging; social policies; services and research in aging; and practice, administration, and program skills related to aging.
- An integrated interdisciplinary program of courses and field experiences leads to a Bachelor of Science degree with a Major or Minor in Gerontology.
- Multiple major courses include integrated Service Learning to connect theory, practice, and community service.
- Individuals are prepared for careers in varied gerontological practice areas based upon demographic projections of need for personnel in planning, administering, coordinating, and delivering older adult services.
- Gerontological practitioners’ awareness of the effects of social policy on aging individuals and families is heightened.
- The program helps facilitate students' progression from community colleges to the University when acquiring a BS degree in Gerontology.
- Individuals currently working in the community are afforded opportunities to learn advanced skills and acquire professional training in gerontology.
- The strong relationships between the Gerontology Program and Sacramento area agencies and institutions planning or delivering services for older persons are key components to this program’s success.
- The Gerontology Program helps enhance the interest and commitment of diverse faculty and the University while providing a vehicle for interdisciplinary study and research in the field of Gerontology.
- The Program provides comprehensive academic preparation for graduate
study in Gerontology or other related fields.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Requirements - Bachelor of Science Degree
Units required for Major: 48
Minimum total units required for BS: 120
Minimum grade required: “C” or better in all major and multidisciplinary
core/elective courses.
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Core Courses (18 units) |
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(3) |
Elder Care Continuum Services and Strategies |
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(3) |
Social Policy for an Aging Society (GOVT 1 or GOVT 150 or equivalent) |
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(3) |
Applied Care Management in Gerontology Practice |
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(3) |
Field Experience (GERO 101, GERO 102, GERO 103 and instructor permission) |
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(3) |
Field Experience (GERO 101, GERO 102, GERO 103 and instructor permission) |
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(3) |
Research Elective (see advisor) |
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Select 3 units from the following: |
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Research in Ethnic Studies OR |
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Qualitative Research in Psychology (PSYC 2, PSYC 8, PSYC 101) |
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Research in Nursing (NURS 12; Corequisite: NURS 123 and NURS 129 or instructor permission) |
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Field Study (Instructor permission) |
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Research Methods in Sociology (SOC 101 or equivalent) |
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Research Methods and Program Evaluation (SWRK 110; Corequisite: SWRK 140B or SWRK 140C) |
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*Gerontology students only need permission of the instructor and senior status. B. Required Interdisciplinary Core (21 units) |
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(3) |
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(3) |
Crosscultural Aging in America |
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(3) |
Financial and Legal Aspects of Aging (FACS 141 or instructor permission) |
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(3) |
Holistic Approach to Aging (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or "C" or higher grade in ENGL 109 M/W, or "C-" grade in ENGL 109 M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
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(3) |
Psychological Aspects of Death and Dying |
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(3) |
Therapeutic Recreation and Contemporary Aspects of Disability (RPTA 106) |
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(3) |
Health Services and Systems |
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C. Electives (9 units) |
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(9) Select 9 units from the following; not more than 6 units in any one of the following areas: |
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| Applied Service/Administration | ||
Special Problems (Advanced approval of project goal and objectives by program director) |
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Public Health Administration and Policy |
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The Management of Contemporary Organizations |
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Sport and Aging |
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| General Focus | ||
Nutrition and Aging (FACS 10, FACS 159 or instructor permission) |
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Adulthood and Aging in Human Development (A human development course or instructor permission) |
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Models for Successful Aging |
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Managing Disorders in Elders (GERO 200 or NURS 163; GERO 121 or GERO 221) |
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Aging and Health |
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Psychological Aspects of Aging (PSYC 2) |
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Research Methods Laboratory (SOC 101 or equivalent; SOC 102A) |
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Notes:
- Additional optional courses which are recommended to support the Gerontology major are GERO 21, GERO l00, BIO 20, CHDV 30, FACS 50, FACS 141, NURS 10, PSYC 2, SOC 1, STAT 1.
- Major Core courses have the potential of offering a one unit Service
Learning option for each of the three theory courses. These units could
be combined and serve as one elective (GERO
199) if there is an approved written plan by the student and academic
advisor.
Requirements - Minor
Units required for Minor: 21
Minimum grade required: “C” or better in all Gerontology Minor
courses.
A. Required Lower Division Courses
There are no specific lower division course requirements. Students must complete at least 45 units of college or university work before becoming eligible to enroll in the program. Students are also encouraged to meet with the Program Director for advising prior to enrolling in any Gerontology classes.
B. Required Upper Division Courses (21 units)
(3) |
Crosscultural Aging in America or other multicultural aging course |
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(3) |
Adulthood and Aging in Human Development (A human development course or instructor permission) OR |
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Holistic Approach to Aging (GWAR Certification before Fall 09, or WPJ score of 80+, or "C" or higher grade in ENGL 109 M/W, or "C-" grade in ENGL 109 M/W or WPJ score 70/71 and ENGL 109X co-requisite) |
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(3) |
Aging Issues in Contemporary America |
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(3) |
Elder Care Continuum Services and Strategies |
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(3) |
Social Policy for an Aging Society (GOVT 1 or GOVT 150 or equivalent) |
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(3) |
Applied Care Management in Gerontology Practice |
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(3) |
Field Experience (GERO 101, GERO 102, GERO 103 and instructor permission) |
GRADUATE PROGRAM
Certificate - Gerentology
Units required for the certificate: 18*
Candidates must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 in courses submitted for the certificate.
*Graduate students wishing to pursue independent study focusing on aspects of Gerontology are encouraged to also take GERO 299: Special Problems.
Information on Eligibility
Students must either be in a graduate degree program at Sacramento State or must apply for graduate admission to the University.
Required Courses (18 units) |
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(3) |
Elder Care Continuum Services and Strategies |
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(3) |
Adaptation to Age Related Changes, Illnesses and Caregiving |
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(3) |
Models for Successful Aging |
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(3) |
Managing Disorders in Elders (GERO 200 or NURS 163; GERO 121 or GERO 221) |
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(3) |
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| (3) | Choose one of the following: | |
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Social Policy for an Aging Society (GOVT 1 or GOVT 150 or equivalent) |
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Applied Care Management in Gerontology Practice |
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Career Possibilities
Counselor · Adult Protective Services · Assessment/Intake Case Worker · California Department of Aging · Case Manager · Consultant · Department of Health Services · Department of Social Services-Older Adult Educator · Guardian/Conservator Staff · Information and Referral Specialist · Legal Aid Assistant · Ombudsman/Advocate · Program Activities Director · Program Specialist · Senior Community Outreach · Geriatric Social Worker · Geriatric Clinical Nurse · Rehabilitation/Job Training Agencies · Senior Retirement/Adult Day Care Centers · Area Agencies on Aging
Faculty
Jennifer Park, Jennifer Piatt, Patricia Woodward, Kinesiology and Health Science; Cheryl Osborne, Gerontology and Nursing; John Strother, Social Work; Qiaoming Amy Liu, Sociology; Kelly Cotter, Psychology
Contact Information
Cheryl Osborne, Director
El Dorado Hall 1030
(916) 278-7163, FAX: (916) 278-3855
www.csus.edu/gero
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