PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Joseph A. Weber
PROGRAM OFFICE
Humanities 735K
DEPARTMENT WEBSITE
http://hss.fullerton.edu/gerontology
PROGRAMS OFFERED
Minor in Gerontology
Concentration in Gerontology
Professional Certificate in Gerontology
Master of Science in Gerontology
PROGRAM COUNCIL
Pauline Abbott (Director, Institute of Gerontology)
Tony Bell (Sociology)
Dennis Berg (Sociology)
John Doyle (Human Services)
Barbara Haddad (Nursing)
Margaret Luzzi (Extended Education)
Sara Johnson, (Anthropology)
Jessie Jones (Health Science)
Mary Joyce (Marketing)
Thomas Klammer (H&SS College Dean)
Robert Koch (Biology)
Edith Krampe (Sociology)
Bill Larson (Student Representative)
Shari McMahan (Health Science)
Karen Perell (Kinesiology)
Mary Read (Counseling)
Carl Renold (Human Services)
Roberta Rikli (H&HD College Dean)
Wendy Elliott Scheinberg (Oral History)
Susan Shoho (Institute of Gerontology)
William Smith (Psychology)
Eric Solberg (Economics)
Barbara Talento (Continuing Learning Experience [CLE])
Joseph A. Weber (Coordinator, Gerontology Academic Programs, Sociology)
INTRODUCTION
Gerontology, the study of aging, is a multidisciplinary field that examines the biological, psychological, social, and health/fitness aspects of the aging process. The unprecedented growth of the older population has created a growing demand for professionals in a variety of fields who understand issues related to the aging process.
Programs in Gerontology provide students with knowledge and critical understanding of the processes of adult development and aging. They prepare students for a variety of career opportunities in business, government, industry, public and private agencies, health and human services, research and education, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Many career options involve working with healthy and independent older adults, while other positions involve working with older adults who have health problems and other age-related limitations.
ADVISEMENT
Academic and career advisement is provided by the Coordinator of Gerontology Programs and members of the Gerontology Program Council.
Information on job and volunteer opportunities, as well as professional events in gerontology, is posted near the Gerontology Institute office, Ruby Gerontology Center, Room 8. Students are urged to take advantage of programs available through the Career Development and Counseling Center, Langsdorf Hall 208.
RUBY GERONTOLOGY CENTER
The Charles L. and Rachael E. Ruby Gerontology Center serves as a forum for intellectual activity and creative scholarship in the area of gerontology. The center houses the activities of the Continuing Learning Experience, the Institute of Gerontology, as well as being a resource center on aging for the Orange County region.
The center's goals include: promoting educational programs concerning adult development and aging, developing productive intergenerational activities in education and research, fostering cross-disciplinary research on topics related to aging and later life, providing opportunities for lifelong learning, and expanding opportunities for professional growth and development for those interested in gerontology.
Students are encouraged to become involved in research, conferences, and community service activities of the Center.
GERONTOLOGY AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
The Emeriti Memorial Scholarship in Gerontology has been established to honor a full-time continuing junior, senior, or graduate student with a minor or concentration in gerontology. Criteria include scholastic achievement and professional purpose.
The Gerontology Program Council Award may be given to a junior/senior student with a minor in Gerontology or to a graduate student who has been accepted into the M.S. in Gerontology degree program. The criteria include active membership in the Student Association for Gerontology Education (SAGE) or Sigma Phi Omega gerontology honor society, and financial need.
The Beverly and Arnold Miller University Scholarship in Gerontology is open to continuing junior/senior students with a declared minor, emphasis, or concentration in aging or gerontology and to graduate students accepted into the M.S. in Gerontology degree program.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Students interested in gerontology are encouraged to join the Student Association for Gerontology Education (SAGE) and the Gamma Kappa Chapter of Sigma Phi Omega, a national honor society. Opportunities are available to become involved in research, conferences, and community service activities. Students are also encouraged to become active in professional gerontology organizations such as the California Council on Gerontology and Geriatrics (CCGG). Applications are available at the Gerontology Program office, Ruby Gerontology Center, Room 8, and in the Gerontology Academic Program Office, Humanities 735K.
MINOR IN GERONTOLOGY
The Gerontology minor consists of 21 units in the following areas:
Lower-Division Requirements (3 units)
Sociology 133 Introduction to Gerontology (3)*
Upper-Division Requirements (9 units from the following)
Biology 306 Biology of Aging (3)*
Kinesiology 454 Physical Dimensions of Aging (3)
Psychology 362 Psychology of Aging (3)*
Sociology 443 Sociology of Aging (3)
Required Internship (3 units)
One three-unit internship at the 300/400 level in a related field. An internship is a supervised experience working within the community. Internships are coordinated through the student's major department.
Upper-Division Electives (6 units, adviser approved)
Anthropology 308 Culture and Aging: Anthropological Gerontology (3)
Anthropology 408 Ethnogerontology (3)
Anthropology 417 Life Quests (3)
Biology 306 Biology of Aging (3)
Biology 311 Nutrition and Disease (3)*
Child/Adolescent Studies 312 Human Growth and Development (3)*
Counseling 475T Counseling Special Populations (3)
Finance 411 Retirement and Estate Planning (3)
Gerontology 413 Oral History/Guided Autobiography (3)
Health Sci 342 Stress Management (3)*
Health Sci 401 Epidemiology (3)
Health Sci 440 Determinants of Health Behavior (3)
Health Sci 450 Applied Health Promotion Throughout the Lifespan (3)
Human Comm 320 Intercultural Communication (3)*
Human Comm 345 Communication and Aging (3)*
Human Services 310 Case Management (3)
Human Services 380 Theories and Techniques of Counseling (3)*
Human Services 385 Program Design and Proposal Writing (3)
Human Services 400 Ethical and Professional Issues in Human Services (3)
Human Services 410 Crisis Intervention (3)
Human Services 420 Human Services Management (3)
Human Services 480 Case Analysis and Intervention Techniques (3)
Kinesiology 353 Physical Activity and Lifelong Well-Being (3)*
Kinesiology 364 Motor Development (3)
Kinesiology 371 Human Motor Learning and Control (3)
Kinesiology 400 Program Design in Kinesiology (3)
Kinesiology 454 Physical Dimensions of Aging (3)
Kinesiology 455 Functional Performance Assessment and Programming for Older Adults (3)
Management 435 Service Organizations and Operations (3)
Marketing 351 Principles of Marketing (3)
Nursing 301 Promotion of Optimal Health (3)*
Nursing 303 Women's Health and Healing (3)*
Nursing 357 Health Promotion: Adult-Aged Nursing (3)
Philosophy 314 Medical Ethics (3)*
Philosophy 448 Death, Dying and Meaning (3)
Psychology 302 Learning and Memory (3)
Psychology 303 Sensation and Perception (3)
Psychology 361 Developmental Psychology (3)
Psychology 362 Psychology of Aging (3)
Psychology 415 Cognitive Processes (3)
Psychology 474 Medical Psychology (3)
Psychology 475 Psychopharmacology (3)
Sociology 351 Sociology of Families (3)*
Sociology 354 Sociology of Sex Roles and Gender (3)*
Sociology 360 Death and Dying (3)*
Sociology 361 Population and the Environment (3)*
Sociology 371 Sociology of City Life (3)*
Sociology 433 Aging and Social Services (3)
Sociology 443 Sociology of Aging (3)
Women's Studies 410 Women, Health and Aging (3)
Additional elective courses are available in selected departments across campus. Such additional electives are chosen in consultation with the major department adviser and with the approval of the Coordinator of Gerontology Programs. Up to nine units of coursework may be applied to both the major and Gerontology minor.
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* Meets General Education requirement.
MAJORS THAT COMPLEMENT THE MINOR IN GERONTOLOGY
The Gerontology minor is available and appropriate to strengthen and otherwise complement the course work of students in many majors. Notation of the minor appears on the transcript and the diploma.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN GERONTOLOGY
The Master of Science program combines training in both scientific and applied areas of gerontology. Because various departments across the University participate in the program, the student is able to design a study plan that will meet his or her individual needs. In addition to course work in research and theory, the program provides preparation for work in a variety of settings. It can also be tailored to meet the needs of the student who wants to prepare for doctoral programs.
Application Deadlines
The deadlines for completing online applications are March 1st for the fall semester and October 1st for the spring semester (see http://www.csumentor.edu). Mailed applications need to be postmarked by the same deadlines. However, deadlines may be changed based upon enrollment projections. Check the university graduate studies website for current information at http://www.fullerton.edu/graduate or
http://hss.fullerton.edu/gerontology.
Admissions to Graduate Standing: Conditionally Classified
An applicant who meets the following requirements may be considered for conditionally classified graduate standing.
Baccalaureate degree
from an accredited institution and a grade point average of at least 2.5 in the last 60 units attempted.
The baccalaureate must be in gerontology or a related field in conjunction with an undergraduate minor, certificate, or emphasis in gerontology or the equivalent. In the absence of the above, the student should have the following 12 units of upper-division course work in gerontology or their equivalent:
Biology 306 Biology of Aging (3 units)
Kinesiology 454 Physical Dimensions of Aging (3 units)
Psychology 362 Psychology of Aging (3 units)
Sociology 443 Sociology of Aging (3 units)
- Completion of Psychology 201 or Sociology 303, or an equivalent statistics course.
- A grade-point average of at least 3.0 in gerontology-related course work.
- Three satisfactory letters of recommendation.
- Professional objectives as presented in a student letter of intent.
- Completion of a Gerontology Programs Application Form, obtainable from the Gerontology Academic Program Office.
The following additional criteria may be taken into consideration: research experience, previous paid or volunteer experience in working with elderly people.
It may be possible for applicants who have minimal deficiencies in prerequisite requirements, as detailed above, but who are otherwise highly qualified, to be admitted in conditionally classified graduate standing, with provisions made for removal of deficiencies prior to the granting of classified standing. For further information, consult with the Gerontology Academic Program Coordinator.
Admissions to Graduate Standing: Classified
Each student, in consultation with the Program Coordinator, will develop a study plan. This will be outlined in an official university Study Plan Form. Students who have met the requirements for conditionally classified standing will be granted classified standing upon submission
of an adviser-approved study plan to the Graduate Studies office.
Study Plan
The Master of Science in Gerontology requires 30 units of approved graduate work with a minimum of 21 units at the 500 level.
Core Courses (12 units)
Gerontology 500 Processes of Adult Development and Aging (3)
Gerontology 501 Research Methods in Gerontology (3)
Gerontology 503 Aging and Public Policy (3)
Gerontology 595 Gerontology Internship (3)
Gerontology Electives (6-9 units)
Gerontology 504T Selected Topics in Gerontology (3)
Gerontology 506 Economics of Aging (3)
Gerontology 507 Professional Issues in Gerontology (3)
Gerontology 508 Social and Ethical Issues in Aging (3)
Gerontology 526 Administration and System Management in Programs
for Older Adults (3)
Gerontology 599 Independent Study in Gerontology (1-3)
Multidisciplinary Electives (6-9 units)
Selected from two or more departments with the program coordinator's approval:
Electives may include:
Anthro 408 Ethnogerontology (3)
Counseling 475T Counseling Special Populations [Older Adults] (3)
Finance 411 Retirement and Estate Planning (3)
Gerontology 413 Oral History/Guided Autobiography (3)
Kinesiology 454 Physical Dimensions of Aging (3)
Kinesiology 455 Functional Performance Assessment and Programming for Older Adults (3)
Philosophy 448 Death, Aging, and Meaning (3)
Psychology 543 Advanced Life Span Development (3)
Sociology 433 Aging and Social Services (3)
Sociology 443 Sociology of Aging (3)
Sociology 501T Seminar: Topics in Societal Structure and Process (3)
[Topic: Life Span Developmental Sociology]
Women's Studies 410 Women, Health, and Aging (3)
Thesis or Project or Comprehensive Exam (0-3 units)
Take at least one of the following:
Gerontology 597 Project (3)
Gerontology 598 Thesis (3)
Comprehensive Exam (0 units)
If a project or thesis is not done, an additional 3 units of a Gerontology 500-level elective course and a comprehensive
examination must be taken.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE IN GERONTOLOGY
Admission to this program requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum grade-point average of 2.5 in the last 60 semester units. The program requires 18 units total: 15 units of required courses and three units of electives. For further information on specific course content on this certificate and others related to Gerontology, please contact Extended Education, (714) 278-2611.
OTHER GERONOTOLOGY PROGRAMS
Sociology, B.A.
A concentration in Gerontology is offered within the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Degree requirements are outlined in the Sociology Department concentration options section of this catalog.
Kinesiology, B.S., M.S.
Students pursuing the B.S. or M.S. in Kinesiology may choose a focus area in Gerontology. Requirements are available through the Department of Kinesiology.
Human Services, B.S.
Students pursuing a B.S. in Human Services may choose a gerontology track. Requirements are available through the Department of Human Services.
GERONTOLOGY COURSES
Courses are designated as GERO in the class schedule.
| GERO 348 Asian Pacific American Perspectives on Aging | | Description: (Same as Asian American 348) | Units: (3)
| | GERO 410 Women, Health and Aging | | Description: (Same as Women’s Studies 410) | Units: (3)
| | GERO 413 Oral History/Guided Autobiography | | Description: (Same as History 413.) | Units: (3)
| | GERO 420 Aging and Dementia | | Description: Prerequisites: completion of GE section I; satisfied the upper-division writing requirement; Psychology 201 or Sociology 303 or equivalent; or classified graduate standing. Physiological, psychological, social, economic aspects of dementia; its impact on the individual, family and society, with an emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease. | Units: (3)
| | GERO 500 Process of Adult Development and Aging | | Description: Prerequisite: admission to M.S. in Gerontology degree program or consent of instructor. Overview of theory and research on biological, psychological, and social changes that accompany adult development and aging. May include a service learning component. | Units: (3)
| | GERO 501 Research Methods in Gerontology | | Description: Prerequisite: admission to M.S. in Gerontology or consent of instructor. Overview of research processes and problems in gerontology; more detailed study of applied research, including program evaluation in the field of gerontology. | Units: (3)
| | GERO 503 Aging and Public Policy | | Description: Prerequisites: Gerontology 500, Sociology 443, Political Science 309 or 315, or classified graduate student status. Origin, development, and overview of public policies affecting older persons, families, and service providers. Political administrative, advocacy, and private sector involvements in employment, retirement, income security, health care, social services, and housing of older persons. May include a service learning component. (Same as Political Science 503 and Sociology 503) | Units: (3)
| | GERO 504T Selected Topics in Gerontology | | Description: Prerequisites: classified status in the M.S. in Gerontology Program or consent of instructor. A detailed examination of a selected area of gerontology. Emphasis will be both on the relevant literature and on the preparation, presentation (oral and written), and discussion of research papers. May be repeated once for credit with a different topic. | Units: (3)
| | GERO 506 Economics of Aging | | Description: Prerequisites: admission into the Gerontology M.S. Program or classified BAE status and Gerontology 501 or Economics 340 or consent of instructor. Economic consequences of population aging and the economic status of the aged. Income adequacy in old age: dependency, work income, retirement planning, social security, employer-sponsored pensions, and financing health care. Economic security today and tomorrow. International comparisons. (Same as Economics 506) | Units: (3)
| | GERO 507 Professional Issues in Gerontology | | Description: Prerequisite: classified graduate student status. An introduction to the concepts, attitudes, knowledge, skills and ethical issues upon which professional practice in gerontology is based. | Units: (3)
| | GERO 508 Social and Ethical Issues in Aging | | Description: Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Gerontology, Sociology, or Public Health or consent of instructor. Analysis of social and ethical issues facing an aging society. Review of ethical terminology, ethical decision making and social implications of ethical issues related to such topics as nursing homes, caregiving, suicide and intergenerational equality. (Same as Sociology 508.) | Units: (3)
| | GERO 526 Administration and Systems Management | | Description: Prerequisites: Same as Political Science 526. Management oriented analysis of organizational behavior. Treatments of decision making, leadership, communication, group dynamics and ethical aspects of organization. Includes application of theories of administration and systems management to public and volunteer programs and services (Same as Political Science 526). | Units: (3)
| | GERO 595 Gerontology Internship | | Description: Prerequisites: classified status in the M.S. in Gerontology degree program and consent of instructor and Program Coordinator. Supervised experience in organizations that serve older adults and their families. May be repeated once for credit. | Units: (3)
| | GERO 597 Project | | Description: Prerequisites: classified status in the M.S. in Gerontology Program and consent of instructor and Program Coordinator. Under the direction of a faculty member, a topic that integrates learning in the program with an applied area of student interests will be selected, and a major project on the topic will be developed and submitted. | Units: (3)
| | GERO 598 Thesis | | Description: Prerequisites: classified status in the M.S. in Gerontology degree program and consent of instructor and Program Coordinator. Individual research under supervision, reported in a thesis and defended successfully in an oral examination conducted by a faculty thesis committee. | Units: (3)
| | GERO 599 Independent Study in Gerontology | | Description: Prerequisites: completion of the M.S. in Gerontology core courses or consent of instructor and Program Coordinator. Individualized study with an instructor whose recognized interests are in the area of the planned study. Conferences with the instructor as necessary and the work will culminate in one or more papers. May be repeated once for credit. | Units: (1-3)
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