The Gerontology major is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary approach to studying the human aging process from sociological, psychological, and biological perspectives. If you would like an overview of the field of aging while completing your A.A. Degree, the gerontology major is a good option. Many of the courses are cross disciplinary and, therefore, count towards the major as well as the general education requirements for the A.A. Degree. Coursework will also transfer as electives or general education requirements to a four-year institution. Aging studies may be pertinent to degrees such as Human Services, Gerontology, Psychology, and Social Work.

Program Level Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Apply major gerontology theories and principles of the field to everyday life and determine the impact of these theories on the aging individual and/or society as a whole.
2. Apply effective communication skills in a variety of gerontology settings.
3. Support opinions/ideas using solid gerontology research principles.

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Required Core 1
Complete the following:
BIOL C120	Biology of Aging	3
or GERO C122	Biology of Aging
PSYC C170	Psychology of Aging	3
or GERO C170	Psychology of Aging
SOC C120	Introduction to Gerontology	3
or GERO C121	Introduction to Gerontology
GERO C220	Controversies and Ethical Issues in Aging	3
or HSVC C220	Controversies and Ethical Issues in Aging
Program Electives 1, 2
Select six units of the following:		6
FN C225	Nutrition through the Lifecycle
or GERO C225	Nutrition through the Lifecycle
GERO C131	Home Care
GERO C230	Care of Frail Elderly
GERO C240	Aging in a Multicultural Society
GERO C273	Careers in Gerontology - A Field Practicum
HLTH C223	Healthy Aging
or GERO C223	Healthy Aging
HSVC C101	Helping Theories and Intervention Strategies
HSVC C102	Introduction to Crisis Intervention
LAW C142	Probate Administration/Estate Planning
LAW C148	Elder Law
Units Required for the Major		18
Local General Education, CSU General Education, or IGETC pattern		Varies
Electives to satisfy unit requirement		Varies
Total Units		60

1

Some courses in the program are not offered every semester. GERO C131 Home Care, GERO C273 Careers in Gerontology - A Field Practicum, and GERO C240 Aging in a Multicultural Society are offered once per year, usually in the fall semester. GERO C220 Controversies and Ethical Issues in Aging/HSVC C220 Controversies and Ethical Issues in Aging and GERO C230 Care of Frail Elderly are offered once per year, usually in the spring semester. Plan your full schedule with the timing of your courses in mind.

2

Students wishing to work in Home Care should select GERO C131 Home Care and GERO C230 Care of Frail Elderly as their electives.