Academic Catalogs

Gerontology, Associate of Arts Degree

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://catalog.cccd.edu.

Banner Code: 3_AA_GERO

Control Number: 07510

Financial Aid Eligible


Gerontology, the interdisciplinary study of aging, offers students an understanding of their own aging and of society’s response to the increasing population of older people. Biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of aging are explored. The coursework for the Certificate of Achievement in Gerontology will provide information about the aging process and training to work in services and agencies that interact with older people. Many of the courses are cross disciplinary and, therefore, can count towards the Certificate of Achievement as well as the general education requirements for the A.A. Degree. Coursework will also transfer as elective and general education requirements to a four-year institution.  

Students have the option of completing the 21-unit Certificate of Achievement in Gerontology on its own or in conjunction with the A.A. degree. Those seeking new careers in gerontology and/or transfer to a four-year institution should complete the Associate in Arts Degree requirements in conjunction with those for the Gerontology Certificate of Achievement.

Coastline College students completing the A.A. Degree and Gerontology Certificate of Achievement qualify for our degree partnership with CSUF. For information about the Coastline College/Cal State Fullerton degree partnership in human services and gerontology call Coastline College at (714) 241-2613 or Human Services Office, CSUF, (714) 278-2255.

Coastline College and CSU Long Beach have a partnership that allows a maximum of 6 units (SOC C120 Introduction to Gerontology and 3 units of elective courses) to be applied to CSULB's 15 unit Gerontology Minor. Contact Coastline College at (714) 241-6213 or the Gerontology Department at CSULB for further information.

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.

Associate Degree Requirements

Unit Requirement

Complete at least 60 units of acceptable college work with a minimum of 12 units completed in residence at Coastline. Earn an overall grade point average of 2.0 or higher from all colleges attended and a 2.0 or higher grade point average at Coastline.

*Students must be in good academic standing (not on probation and/or disqualification) during the semester graduation is petitioned.

Program of Study

Complete the required courses in one of the programs as detailed In the Requirements for the Major section of this catalog. All coursework must be completed with a grade of C or higher.

General Education

Complete one of the three General Education options below (visit the General Education page for details):

Option 1 — AA/AS Local Degree GE: designed for students pursuing an Associate degree and who may or may not be planning to transfer to a four-year university. The degree is transferable to many colleges and universities.

Option 2—CSU GE Breadth: designed for students who are planning to transfer to a university in the CSU system. It may also be appropriate for transfer to some independent colleges and universities.

Option 3—IGETC: designed for students who are planning to transfer to a university in the CSU or UC system. It also may be appropriate for transfer to some independent colleges and universities.

Global and Multicultural Studies Requirement

Complete at least 2.5 units from any Global and Multicultural Studies courses. See what courses fulfill the Global and Multicultural Studies Requirement.

Course Title Units
Required Core 1
Complete the following:
BIOL C120Biology of Aging3
or GERO C122 Biology of Aging
PSYC C170Psychology of Aging3
or GERO C170 Psychology of Aging
SOC C120Introduction to Gerontology3
or GERO C121 Introduction to Gerontology
GERO C220Controversies and Ethical Issues in Aging3
or HSVC C220 Controversies and Ethical Issues in Aging
Red Cross Standard First Aid/CPR Card 2
Program Electives 3
Select a minimum of six units of the following:6
Nutrition through the Lifecycle
Nutrition through the Lifecycle
Home Care
Issues in Gerontology
Issues in Gerontology
Issues in Gerontology
Issues in Gerontology
Care of Frail Elderly
Aging in a Multicultural Society
Healthy Aging
Healthy Aging
Probate Administration/Estate Planning
Elder Law
Program Field Courses 1
Complete the following course:
GERO C273Careers in Gerontology - A Field Practicum3
Units Required for Major21
Requirement Units
Units for Major Preparation 21
Local General Education, CSU General Education, or IGETC pattern Varies
Electives to satisfy unit requirement Varies
Total Degree Units 60