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. Coursework for the program in Gerontology will provide information about the aging process and training to work in services and agencies that interact with older people.

Those who hold degrees and/or who wish to advance their present careers by adding professional gerontology education and training components to their qualifications may complete the Certificate of Achievement without obtaining the A.A. Degree. Much of the coursework required for the Certificate of Achievement also qualifies for general education transfer requirements as well as continuing education units for a variety of fields, including RCFE, NHAP, LVN, CNA, HHA, and RN.

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.

Certificate Graduation Requirements

A Certificate is awarded upon completion of the required coursework with a grade of C or higher in each course. A grade of P (Pass) is acceptable, however, the student must meet an overall GPA requirement of 2.0 to receive the certificate. To receive the certificate, a student must file a petition for graduation during their final semester prior to the application deadline as noted on the Coastline Graduation webpage. 

Certificate of Achievement

Certificate programs are designed to prepare individuals to enter a particular field of employment or to provide in-service training to those already employed.  Certificates of Achievements are majors that include 16 units or more and will be posted on the transcript. They may be used as elective units towards the A.A. or A.S. Degree.

• Student must be in attendance at the time requirements are completed.
• Students must also earn a minimum of 12 units of coursework at Coastline, excluding experiential credit.
• A student with prior experience may be excused from certain certificate courses.
• 50 percent of the certificate program’s units must be completed at Coastline no matter how the total number of units required for the certificate can be met.

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
Red Cross Standard First Aid/CPR Card 2
Program Electives 3
Select a minimum of six units of the following:		6
FN C225	Nutrition through the Lifecycle
or GERO C225	Nutrition through the Lifecycle
GERO C131	Home Care
GERO C190	Issues in Gerontology
GERO C191	Issues in Gerontology
GERO C193	Issues in Gerontology
GERO C195	Issues in Gerontology
GERO C230	Care of Frail Elderly
GERO C240	Aging in a Multicultural Society
HLTH C223	Healthy Aging
or GERO C223	Healthy Aging
LAW C142	Probate Administration/Estate Planning
LAW C148	Elder Law
Program Field Courses 1
Complete the following course:
GERO C273	Careers in Gerontology - A Field Practicum	3
Units Required for Major		21

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	Additional Requirement: Students must obtain a current Red Cross Standard First Aid/CPR Card.
3	Students wishing to work in Home Care should select GERO C131 Home Care and GERO C230 Care of Frail Elderly as their electives.