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Gerontology

Gerontology

Associate Degree

Associate in Arts Degree

Gerontology

The Gerontology program offers lower-division preparation for students who plan on transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree in gerontology. Students planning to transfer and/or earn this associate degree may also need to complete additional requirements or electives required by the transfer institution, as many CSUs and UCs have unique admissions and preparation-for-the-major requirements. Students should meet with a MiraCosta College counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written plan for their targeted university.

To earn this associate degree, students must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable units of credit (including major and general education courses).
  • Complete all courses required in the major with a “C” or “P” or better.
  • Complete a general education pattern of courses (see Associate Degrees).
  • Obtain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
  • Complete a minimum of 12 units in residence at MiraCosta College.

Program Student Learning Outcome Statement

  • Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to evaluate the differing needs of the elderly based on age, health, sex, race, ethnicity, and class.
Required courses: 
GERO 101Introduction to Aging3
Part A: Elective Courses - Select a minimum of 6 units of the following courses.6
Intercultural Communication
Caregiving: Techniques for Working with the Frail Elderly
Intergenerational Issues
Internship Studies
Principles of Health
Certified Nursing Assistant
Nutrition and Aging
Psychology/Sociology of the Family
Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging
Part B: Elective Courses - Select a minimum of 9 units from the following list, including any courses listed above not used for Part A.9
Introductory Biology: Preparation for Pre-Health Professions (Lecture/Lab)
Introductory Biology: Preparation for Pre-Health Professions (Lecture)
and Introductory Biology: Preparation for Pre-Health Professions (Lab)
Human Physiology
Interpersonal Communication
General Psychology
General Psychology (Honors)
Social Psychology
Statistics for Behavioral Science
Statistics for Behavioral Science (Honors)
Total Units18

Certificates

Certificate of Proficiency

Optimal Aging and Older Adulthood

This program provides a multidisciplinary study of the theories and factors related to optimal aging and improved functioning in older adulthood. The certificate emphasizes optimal aging, starting with young adulthood and continuing through older adulthood, in recognition that cognitive, social, and biological factors influence a person's longevity, healthcare requirements, and quality of life.

Program Student Learning Outcome Statement

  • Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to address several factors (e.g., physical health, mental health, exercise, nutrition, the normal aging process, etc.) affecting optimal aging and older adulthood functioning.​
Required courses: 
GERO 101Introduction to Aging3
Required Electives:
Part A (Choose one course):3
Exercise Programs for Special Populations
Nutrition and Aging
Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging
Part B (Select a minimum of 6 units from the following list, including any courses listed above not used in Part A):6
Principles of Health
Stress Management
Techniques and Analysis of Fitness and Weight Training
Nutrition Today
Nutrition Today (Honors)
Total Units12

How to Read Course Descriptions

For more detailed information about a course, such as its content, objectives, and fulfillment of a degree, certificate, or general education requirement, please see the official course outline of record, available on the Courses and Programs webpage at https://www.miracosta.edu/governance/courses-and-programs-committee/curriculum-management-system.html.

Courses

GERO 101: Introduction to Aging

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course introduces the interdisciplinary field of gerontology and the study of aging, with an emphasis on biology/physiology, psychology, and sociology. It emphasizes the impact of increased life expectancy and aging on individuals, families, and health care providers and systems. Topics include factors linked to gender, race, ethnicity, and cultural diversity as well as changes and challenges for social and public services, public policy, and the politics of aging. Gerontology is a growing field with practical applications in health care, fitness and wellness, social work, and social services.

GERO 130: Caregiving: Techniques for Working with the Frail Elderly

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Spring odd years

This course provides practical and theoretical information on age-related physical and cognitive changes and how to work with the elderly who are frail due to advanced age and/or chronic illness. It explores cultural diversity and its affect on caregiving, health consequences of caregiving, and available community resources. This course is specifically targeted for students interested in working in the field of aging or those who are caregivers for family members.

GERO 250: Intergenerational Issues

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall

This course examines interpersonal relations between older adults and other age groups in the United States. It explores policies and related programs that impact intergenerational relationships and care-giving interactions. It highlights societal, cultural perspectives and issues and real-world outcomes.

GERO 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged

This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.

GERO 296: Topics in Gerontology

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: To be arranged

This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Gerontology that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.

Campus Locations

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1831 Mission Avenue
Oceanside, CA 92058
760.795.8710
888.201.8480
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MiraCosta Oceanside Campus Building

1 Barnard Drive
Oceanside, CA 92056
760.757.2121
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MiraCosta San Elijo Campus

3333 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff, CA 92007
760.944.4449
888.201.8480
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MiraCosta Technology Career Institute Building

2075 Las Palmas Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92011
760.795.6820
888.201.8480
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