Gerontology is a multidisciplinary study of the human aging process. It examines the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of aging as well as how an aging population affects contemporary society.

Professionals work for community and human service organizations; retirement communities; federal, state, and local government agencies; educational and research institutions; and related organizations that work either directly or indirectly with aging adults.

Academic and Career Pathway

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Contact Information

Chair: Steve Eso Dean: Michael Fino https://www.miracosta.edu/academics/degree-and-certificate-programs/social-and-behavioral-sciences/gerontology/index.html

Department: Psychology Office: Building OC4800, 760.757.2121 x6924

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.

Graduation 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.

Required courses:
GERO 101	Introduction to Aging	3
Part A: Elective Courses - Select a minimum of 6 units of the following courses.		6
COMM 215	Intercultural Communication
GERO 130	Caregiving: Techniques for Working with the Frail Elderly
GERO 250	Intergenerational Issues
GERO 292	Internship Studies
HEAL 101	Principles of Health
NURS 160	Certified Nursing Assistant
NUTR 125	Nutrition and Aging
PSYC/SOCI 145	Psychology/Sociology of the Family
PSYC 170	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
BIO 110	Introductory Biology: Preparation for Pre-Health Professions (Lecture/Lab)
or BIO 111 & 111L	Introductory Biology: Preparation for Pre-Health Professions (Lecture) and Introductory Biology: Preparation for Pre-Health Professions (Lab)
BIO 220	Human Physiology
COMM C1004	Interpersonal Communication
PSYC C1000	Introduction to Psychology
or PSYC C1000H	Introduction to Psychology (Honors)
PSYC/SOCI 103	Social Psychology
PSYC 104	Statistics for Behavioral Science
or PSYC 104H	Statistics for Behavioral Science (Honors)
Total Units		18

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.

Required courses:
GERO 101	Introduction to Aging	3
Required Electives:
Part A (Choose one course):		3
KINE 210	Exercise Programs for Special Populations
NUTR 125	Nutrition and Aging
PSYC 170	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
HEAL 101	Principles of Health
HEAL 222	Stress Management
KINE 204	Techniques and Analysis of Fitness and Weight Training
NUTR 100	Nutrition Today
Total Units		12

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.