Gerontology Program Degree Requirements

500 – Aging and Society (Units:3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.
Concepts and issues in gerontology; processes, problems and challenges of aging as related to other disciplines, integrating and emphasizing research findings.

510 - Death and Dying in Contemporary Society (Units:3)

Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.
Attitudes, beliefs, practices, grief responses, and bioethical issues of dying and death which confront the individual and society. Ways to cope and help oneself and others to enhance life and maturity. This course is offered as NURS 500 and GRN 510.

705 - Aging in a Multidimensional Context (Units:3)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Examination of theories and research on aging: interpersonal and structural dimensions of aging; scope, concepts and approaches in the field.

710 - Aging Processes: Health and Human Services (Units:3)

Examination of the biomedical and physiological processes and theories of aging. Implications on health and human services for the elderly of diverse backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities.

715 - Age and Social Policy Analysis (Units:3)

Exploration of the variety of public and private agencies and businesses, including entitlement programs designed to serve an aging population. Examine a variety of models and frameworks for policy analysis, with attention to global aging issues.

725 - Aging and Diversity (Units:3)

Multicultural aging issues; psychological aspects of aging for ethnic/racial groups within the U.S. Cultural competence, cohort variations, health differentials, life expectancy/longevity, theoretical perspectives and methodological implications.

735 - Ethical and Legal Issues in Aging and Social Services (Units:3)

Ethical dilemmas and legal issues as they pertain to the professional practice of gerontology and the delivery of social services to the elderly.

760 - Research Methods in Gerontology (Units:3)

Prerequisites: Introductory statistics and consent of instructor.
Quantitative and qualitative research designs and methods, data gathering techniques, measurement and data analysis and interpretation. Applications of research methods to studies in aging, including descriptive and comparative research, program evaluations and needs assessments.

765 - Aging and Continuum of Care (Units:3)

Overview of continuum of care; emphasis on human diversity, quality of care, and quality of life. Concepts, functions, issues, and skills associated with home and community-based services, adult day care, assisted living, nursing facilities, and hospice care.

838 - Gerontology Seminar (Units:3)

Prerequisite: Enrollment in gerontology program or consent of instructor.
Group process in support of gerontology internship, learning contract and qualitative methods; fieldwork experience and techniques; ethics and problem-solving. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. (Plus-minus letter grade; CR/NC allowed, RP)

839 - Gerontology Internship (Units:3)

Field internship in cooperation with a private/public profit or non-profit organization enabling students to acquire competencies and experiences required for professional responsibilities. May be repeated for a total of 6 units.

890 - Integrative Seminar (Units:3)

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and approval of Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) and Culminating Experience (CE) forms by Graduate Studies.
Capstone to demonstrate knowledge and skills in problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking and cooperative and collaborative communications.

897 - Gerontology Research (Units:3)

Prerequisites: Classified graduate status and consent of graduate adviser. Independent and/or original research under faculty supervision.
Continuous enrollment required for all students yet to complete the master's thesis or research project. May be repeated for a total of 9 units, but cannot be used more than 3 units for degree credit.