Gerontology Interdisciplinary Certificate of Achievement

The Gerontology Interdisciplinary Certificate focuses on the study of aging, the aging process, and working with older adults in a variety of capacities. Sociological, psychological, and biological aspects of aging are explored. This certificate aims to educate individuals about the field of aging, while also allowing them to complete coursework in other associated areas of interest. The goal of the certificate is to primarily equip students who are working toward completing (or have completed) related certificates, degrees, or programs, and/or work in the aging profession with foundational knowledge in gerontology. The interdisciplinary certificate allows students to choose elective courses that match pathways that fit within their current area of study. Career opportunities may include: business, marketing, environmental design, nutrition, nursing, medical assisting, health, wellness, recreation, fitness, food services/preparation, human services, senior communities, home health care, caregiving, horticulture, and travel/tourism. Additional certification, degrees, and/or training may be required for the fields listed depending on the employer and occupation.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this program will be able to:

Explain the key sociological, psychological, and biological concepts associated with the study of aging.
Apply theoretical perspectives to analyze current and historical topics associated with the study of aging.
Describe the physical, social, familial, and community support networks for diverse aging individuals.
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in one of the suggested pathways of study within the interdisciplinary certificate program.

Required Core (3 Units)

SOC 180 INTRODUCTION TO GERONTOLOGY 3 Units

Required Core (6 Units), Choose Two of the following:

SOC 125 SOCIOLOGY OF AGING 3 Units
SOC 126 DEATH AND DYING 3 Units
PSYC 125 PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING 3 Units *
Select from Restricted Electives 3-4 Units

TOTAL Units for the Certificate: 12-13

Restricted Electives – Choose a minimum of 3-4 units based on the student’s pathway:

Pathway 1 - Business

ACCT 120 INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL PLANNING 3 Units
BUS 16 PERSONAL LAW,STREET LAW 3 Units
BUS 105 SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING 3 Units
BUS 135 MARKETING 3 Units
BUS 160 ENTREPRENEURSHIP 3 Units

Pathway 2 – Environmental Design

ARCH 124A ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING I 4 Units
ARCH 219 RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SPACE PLANNING 4 Units *
ID 210 HOSPITALITY DESIGN 3 Units *
ID 214 BATH DESIGN 3 Units *
ID 215 KITCHEN DESIGN 3 Units *

Pathway 3 – Foods/Nutrition

FN 50 FUNDAMENTALS OF NUTRITION 3 Units
FN 110 FOOD PREPARATION ESSENTIALS 3 Units *
FN 169 LIFECYCLE NUTRITION 3 Units *
FN 210 SERVSAFE IN FOOD PRODUCTION 1 Unit
FN 232 TECHNIQUES OF HEALTHY COOKING 2 Units *
FN 246 INTRODUCTION TO CULINARY ARTS 3 Units *

Pathway 4 – Health and Well-Being

HLTH 1 CONTEMPORARY HEALTH ISSUES 3 Units
HLTH 2 FIRST AID, CPR, AND AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR 1.5 Units
HLTH 3 WOMEN’S HEALTH ISSUES 3 Units
HSC 151 INTRO TO THERAPY AND CAREER EXPLORATION OF REHABILITATION 3 Units
KNES 60 ANATOMY AND FUNDAMENTALS OF YOGA 3 Units *

Pathway 5 – Health Sciences

HIT 101 ALTERNATIVE HEALTHCARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS 2 Units
HSC 106 LEGAL AND ETHICAL ASPECTS OF HEALTH INFORMATION 3 Units
HSC 291 MANAGEMENT OF AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS 0.5 Unit
MA 206 INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL ASSISTING 3 Units
N 204 BEGINNING NURSING CONCEPTS 2 Units

Pathway 6 - Human Services

HS 120 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT 3 Units
HS 131 MULTICULTURAL AND DIVERSE POPULATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES 3 Units
HS 140 GROUP LEADERSHIP AND GROUP PROCESS 3 Units
HS 174 CASE ADMINISTRATION, CRISIS INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL 3 Units
HS 220 BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENT 3 Units
*Course has a prerequisite, corequisite, limitation, or recommended preparation; see course description.