What is Gerontology?
Gerontology is the interdisciplinary study of aging. Interdisciplinary
studies encompass and explore phenomena from multiple angles. This
program incorporates this multidirectional view in all twelve (12)
required courses as students systematically engage in academic
and experiential inquiry about aging issues. Courses challenge
students to critically explore their beliefs about aging individuals
and families from an holistic aspect based on current research
on older adults. This holism includes viewing individuals and their
responses to aging from the following perspectives: physical, psychological,
social, gender/cultural, and spiritual realms. Many courses allow
for and/or require direct application of these aspects.
The focus of the gerontology curriculum is applied social policy and allied health. Students complete twelve (12) required Core and Interdisciplinary courses and four (4) Interdisciplinary elective courses. Students choose the direction of their two (2) internship courses based on their personal and professional goals with older adults. These internships can occur in almost any agency or setting of interest to the student, and are facilitated by Gerontology Faculty. These internship experiences, seminars, and writing assignments assist students in bringing together earlier learned concepts while applying them in real world situations.
Gerontology students often combine this major with other majors and minors on campus. This is advantageous because this first hand knowledge about the fastest growing population cohort in America is needed in personal life experiences and all careers. Gerontology graduates are employed in a variety of careers and professions in both the private and public sectors, in large and small businesses and many times in entrepreneurial fields. Entry level positions vary. Some are in health care (e.g. nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreation therapy, speech, in home supportive services, social work, dentistry, music therapy, pet therapy). Some are in public policy (e.g.. State of California, the Legislature, Commission on Aging, American Society of Aging, Area 4). Other graduates are in business (e.g. financial counseling, restaurant managers, banks). Some graduates work at management levels, managing others who do direct care of seniors, and others work directly with older adults. Still others work behind the scenes developing programs, doing research, or providing programs for older adults.
The CSUS Gerontology Programs provide learners with:
- A knowledge base from the social, natural, and behavioral sciences.
- Opportunities for exploring gerontology, an emerging discipline in society.
- Opportunities for functioning in various roles as advocates for aging individuals, caregivers and the older population.
- Opportunities for exploration of issues related to social policy, ethics and aging adults.
- Opportunities for functioning in an interdisciplinary role with other discipline-based practitioners.
- An appreciation of life-long learning and development for people of all ages.
- Opportunities for developing competency in information literacy.
