Gerontology Program

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Program Coordinator

William W. Haddad

Program Office/Website

Ruby Gerontology Center
657-278-7057
hss.fullerton.edu/gerontology

Program Council

Susan Cadwallader (Marketing)
Echo Chang (Gerontology)
David Cherin (Social Work)
Barbara Cherry (Psychology)
Angela Della Volpe (HSS College Dean)
John Doyle (Human Services)
Barbara Erickson (Anthropology)
Barbara Haddad (Nursing)
Melanie Horn-Mallers (Human Services)
Sara Johnson, (Anthropology)
Jessie Jones (Health Science)
Kristin Kleinjans (Economics)
Robert Koch (Biology)
Edyth Krampe (Sociology)
Margaret Luzzi (Extended Education)
Shari McMahan (HHD College Dean)
Sang June Oh (Mechanical Engineering)
Ron Osajima (OLLI)
Nilay Patel (Biological Science)
Jennifer Piazza (Health Sciences)
Carter Rakovski (Sociology)
Mary Read (Counseling)
Carl Renold (Human Services)
Charles Ritz (OLLI)
Debbie Rose (Director, Institute of Gerontology)
Dana Rutledge (Nursing)
Kirt Spradlin (OLLI)
Chandra Srinivasan (Biochemistry)
Stefanie Vaughn (Nursing)
Eileen Walsh (Sociology)
Joseph A. Weber (Sociology)
Karen Wong (Sociology and Gerontology)
Laura Zettel-Watson (Psychology)

Introduction

Gerontology, the study of aging, is a multidisciplinary field that examines the biological, psychological, social and health/fitness aspects of the aging process. The unprecedented growth of the older population has created a growing demand for professionals in a variety of fields who understand issues related to the aging process.

Programs in Gerontology provide students with knowledge and critical understanding of the processes of adult development and aging. They prepare students for a variety of career opportunities in business, government, industry, public and private agencies, health and human services, research and education, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Many career options involve working with healthy and independent older adults, while other positions involve working with older adults who have health problems and other age-related limitations.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursuing a Master’s Degree in Gerontology (MSG):

Understand relevant gerontology theories, concepts and research findings

• Describe and explain relevant theories, concepts and related research findings in physiological, psychological and social aspects of aging
• Be sensitive to the political, economic and cultural context and aging outcomes
• A life course perspective related to older adult development

Information literacy and research analysis skills

• Identify, access, analyze and synthesize relevant sources
• Critically analyze research studies
• Build a good foundation for doctoral study in gerontology

Communication skills

• Write in APA style and effectively take purpose and audience into account
• Make effective oral presentations, taking purpose and audience into account

Field-based practice and skills

• Develop competence in the involvement of service, implementation and administration of programs in a variety of settings that involve older people and their caregivers
• Exhibit knowledge of the purpose, structure and processes of community organizations and government agencies serving older adults, and demonstrate an ability to use that knowledge effectively to enhance the welfare of older populations
• Understand that needs in old age are multifaceted and may best be addressed from a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach
• Identify relevant ethical and legal issues and the impact of possible actions in real-world situations

Ruby Gerontology Center

The Charles L. and Rachael E. Ruby Gerontology Center serves as a forum for intellectual activity and creative scholarship in the area of gerontology. The center houses the activities of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, the Institute of Gerontology, and the Gerontology Academic Program.

The center’s goals include: promoting educational programs concerning adult development and aging; developing productive intergenerational activities in education and research; fostering cross-disciplinary research on topics related to aging and late life; providing opportunities for lifelong learning; and expanding opportunities for professional growth and development for those interested in gerontology.

Students are encouraged to become involved in research, conferences and community service activities of the Center.

Programs and Courses Offered

Programs

• Gerontology, M.S.

• Gerontology Minor

Courses

Courses are designated as GERO in the class schedule.

• GERO 133 - Introduction to Gerontology (3)
• GERO 410 - Women, Health and Aging (3)
• GERO 420 - Aging and Dementia (3)
• GERO 425 - Successful Aging and Gerotechnology (3)
• GERO 433 - Aging and Social Services (3)
• GERO 443 - Sociology of Aging (3)
• GERO 450 - Applied Health Promotion in Aging Populations (3)
• GERO 493B - Oral History/Guided Autobiography (3)
• GERO 500 - Applied Gerontology (3)
• GERO 501 - Research Methods in Gerontology (3)
• GERO 503 - Aging and Public Policy (3)
• GERO 504T - Selected Topics in Gerontology (3)
• GERO 506 - Economics of Aging (3)
• GERO 507 - Biopsychosocial Perspectives on Aging (3)
• GERO 508 - Social and Ethical Issues in Aging (3)
• GERO 525 - Factors of Human Aging and Technology Design (3)
• GERO 526 - Administration and Systems Management (3)
• GERO 527 - Intergenerational Practice: Working with Aging Families (3)
• GERO 535 - Program Planning and Evaluation (3)
• GERO 545 - Nonprofit and Societal Marketing (3)
• GERO 595 - Gerontology Internship (3)
• GERO 597 - Project (3)
• GERO 598 - Thesis (3)
• GERO 599 - Independent Study in Gerontology (1-3)

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