Gerontology Program

Introduction
Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Ruby Gerontology Center
Programs and Courses Offered

Program Coordinator

Laura Zettel-Watson

Program Office/Website

Humanities 424
657-278-7057
hss.fullerton.edu/gerontology

Program Council

Susan Cadwallader (Marketing), Barbara Cherry (Psychology), Barbra Erikson (Anthropology), Koren Fisher (Kinesiology), Jessie Jones (AVP, Academic and Community Partnerships), Kristin Kleinjans (Economics), Edythe Krampe (Sociology), Melanie Horn Mallers (Human Services), Debra Rose (Director, Center for Successful Aging), Stephanie Vaughn (Nursing), Kathleen Wilson (Kinesiology), Karen Wong (Sociology and Gerontology), Laura Zettel-Watson (Psychology)

Gerontology-Affiliated Faculty

David Cherin (Social Work), Dana Collins (Sociology), Kathryn Dickson (Biology), John Doyle (Human Services), Karen Fazio (Health Sciences and Gerontology), Barbara Haddad (Nursing), Sara Johnson (Anthropology), Dennis Kao (Social Work), Shari McMahan (Deputy Provost), Sang June Oh (Mechanical Engineering), Urvi Patel (Gerontology), Michael Perez (Sociology), Jennifer Piazza (Health Sciences), Carter Rakovski (Sociology), Mary Read (Counseling), Carl Renold (Human Services), James Santucci (Comparative Religion), Eriko Self (Psychology), Chandra Srinivasan (Biochemistry), Dominick Sturz (Health Sciences), Eileen Walsh (Sociology)

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

Master of Science in Gerontology

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

Master of Science

Gerontology, M.S.

Non-Degree

Gerontology Minor

Courses

Gerontology

Courses are designated as GERO in the class schedule.