Gerontology

The Gerontology Program (GRN) is administratively housed in the School of Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE) within the College of Health and Social Sciences (CHSS); it enjoys close collaborative relationships with other units throughout the College, University, and with the communities it serves. The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Gerontology is an applied, professional program designed for students preparing for a career in aging-related fields. Coursework leading to the M.A. in Gerontology is designed to provide students with: 

The Gerontology program emphasizes an applied, skill-based approach to professional education needed in aging-related fields. To do this, it draws upon the strengths of the University and community as well as the expertise of the faculty. The program curriculum is designed for students to obtain knowledge of the discipline of gerontology and its theoretical foundations for applied research, needs assessment, program development, evaluation, implementation, and administration. 

The program resides in a richly diverse, multicultural environment which provides a natural laboratory for understanding and developing competencies around the aging experiences of diverse groups of older adults. We strive for the education and training to create equitable and inclusive programs and services for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Globally, there is a substantial growth of older population. By 2030, one-quarter of residents (25%) in California will be 60 years and older. The increasingly diverse aging population demands not only the expansion of current services and programs for older adults but rethinking and redesigning them. Furthermore, the field of aging is in urgent need of creative and innovative solutions to many of the challenges for people who desire to thrive in more age-friendly cities and communities. A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Gerontology prepares the student for effective performance in a career of service to older adults. It also lays a firm academic foundation in applied gerontology for students who choose to work toward a doctoral or professional degree. Students have the opportunity to choose a number of career paths in the field of aging within the public and private sectors. 

Aging programs and services are provided by a wide range of public and private agencies including local, state and federal government, non-profit social service agencies, and private companies and corporations. These organizations seek professionals with skills and knowledge of gerontology who can develop, provide, and evaluate services that will promote health and wellness of older adults and their families with diverse backgrounds.