Certificate in Gerontology

Between 2015 and 2060, the number of older adults (aged 65-plus) in the United States is projected to rise from 50 million to 95 million; and will soon represent more than one out of every five Americans. This remarkable and unprecedented societal change will create numerous and unique opportunities for those interested in occupations related to the field of aging.

The Certificate in Gerontology at CSUSB is designed for undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines, and with a variety of career goals. Although traditionally completed by students in Sociology, Psychology, Health Science, and Kinesiology; this certificate is open to all majors. Successful completion of the certificate will not only impart competency in gerontology, but it will also expose the student to a range of perspectives in this emerging interdisciplinary field.

Certificates may be earned by regularly matriculated or extended learning students and denote successful completion of a prescribed program of study designed to:

  1. impart specified professional/vocational/career competencies; or
  2. produce mastery of the content of a sub-field of an academic major (discipline); or
  3. provide exposure to the range of materials in a traditional or emerging interdisciplinary field.

Certain certificate programs contain 6000-level courses as requirements and/or electives. These 6000-level courses may not be taken by undergraduate students. Candidates must receive two-thirds of their certificate-applicable credit from the university. The transferring of credit or the substitution of courses may occur only after application to the appropriate campus authority.

Certificate Requirements (18 units)

Core Requirements (9)
Nine units chosen from:9
Health and Wellness of Older Adults
Aging and The Lifecourse
Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
Physical Activity and Aging
Electives (9)
Nine units chosen from:9
Medical Care Organizations
Human Diseases and Disorders
Public Health Nutrition
Public Health Nutrition in Dietetics
Housing, Institutions, and Land Use
Lifecycle Nutrition and Assessment
Health Aspects of Death and Dying
Field Experience in Health Science (with Gerontology component)
Parenting and Family Relations
Health Psychology
Developmental Psychobiology
Cross-Cultural Psychology
Work, Retirement, and Leisure
Internship (with Gerontology component)
Sociology of Families
Medical Sociology
Sociology of Mental Health
Social Welfare in the U.S.
Community Organization
Global Aging
Internship and Practicum (with Gerontology component)
Introduction to Adapted Physical Activity
Psychology and Sociology of Human Movement
Sport and Exercise Nutrition
Exercise Testing and Prescription
Clinical Exercise Physiology
Total Units18