About Gerontology Certificate at CSUSB
What It Is & Why It’s Beneficial
Open to anyone, CSUSB’s Gerontology Certificate provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of aging, older adults, and the social, psychological, and biological factors that shape the aging experience. Drawing from fields such as psychology, sociology, social work, kinesiology, public health, and human development, the program prepares learners to work effectively with aging populations in a variety of settings.
Students explore topics including adult development, aging and health, family dynamics, caregiving, community resources, policies affecting older adults, and best practices in supporting quality of life for seniors. Coursework emphasizes empathy, cultural responsiveness, and practical knowledge relevant to the rapidly expanding field of aging services.
With the U.S. population aging at an unprecedented rate, this certificate equips students with valuable skills and insights that complement many academic majors and prepare them for meaningful careers supporting older adults.
Why This Certificate Is Beneficial
✔ Addresses a growing need in health and human services
Demand is rising for professionals trained to support older adults in health care, social services, community programs, and residential settings.
✔ Builds understanding of aging from multiple perspectives
Students examine aging through psychological, social, cultural, and health-related lenses.
✔ Enhances preparation for careers serving older adults
Professionals in nursing, social work, counseling, public health, fitness, and recreation benefit from gerontology expertise.
✔ Complements a wide range of majors
Ideal for students in psychology, sociology, social work, kinesiology, nursing, health science, and human services.
✔ Supports preparation for graduate study
The certificate strengthens applications for advanced programs in gerontology, social work, counseling, nursing, and public health.
Careers in Gerontology Certificate
Potential Careers
Graduates of the Gerontology Certificate often pursue roles such as:
- Senior Services or Aging Program Assistant
- Case Management or Social Services Support (older adults)
- Recreation or Wellness Program Coordinator
- Residential Care or Assisted Living Support Staff
- Community or Healthcare Outreach Assistant
The certificate also supports pathways into specialized roles in social work, counseling, health care, and long-term care administration with further education.
Sample Courses
Health and Wellness of Older Adults
This course takes an ecologic approach to the health, wellness, and changing needs of older adults, addressing intersections of the physical (age-related physiological changes, acute and chronic disease), mental (emotional, psychological), social, spiritual, sexual, intellectual, financial (managed care, case management, and funding sources for routine care as well as hospitalization, post-acute, and long-term care), and other dimensions.
Aging and The Lifecourse
Issues facing individuals, families and communities in a rapidly aging world. Includes social, psychological, physical and economic aspects of aging.
Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
An examination of physical, social, cognitive, and personality development from young adulthood through death. Special attention is given to theory, research, and applications in the area of gerontology.
In Summary
CSUSB’s Gerontology Certificate prepares students to work compassionately and effectively with older adults in a variety of community, health, and social service settings. Through interdisciplinary coursework focused on the aging experience, the program equips graduates with valuable skills to support the wellbeing, dignity, and independence of aging populations.
Similar to Gerontology Certificate
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