Curriculum

All candidates for a degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of the SDSU General Catalog on “Graduation Requirements.” No more than 48 units in Gerontology courses can apply to the degree. A minor is not required with the major.

Preparation for the Major

21 units to include:

• GERO 101 – Introduction to Human Aging (3)
• GERO 250 – Intergenerational Issues and the Elderly (3)
• BIOL 100 – General Biology (3)
• CFD 135 – Principles of Family Development (3)
• PSY 101 – Introductory Psychology (3)
• P H 101 – Introduction to Public Health (3)
• SWORK 110 – Social Work Fields of Service (3)

Language Requirement

Competency (successfully completing the third college semester or fifth college quarter) is required in one foreign language to fulfill the graduation requirement. Refer to the section of the general catalog on “Graduation Requirements.”

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement

Writing Proficiency Assessment with a score of 10 or above or completing one of the approved upper division writing courses (W) with a grade of C (2.0) or better. See “Graduation Requirements” of the SDSU General Catalog for a complete list of requirements.

International Experience

All gerontology undergraduate majors are required to participate in a pre-approved international experience to increase awareness of cross-cultural issues, global health, economic, political, cultural, social services, and health challenges experienced  by local populations in international environments. Students participate in residence for two or more weeks (exemption  from the study abroad portion of the requirement must be approved by the dean of the college based on serious and compelling life events or physical limitations; a relevant course will be substituted). Specific details can be found on the CHHS Undergraduate International Experience web site.

To meet the international experience requirement, majors must complete one of the following:

1. A CSU Study Abroad Program;
2. An SDSU Exchange Program;
3. An SDSU Study Abroad Program;
4. An SDSU Study Travel Program; 
5. OR one course selected from:
   • Health and Human Services 290 or 350;
   • Asian Studies 490;
   • Education 450;
   • General Studies 450;
   • Honor 450;
   • International Security and Conflict Resolution 450;
   • Latin American Studies 320, 450, or 550;
   • Political Science 450;
   • Science 350

Major

 A minimum of 36 upper division units to include:

• GERO 310 – Biology of Aging (3)
• GERO 360 – Diversity and Aging (3)
• GERO 370 – Images of Aging in Contemporary Society (3)
• GERO 400A – Practicum in Gerontology (3)
• GERO 402 – Aging Network (3)
• GERO 520 – Analysis of Programs for the Aging (3)
• SWORK 381 – Practice Skills Micro (3)
• SWORK 391 – Methods of Social Work Research (3)
• 12 units selected with approval of the advisor from:
  • GERO 400B – Practicum in Gerontology (3) 
  • GERO 496 – Experimental Topics (1-4)
  • GERO 499 – Special Study (1-3) 
  • GERO 596 – Advanced Special Topics in Gerontology (1-4) – when appropriate
  • COMM 321 – Introduction to Health Communication (3) 
  • ENS 433 – Exercise, Sport, and Aging (3)
  • GEN S 420 – Disability and Society (3)
  • PSY 380 – Intermediate Cognitive Psychology (3)
  • P H 362 – International Health (3)
  • SWORK 382 – Practice Skills Macro (3) *
  • SWORK 483A – Generalist Social Work Practice I (3) *

*Prerequisites waived.

Field Practicum

Field Education is an integral part of the curriculum and a core requirement for the SDSU Gerontology Undergraduate Program. The Undergraduate Field/Practicum learning experiences consist of GERO 400A scheduled over one semester. Gero students shall meet the following criteria prior to enrolling in Gero 400A or Gero 400B: Must have Major Status (all pre-major courses have been completed before declaring Gerontology Major); completed and passed Gero 310, Gero 360, and Gero 370 before applying for Gero 400A. Must have Senior Status, class level 4 (at least 90 earned units); must have a Major GPA of 2.0 or higher;must have a minimum SDSU campus overall GPA of 2.0 and be in good academic standing; and must pass Agency Interview and receive Agency Confirmation (including passing additional agency screening and clearances processes). See the SSW Field site for details.