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for California State University, Fresno.
Gerontology
Gerontology
School of Health and Social Work
Interdisciplinary Gerontology Program
GLEN C. DOYLE, Director
San Ramon 2, Room 45
(559) 278-5484
Interdisciplinary Gerontology Program
GLEN C. DOYLE, Director
San Ramon 2, Room 45
(559) 278-5484
Certificate in Gerontology
Gerontology is the study of aging. Our nation's steadily increasing older
population is creating a unique demand for well educated individuals to
understand the field of aging and competent professionals to work with elders.
The Interdisciplinary Gerontology Program offers a minor and a certificate
in gerontology. Both are designed to prepare students to meet unmet and
urgent needs in this rapidly developing field. The Interdisciplinary Gerontology
Program attracts undergraduate students from all academic areas, e.g., reentry
students, graduate students within social science and health professions,
service providers, and elders seeking greater understanding of this stage
of life.
The study of gerontology is based upon many important theories and concepts
of aging, which are presented through an organized course of study. Core
gerontology and cross-listed interdisciplinary courses are designed to present
comprehensive biological, psychological, cultural and sociological theories
related to the lifelong aging process. Concepts related to the influence
of heritage, ethnicity, wellness, exercise and creativity are evaluated.
Information related to Healthy People 2000, services and resources; housing
and environment; disabilities and rehabilitation; federal, state and local
agencies; social policies and programs for elders is presented.
Students have the opportunity to develop empathy for older adults as they
explore communication and interaction with elders in a social setting. Current
research findings are presented and research opportunities are available.
Program Responsibilities
The Gerontology Program is responsible for the Gerontology Minor, Gerontology
Certificate, interdisciplinary cross-referenced courses, and the Summer
Institute on Aging. Other programs housed within the office of the Gerontology Program include the Elderhostel Program, Friendly Visitor Services, Geriatric Nursing Resource Center, and the Gerontology Education and Resource Center.
It also cosponsors the Central California Alzheimer's Diagnostic Disease Center and the Rohlfing Medical Lectureship Series, and sponsors the Gerontology Club, Elderfest, and continuing education for health professionals.
Career Opportunities
The development of employment opportunities in the field of gerontology
has emerged in response to the needs of a steadily increasing older population.
Many occupational roles are available in different sites. These include
but are not limited to: federal, state, county, and city agencies, senior
citizen centers, adult day care centers, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate
care facilities, acute care hospitals, medical centers, senior housing sites,
retirement communities, home health agencies, hospices, legislative bodies,
and community planning agencies. New programs are developing in Eldercare,
case management, and consultation in business. There is an increased recognition of the importance of designing and providing specialized programs in the private sector. Knowledgeable people work as consultants in: banks, travel agencies, large corporations, insurance companies, educational agencies, publishing and broadcasting agencies, and department stores. The field is wide open for creative and innovative individuals.
Advisory Council and Program Faculty
The Interdisciplinary Gerontology Program Advisory Council provides overall
curricular decisions, coordination, and collaboration. The Council is composed
of representatives from the schools of Agricultural Sciences and Technology,
Arts and Humanities, the Sid Craig School of Business, Education and Human
Development, Health and Social Work, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences.
Many members of the council teach gerontology courses in both the minor and certificate programs. Advisory Council members are: Judith Allender (Nursing), Carl Carmichael (Speech Communication), Donald Coleman (Educational Research, Administration, and Foundations), William Fasse (Child, Family, and Consumer Sciences), John Franz (Employee Assistance Program), Glen C. Doyle (Gerontology), Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin (Communicative Sciences and Disorders), Andrew Hoff (Recreation Administration and Leisure Studies), Phil Kimble (Psychology), Vicky Krenz (Health Science), Joanne Laslovich (Physical Therapy), Rose Lyon (Physical Education and Human Performance), David Natharius (Speech Communication), Elizabeth Nelson (Sociology), Matthew Sharps (Psychology), Ken Shipley (Communicative Sciences and Disorders), and Lily B. Small (Ethnic Studies).
Gerontology
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