Gerontology
Associate in Arts Degree Gerontology · MiraCosta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Gerontology program offers lower-division preparation for students who plan on transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree in gerontology. Students planning to transfer and/or earn this associate degree may also need to complete additional requirements or electives required by the transfer institution, as many CSUs and UCs have unique admissions and preparation-for-the-major requirements. Students should meet with a MiraCosta College counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written plan for their targeted university.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable units of credit (including major and general education courses).
- Complete all courses required in the major with a “C” or “P” or better.
- Complete a general education pattern of courses (see Associate Degrees).
- Obtain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
- Complete a minimum of 12 units in residence at MiraCosta College.
Program Student Learning Outcome
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to evaluate the differing needs of the elderly based on age, health, sex, race, ethnicity, and class.
Course Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| GERO 101 | Introduction to Aging | 3 |
| Part A: Elective Courses - Select a minimum of 6 units of the following courses. | 6 | |
| COMM 215 | Intercultural Communication | |
| GERO 130 | Caregiving: Techniques for Working with the Frail Elderly | |
| GERO 250 | Intergenerational Issues | |
| GERO 292 | Internship Studies | |
| HEAL 101 | Principles of Health | |
| NURS 160 | Certified Nursing Assistant | |
| NUTR 125 | Nutrition and Aging | |
| PSYC 145/SOCI 145 | Psychology/Sociology of the Family | |
| PSYC 170 | Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging | |
| Part B: Elective Courses - Select a minimum of 9 units from the following list, including any courses listed above not used for Part A. | 9 | |
| BIO 110 | Introductory Biology: Preparation for Pre-Health Professions (Lecture/Lab) | |
| orBIO 111 & BIO 111L | Introductory Biology: Preparation for Pre-Health Professions (Lecture)and Introductory Biology: Preparation for Pre-Health Professions (Lab) | |
| BIO 220 | Human Physiology | |
| COMM C1004 | Interpersonal Communication | |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | |
| orPSYC C1000H | Introduction to Psychology (Honors) | |
| PSYC 103/SOCI 103 | Social Psychology | |
| PSYC 104 | Statistics for Behavioral Science | |
| orPSYC 104H | Statistics for Behavioral Science (Honors) | |
| Total Units | 18 | |