The Importance of Gerontology
The US population is aging rapidly with an unprecedented growth in the number of older adults. The population age 65+ will increase substantially as the Baby Boom population continues to enter the ranks of older adulthood. Accordingly, between 2000 and 2010, the US saw a 15.1% increase in the population age 65 and older. By 2020, the population age 65+ included 55.8 million individuals, nearly 20% of the US population. It is projected that by 2050 the population aged 65 and older will reach nearly 78 million individuals representing nearly 25% of the US population. (US Bureau of the Census, 2020).
The Certificate in Applied Gerontology Program
The aging of the population will present opportunities and challenges as policy makers, administrators and families work to meet the needs of this growing population. We can expect an increase in employment opportunities in myriad industries including health care, public health, social work, and nursing in a variety of capacities including direct service, program planning, implementation, and evaluation as well as policy analysis in both the public and private sectors.
To learn more about the Certificate in Applied Gerontology program see below or click here for the program brochure. To learn more about the aging of the US population and opportunities in the field of gerontology click here.
Admissions & Requirements for the Certificate in Applied Gerontology Program
Admission to the program requires either:
- Completion of 60 semester units of baccalaureate-level coursework (or its equivalent)
or
- Approval from the Director of the Applied Gerontology Institute.
Transfer students are welcome and eligible to apply. Our application is open year-round for active Cal State LA undergraduate students who meet the admission criteria.
The certificate in Applied Gerontology consists of 21 units of coursework, broken down as follows:
- 12 units of core coursework, which provide foundational knowledge about aging in key domains such as biological, psychological, and sociological aspects.
- 3 units of internship, which require 90 hours of fieldwork and offer a valuable opportunity to synthesize and apply the knowledge gained from your core classes.
- 6 units of elective coursework, allowing you to explore specialized topics relevant to aging and gerontology.
Note: These courses can also count towards completing the GE upper division requirements. Schedule an appointment with your college advisor to incorporate this certificate program into your academic plan to support timely graduation.
Interested in obtaining your certificate in applied gerontology? Please click here to apply.
Note: More information on gerontology scholarships to be shared soon! Please check periodically.
For the term in which you plan to complete your internship, enroll in Dr. Valentine Villa’s section of HHS 4950. To receive fieldwork credit, submit your internship packet and a 3–5 page reflection paper to Linda Valdez at [email protected] during Week 15 of the semester.
Upon completing the Applied Gerontology certificate requirements and shortly after final grades are posted for your last undergraduate semester (this is your graduation term), please complete and submit the Verification of Completion form.
Verification of Completion Form
Note: When submitting your graduation application to the Graduation Office, include the certificate application and the $25 fee. Submit a copy of the certificate application and payment receipt to Linda Valdez at [email protected].
Contact Information
Valentine M. Villa, PhD
Director Applied Gerontology Institute
[email protected]
Linda Valdez, BA
Administrative Support Assistant II
[email protected]