Gerontology Department
Best First-step Into Any Health or Helping-profession
If your goal is to enter a health or helping profession, earning an associate’s in gerontology is the perfect way to start your academic journey because the US population is aging. Currently, about about 29% of Californians are 55+, and by 2060, 38% of Californians will be 55+. Having specialized knowledge about aging and the older population before you enter a bachelor’s program will provide context for the knowledge you gain in the bachelor’s program you choose, and when you seek employment, it will give you an edge over other candidates.
Learn More About Gerontology.
With this in mind, ARC has collaborated with the Sacramento State Gerontology department to design a degree that will prepare students for transfer into their program. Collaborations with the faculty of the Sac State College of Health and Human Services are underway to provide a clear pathway into other programs such as Public Health, Social Work, and Recreation, Parks and Tourism, as well as clinical professions such as Communication Sciences & Disorders, Health Science, Nursing, and Physical Therapy.
Fully Online Gerontology Courses and Programs
All core gerontology courses are offered fully online without scheduled meetings (asynchronous) at least once every year. Some core gerontology courses are intermittently offered fully in person. Some courses are also being offered that allow students to select between attending scheduled meetings on campus and attending the scheduled meetings on Zoom all semester.
These options make it possible for all the core courses required for gerontology degrees and certificates can be completed fully online. However, some specialization courses for the occupational programs and general education courses may not be available online. Students in the program who live outside of the area can complete these courses at a California Community College that offers the course online or that is near where they live.
Gerontological Competencies
The ARC gerontology core courses degrees are mapped to the Gerontological Competencies established by the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE), which is the academic branch of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA). All ARC gerontology faculty must hold a doctorate or master’s degree in gerontology, or credentials in a related field supported by a gerontology graduate certificate or equivalent gerontological experience. Gerontology courses completed at other colleges must pass an equivalency review to count toward these accredited degrees.
ARC Gerontology Degrees, Certificates, and Courses
For details about the ARC Gerontology degrees, certificates, and courses visit our Program and Majors Page.
Supporting California's Diverse Aging Population
Looking for More Information About Gerontology, Online Conferences, and Other Events for Students? Connect with the California Council on Gerontology & Geriatrics.
Scholarships and Student Club
Special scholarship opportunities are available through the Gerontology department and Wisdom Keepers. Wisdom Keepers is an ARC club founded by gerontology students in 2008. Wisdom Keepers typically hosts guest presenters, peer mentoring and tutoring, networking, and social interaction. ARC requires student leaders to reestablish clubs and club activities each year. If you are a student and would like to get involved with the student club email gerontology@arc.losrios.edu to request information on how to get involved.
Want to Learn More About Gerontology and the ARC Programs
For an appointment with the Gerontology Department chair, fill out the online request form.
