ASSOCIATE OF ART IN ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING

The Associate of Arts in Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counseling (ASAC) is a degree within the Behavioral Sciences Department specifically designed to prepare students to become knowledgeable, ethical, and competent entry-level practitioners in the field of alcohol and substance abuse treatment. The program prepares students to meet those competencies outlined by the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), in partial fulfillment of the Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) credential.

Grounded in the Disease Model of Addiction, the program provides students with an understanding and appreciation of the role of biology, neurology, genetics, and the environment in the complex nature of addiction. The program emphasizes experiential learning both in the classroom and the field. Students are provided the skills, attitudes, and knowledge to enable them to make meaningful changes in the lives of individuals and their communities. The program plays a central role in student learning by:

• Providing a combination of academic course work and field/clinical experiences to develop skills in critical thinking, interpersonal communication, and ethical practices.

• Preparing students for employment in the public and private community-based human services fields.

• Preparing students for lifelong learning, personal growth and self-awareness.

Beyond those skills specific to alcohol and substance abuse treatment, students develop competency in personal and professional growth, communication and interpersonal skills, techniques of effective interviewing and assessment, problem solving, crisis intervention, counseling, case management and treatment of a broad range of problems likely to affect individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance abuse. Alcohol and substance abuse professionals are employed in a variety of settings, including those providing prevention and treatment services to children and adults through inpatient, outpatient, community-based, and residential programs.

CURRICULUM

In keeping with the college’s goal of educating students in the liberal arts, the curriculum offers courses in both the liberal arts and social sciences. Students in the program will complete general education requirements as well as courses in human services, psychology, and sociology. Given the narrow focus on coursework specific to ASAC, a limited number of electives may be selected from those courses identified by the college as meeting general education requirements.

Students in the program will complete a required one-semester internship in a designated program providing substance abuse services. A second semester internship is optional and may be taken by those students who have completed a minimum of 45 credit hours and maintain a 3.0 GPA in the program. Students opting for a second internship will complete the degree with 63 credit hours and in consultation with their financial aid advisor. Students are required to complete one 3 credit service-learning course as part of the degree program.