Chemical Dependency AAS

Program Type: Career
Delivery Method: On-campus
Personal Interests: Helping others, solving problems, challenging situations
Skill Development: Communication, counseling, decision-making, problem-solving
Career Options: Health care, nonprofits, government, law enforcement
Program Code: HEGIS 5506

Tackle substance abuse and addiction after graduation

Jefferson’s two-year Chemical Dependency A.A.S. program prepares students to take on today’s growing epidemic of substance abuse and addiction. The program includes 63 hours of academic credit, including 18 hours in chemical dependency. It offers students real-world experience working with patients at local treatment centers.

You’ll graduate ready to start your career and with the 350 hours of education and training required by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) to begin work as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC-T) trainee.

This program offers:

Opportunities for hands-on practice in real-world settings
Immediate preparation for career or further studies
Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC-T) trainee requirements
Preparedness for ample jobs in this field

Graduate ready to help others overcome addiction

The growing opioid epidemic means job opportunities in the chemical dependency field are on the rise. In fact, the need for qualified counselors is expected to grow by more than 20% through 2026.

When you graduate with an associate’s degree in chemical dependency from Jefferson, you’ll be ready to work as an entry-level counselor, intake coordinator, or relief staff in mental health centers, community health centers, prisons, and private practice. Some graduates choose to continue their education first, transferring to four-year colleges and applying their Jefferson credits.

Gain the skills needed to treat, prevent chemical dependency

When you complete the Chemical Dependency A.A.S. degree you will be able to:

Build a psychological foundation for helping others
Possess the ethics and professionalism needed for effective treatment
Understand chemical dependency and treatment options
Learn the basics of counseling

Degree requirements for Chemical Dependency A.A.S.

Humanities (9 credit hours)

ENG 101: Research and Composition
ENG 218: Technical and Professional Writing
STA 161: Interpersonal Communication

Mathematics and Science (7 credit hours)

MTH 144: Elementary Statistics or MTH 174: Mathematical Probability and Statistics 1
Lab Science Elective (BIO 106: Human Biology recommended)

Social Science (3 credit hours)

PSY 133: Introduction to Psychology

Human Services (36 credit hours)

HUS 101: Introduction to Human Services
HUS 103: Introduction to Alcohol and Nicotine Studies
HUS 107: Case Management Practice in Human Services
HUS 126: Introduction to Substance Abuse
HUS 201: Introduction to Helping Skills
HUS 202: Introduction to Group Counseling
HUS 203: Substance Abuse Counseling
HUS 204: Substance Abuse and Dual Diagnosis
HUS 210: Professional Codes of Conduct
HUS 214: Special Issues in Drugs and Crime
HUS 226: Concepts of Chemical Dependency
HUS 240: Human Services Field Practicum 1

Restricted Elective (3 credit hours)

Choose one from the following: CRJ/HUS 175: Response to Victims of Crimes
or CRJ/HUS 235: Drug Investigation (recommended) or PSY 235: Abnormal Psychology

Liberal Arts Elective (3 credit hours)

Physical Education (2 credit hours)

Total 63 credit hours

Program contacts

Paul Alteri
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
palteri@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2442

Amy O'Donnell
Instructor of Chemical Dependency
aodonnell@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2476

Application and Admissions Information
Enrollment Services
Jules Center, building 6, suite 6-010
admissions@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2437 or toll free 1-888-435-6522