General Studies, Substance Abuse Specialization, AA&S

Degree: Associate of Arts and Sciences in General Studies with a Specialization in Substance Abuse

Length: Four-semester (two-year) program

Purpose: Students will take courses from a variety of disciplines. Emphasis in core courses is placed on development of relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes in substance abuse prevention and treatment. Fieldwork experience will provide opportunities for application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Graduates should qualify for positions in mental health, family services, social services, rehabilitation, correction and educational agencies that provide human services and/or substance abuse prevention or treatment activities.

Occupational Objectives: Human Services Workers that specialize in Substance Abuse work with youth, adults and their families. They understand issues of addiction, assessment, and treatment of substance abuse as well as community based prevention and case management services. Graduates tend to work under the direction of workers from a variety of fields, such as psychiatry, psychology, rehabilitative or social work.

Program Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements established for the college, completion of the General Studies, Substance Abuse Specialization program requires competency in English and Math Essentials MTE 1-5 as demonstrated through the placement and diagnostic tests, or by satisfactorily completing the required MTE units or equivalent.

Internship Requirements: Admission to HMS 290  (Coordinated Internship) is selective and must be approved by the internship coordinator. Eligibility is based on the following criteria: minimum GPA of 2.0, completion of course prerequisites (HMS 220 , HMS 251 , HMS 260 ), faculty recommendation, expected graduation date, and any relevant internship site requirements. Arrangements for the internship placement are made the semester prior to the one in which the student actually takes the class.

The following list is a suggested sequence in which students may plan their class schedules to ensure graduation in two years.