Addiction Studies
The Addiction Studies pathway prepares students to become chemical dependency and drug/alcohol counselors. The program focuses on the prevention, treatment, and recovery of populations dealing with the negative effects of various forms of dependency and addiction. Our research-driven program addresses community needs for trained substance use prevention and intervention specialists to work and volunteer in both public and private agencies in California. Students can complete coursework for an Associate in Arts degree and/or a Certificate of Achievement. Our program fulfills the course and practicum requirements needed to take state exams to become a certified drug/alcohol counselor. Our program is accredited by California Consortium of Addiction Programs & Professionals (CCAPP).
Career opportunities in this field include Primary Addiction Counselor/ Supervisor, Case Manager, Program Director, Prevention Educator, Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Counselor, Crisis Intervention Specialist, Incarceration Counselor, and Assessment/Placement Specialist.
Other opportunities could include employment by in-patient and out-patient treatment clinics, transitional housing facilities, mental health clinics, job training/placement programs, shelters for various homeless populations, detoxification units, crisis intervention centers, incarceration facilitates, and education/prevention programs in the schools and community.
Fieldwork Internships
Students in the Human Services Program are required to complete three fieldwork courses. Students in the Addiction Studies pathway will complete internships in various drug/alcohol treatment settings, such as in- and out-patient treatment clinics, transitional housing centers, detoxification units, education/prevention programs, and other programs in the community.