Program Description

This program provides the basic knowledge and skills for entry level substance abuse work. Included are social, psychological and biological bases of substance abuse, with special attention to alcoholism, and skills training in counseling. You will also improve your communication skills and expand your knowledge about cultural diversity and psychological and social foundations of human behavior. You will apply knowledge and skills acquired in an extensive internship working under close supervision in a substance abuse program. Placements include residential and out-patient rehabilitation settings, detoxification programs, and prevention programs. You may complete your internship locally or outside the local area.

If you are seeking the Associate Degree in Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment you are strongly encouraged to continue your studies to complete a Bachelor’s degree to be successful in today’s competitive labor market. You may find the expanded understanding of human behavior provided by the Psychology major or Sociology major to be particularly useful for work in social work programs. Both of these majors also help you develop critical thinking ability, improve writing skills and learn about research through first-hand experience developing and conducting a research project. These abilities are valued by employers in this field.

Although most students combine the Associate Degree in Social Work with a bachelor degree in Sociology or Psychology, some choose other bachelor programs to best prepare them to achieve their particular career goals. Advisors will help you make these decisions.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate clear and concise written and oral communication skills in an internship setting.
• Students will demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking in substance abuse coursework and counseling settings.
• Students will apply job-specific technical skills in their capstone internship.

Degree Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses
BIOL 105	Function of the Human Body	4
SOWK 204	Fundamentals of Drug Abuse	3
SOWK 250	Social Work Practicum	3-9
SOWK 292	Substance Abuse Prev/Treatmnt	3
PSYC 101	Intro to Psychological Science	3
PSYC 201	Comm Skills in Counseling	3
PSYC 259	Abnormal Psychology	3
SOCY 102	Social Problems	4
SOWK 341	Addiction	3
SOWK 344	Social Welfare Systems	3
Cognates - Required
PSYC 291	Group Counseling	3
or PSYC 391	Family Therapy
SOCY 103	Cultural Diversity	3
Or SOCY 225 Cultures of North America
Electives		7
Total Hours		45-51

General Education: All LSSU Associate’s degree candidates must complete the LSSU General Education Requirements.

A minimum of 64 credits (at the 100 level or higher) must be earned for graduation with a cumulative gpa of 2.00 or higher. A gpa of 2.00 or higher is also required in your Major, as well as in your General Education Requirements.