The Associate in Applied Science degree program in Addictions Studies is ideal for prospective mental health practitioners or those already working in the field who wish to receive training and credentials in Addictions Studies. Many Addictions Studies practitioners find employment in medical and non-medical detoxification centers, rehabilitation programs, community mental health centers and family service centers, halfway houses, therapeutic communities, business, or industry. Some combine counseling with such primary professions as nursing, social work, school guidance counseling, or the clergy.

The program is accredited by the Illinois Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association (IAODAPCA).

Related Degrees and Certificates

• Addictions Studies, Basic Certificate
• Addictions Studies, Advanced Certificate
• Addictions Studies, Associate in Applied Science

Program Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
General Education Coursework
Communications course		3
Fine Arts & Humanities course		3
Social and Behavioral Sciences course		3
Physical Sciences or Life Sciences course		3
Mathematics course		3
Required Program Core
CHLD DV 101	Human Growth & Development I	4
CHLD DV 102	Human Growth & Development II	3
MENHLTH 223	Intro To Addictions Studies	3
MENHLTH 224	Principles and Practices of Addiction Studies	3
MENHLTH 230	Addictions & Family Treatment	3
MENHLTH 231	Addictions Treatment of Special Populations	3
PSYCH 201	General Psychology	3
PSYCH 213	Abnormal Psychology	3
SOC SER 101	Introduction To Social Work	3
SOC SER 109	Report Writing for Social Service Aides	3
SOC SER 201	Principles of Social Work Practice	3
SOC SER 212	Introduction To Group Process	3
Required Work-Based Learning Courses
MENHLTH 229	Practicum In Addictions Treatment	6
Program Electives
Students must take 6 credit hours of electives. Courses in such fields as Education, Gerontology, Nursing, Psychology, Sociology, and Speech/Communications are valuable to primary studies in alcoholism and substance abuse. Students should meet with a College Advisor for selection of elective courses.		6
Total Hours		64

At least one course must meet the Human Diversity (HD) requirement.

Pathway

This is an example course sequence for students interested in Addictions Studies. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If this pathway is followed as outlined, you will earn a Basic Certificate (BC), Advanced Certificate (AC) and Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS) in Addictions Studies. One course will satisfy the Human Diversity (HD) requirement, and is labeled with an (HD) in the sequence below.

Semester-by-Semester Program Plan for Full-Time Students

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students by adding more semesters.

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Hours
ENGLISH 101	Composition 1	3
MENHLTH 223	Intro To Addictions Studies	3
SOC SER 101	Introduction To Social Work	3
Fine Arts & Humanities course 1		3
Mathematics course 1		3
	Hours	15
Semester 2
CHLD DV 101	Human Growth & Development I	4
MENHLTH 224	Principles and Practices of Addiction Studies	3
PSYCH 201	General Psychology	3
SOC SER 109	Report Writing for Social Service Aides	3
Social and Behavioral Sciences course (HD) 1		3
	Hours	16
Semester 3
CHLD DV 102	Human Growth & Development II	3
PSYCH 213	Abnormal Psychology	3
MENHLTH 230	Addictions & Family Treatment	3
Physical Sciences or Life Sciences course 1		3
Program Elective 2		3
	Hours	15
Semester 4
SOC SER 201	Principles of Social Work Practice	3
MENHLTH 231	Addictions Treatment of Special Populations	3
Program Elective 2		3
SOC SER 212	Introduction To Group Process	3
	Hours	12
Semester 5
MENHLTH 229	Practicum In Addictions Treatment	6
	Hours	6
	Total Hours	64

¹

General Education Requirement

²

Students must take 6 credit hours of electives. Courses in such fields as Education, Gerontology, Nursing, Psychology, Sociology, and Speech/Communications are valuable to primary studies in alcoholism and substance abuse. Students should meet with a College Advisor for selection of elective courses.

Choose your courses with your College Advisor.

Careers

This program can prepare students for the jobs listed below. Click on each one to learn more, including average earnings, annual job openings, and how much education people in that field have. For additional guidance and resources on career options, current City Colleges students and alumni can contact the Career Services Office.

Mental Health Counselors

Job Description

Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.

Salary Based on Experience Level

Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

• View Annual Wages
• View Hourly Wages

Annual Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile	$37,432
Median 50th Percentile	$50,989
Senior-Level 90th Percentile	$92,340

Hourly Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile	$18
Median 50th Percentile	$25
Senior-Level 90th Percentile	$44

Annual Job Openings

890 annual openings in Cook County

National Education Attainment

Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.

Degree Program	% of Jobs
A high school diploma or less	5.58%
A certificate	0.00%
Some college	0.00%
An Associate degree	2.43%
A Bachelor's degree	24.60%
A Master's or Professional degree	64.39%
A Doctoral degree or more	3.00%

91.99% continue their education beyond an associate degree

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Job Description

Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.

Salary Based on Experience Level

Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

• View Annual Wages
• View Hourly Wages

Annual Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile	$37,432
Median 50th Percentile	$50,989
Senior-Level 90th Percentile	$92,340

Hourly Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile	$18
Median 50th Percentile	$25
Senior-Level 90th Percentile	$44

Annual Job Openings

890 annual openings in Cook County

National Education Attainment

Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.

Degree Program	% of Jobs
A high school diploma or less	23.66%
A certificate	0.00%
Some college	0.00%
An Associate degree	23.66%
A Bachelor's degree	3.07%
A Master's or Professional degree	49.61%
A Doctoral degree or more	0.00%

52.68% continue their education beyond an associate degree