# Alcohol and Drug Studies (AS)

College of the Desert · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Alcohol and Drug Studies/Human Services

Source: https://catalog.collegeofthedesert.edu/programs/human-services-alcohol-drug-studies/alcohol-drug-studies-aa-employment-preparation/

The College offers a non-transferable degree in **Alcohol and Drug Studies**. Students earning an associate’s degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies may pursue entry-level positions as supervised chemical dependency counselors or may choose to continue their study in the discipline toward a bachelor’s or graduate degree in psychology or social work. Transfer requirements at four-year colleges and universities vary from institution to institution; students should consult with an academic advisor for specific information regarding the transfer requirements of their preferred college or university.

All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. In addition, students will be required to have **75%** attendance in these courses.

### Learning Outcomes

#### Learning Outcomes

Upon satisfactory completion of this program students will be able to:

1.  Apply critical thinking skills to execute daily duties in the substance abuse treatment field.
2.  Display the skills and aptitude necessary to qualify for certification exams in addiction counseling professionals.
3.  Fulfill the requirements for an entry- level position in substance abuse treatment field.
4.  Transfer to a higher level learning institution.

### Program Requirements

#### Program Requirements

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Required Courses** | | Units |
| **FALL SEMESTER** | |  |
| HSAD 001 | Introduction to Alcohol & Drug Studies (Prerequisite for other HSAD courses, offered Fall & Spring) | 3 |
| HSAD 002 | Intro to Human Services Counseling | 3 |
| HSAD 004 | Personal & Professional Growth | 2 |
| HSAD 024 | Law/Ethics: Community Resources | 3 |
| HSAD 036 | Counseling Diverse Populations (See item #3 under Requirements for Internship) | 3 |
| **SPRING SEMESTER** | |  |
| HSAD 020 | Biomedical Pharmacology | 3 |
| HSAD 022 | Case Management | 3 |
| HSAD 025 | Prevention, Intervention and Recovery | 3 |
| HSAD 030 | Individual, Group & Family Counseling | 3 |
| HSAD 034 | Dual Diagnosis | 3 |
| **Internship/Practicum (Fall & Spring)** | |  |
| HSAD 032A | Alcohol & Drug: Supervised Practicum I | 2 |
| HSAD 032B | Alcohol & Drug: Supervised Practicum II | 2 |
| HSAD 033A | Alcohol & Drug Supervised Internship I | 1 |
| HSAD 033B | Alcohol & Drug Supervised Internship II | 1 |
| HSAD 095B | Alcohol and Drug Work Experience (Maximum of 4 units may be used for work experience.) | 2, 2 |
| **Required Subtotal** | | 39 |
| **Electives** | |  |
| **Select 6 units from the following:** | |  |
| PSY 003 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| or PSY 007 | Positive Psychology |  |
| or PSY 010 | Psychological Aspects/Marriage & Family |  |
| COMM C1004 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| **Elective Subtotal** | | 6 |
| **COD General Education Pattern** | | 23 |
| **Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60 transferable units)** | |  |
| **DEGREE TOTAL** | | 60 |

1. Units for the major may be double counted for COD General Education, confer with a Counselor.

Please contact program advisors with questions and concerns. For more information please call 760.773.2574. **Returning and transferring HSAD students who have been out of the HSAD program for over 4 years must schedule an appointment with the COD program co-advisors to discuss currency of required coursework.**