Drug and Alcohol Studies

The Drug and Alcohol Studies Certificate of Achievement prepares students to work with alcohol and other drug dependent populations, and the family and employers of the chemically dependent persons. It provides an overview of the field of human services with a specific focus on drug and alcohol abuse, prevention theory, intervention, and treatment. Students participate in both an academic course of study and a work-based learning experience focusing on the history, theory, development, and implementation of our society's responses to alcohol and drug use and abuse. The program prepares students for a state certificate as drug and alcohol counselors, a requirement to work in alcohol and drug treatment centers in California. Successful completion of this certificate may also lead to careers in the substance abuse prevention and treatment fields. This certificate program conforms to the proposed guidelines for addiction studies within higher education prepared for the California State Department of Education and meets the accreditation standards set forth by the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE).

The projected enrollment is 15 students per year with an expected 89% completion rate.

The Human Services (HSERV) program prepares students to enter the social work profession by building the skills and knowledge needed to improve the overall quality of life of communities and service populations. Human development, child welfare, counseling theory and practice, substance abuse treatment, cultural competence, domestic abuse, ethics and prevention are all part of the curriculum. The Human Services Drug and Alcohol Studies Certificate of Achievement prepares students to work with alcohol and other drug dependent populations, and the family and employers of the chemically dependent persons. The Certificate addresses community needs for trained alcohol and other drug prevention specialists to work and volunteer in both public and private agencies in the greater Monterey Bay Region.  It is the only program in the area that prepares students for State Certification as Drug and Alcohol Counselors, a requirement to work in alcohol and drug treatment centers in California.

The two primary goals of this program are to prepare students for entry-level employment in the Human Services field as a Substance Abuse Counselor and to help the student enhance skills to advance further up the career ladder in Substance Abuse Services.

This certificate of achievement of 36-38 units of required coursework which includes practicum coursework. 

Year 1, Semester 1

Required HSERV50 - Introduction to the Human Services3

Required HSERV52 - Introduction to Counseling and Case Management3

Required HSERV56A - Alcohol and Drug/Human Services Practicum I1-2

Required HSERV60 - Alcohol, Drugs, and Society3

Required HSERV164 - Ethics: Personal and Professional Growth in the Human Services4

Year 1, Semester 2

Required HSERV51 - Practices in the Human Services3

Required HSERV56B - Alcohol and Drug/Human Services Practicum II1-2

Required HSERV161 - Alcoholism and Drug Addiction: Intervention, Treatment, and Recovery3

Take one of the following

PSYCH1 - General Psychology3 OR

PSYCH1H - Honors General Psychology3

Required HSERV163 - Prevention: Alcohol and Other Drugs1

Year 2, Semester 1

Required HSERV53 - Techniques of Group Counseling in the Human Services2

Required SOC11 - Families and Society3

Year 2, Semester 2

Required (Total 3)

Take one of the following

PSYCH31 - Introduction to Abnormal Psychology3 OR

PSYCH33 - Personal and Social Adjustment3

Required HSERV162 - Physiology and Pharmacology: Alcohol and Other Drugs3

The curriculum has been developed with input from local industry leaders and meets State and National standards for general Human Services and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling. The Drug and Alcohol Counseling concentration satisfies State educational requirements for certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor.

San Jose City College Alcohol and Drug Studies Department. Description: as a student in the Alcohol and Drug Studies program, you will prepare to work with the alcohol and other drug-dependent population, and the family and employer of the chemically dependent person. The program addresses community needs for trained alcohol and other drug specialists to work and volunteer in both public and private agencies in the Bay Area and across the State of California. Mary Cook Faculty, Alcohol & Drug Studies (408) 448-0333