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SUNY GCC - Genesee Community College

Understanding the effects of alcohol and drug use is important in order to help others. In addition, the issues in this field are constantly changing due to:

  • New, useful insights into causes
  • Innovative treatments
  • Services to diverse populations with special needs
  • Impact of societal changes

The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Studies Program was developed as a foundation for students who intend to transfer into social work, human services or alcohol/substance abuse majors at four-year schools. Preparation combines a study of:

  • Liberal arts course work to build general education knowledge
  • Effects of substance use on the individual, families, and society
  • Impact of environmental and social factors on substance use
  • Multiple causes of substance use
  • Variety of treatment modalities

Why GCC?

Alongside your coursework, you will gain experience from two field placement courses require in this program. This is a valuable opportunity to observe professionals in order to eventually apply their knowledge and skills into your work.

Graduating with an Associate degree may qualify you as an aid in various programs. A Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certification, granted by the NYS Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) will also improve your potential for employment.

The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Studies Program at GCC is consistent with established standards for Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor Education and Training by the OASAS.

Degree Types

Associate In Science (AS)

AS Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

  1. Apply critical thinking skills to issues, situations, or problems associated with alcohol and substance abuse.
  2. Explain the basic theories associated with the study of alcohol and substance abuse.
  3. Utilize specific interpersonal competencies necessary for effective helping.
  4. Apply discipline specific communication skills in various forms as required.
  5. Describe principles of diversity and inclusion and discuss appropriate techniques for working with diverse populations.
  6. Apply ethical standards associated with alcohol and substance abuse as determined by the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).
  7. Identify and describe the basic techniques for assisting individuals affected by alcohol or substance abuse.
  8. Discuss the various effects (physical, psychological, emotional, etc.) that addictive substances have on users of those substances.
  9. Explain how dependence on addictive substances develops.
  10. Apply the diagnostic criteria set out in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).

Download the 2024-2025 Curriculum Worksheet for AS [PDF]

College Students walking on outside on campus

Career Outlook

Addiction counselors and social workers provide significant input into the recovery and rehabilitation of clients. You will be a vital part of a team assisting clients in assessing, coping and developing action plans toward their recovery.

  • After getting your GCC degree, some occupations you may consider are:
  • Community Health Workers
  • Counseling Psychologists
  • Counselors
  • Health Educators
  • Healthcare Social Workers
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
  • Mental Health Counselors
  • Psychiatric Aides
  • Psychiatric Technicians
  • Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Transfer Opportunities

Starting at GCC saves many students and their families thousands of dollars in tuition. With an A.S. or A.A. degree you will be able to seamlessly transfer within the SUNY network of 64 college and universities as well as to many 4-year private institutions. GCC’s A.S. and A.A. programs were developed as part of the SUNY seamless transfer initiative allowing students to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree as a freshman and a sophomore at a community college, then seamlessly transfer to a SUNY four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree. Please reference the SUNY Transfer Pathways for degree programs to learn about any campus specific requirements. Visit the SUNY Core Course Finder to plan out the courses you should complete to transfer to a 4-year SUNY School.

If you are planning to transfer to a 4-year private institution you should work with our Transfer Services office to learn about possible articulation agreements and pathways that exist for many or our degree programs. Some GCC A.A.S. programs also have transfer opportunities.

To learn more about these opportunities and agreements contact the Transfer Services Office, we are more than happy to work with you and answer any questions you may have on building your own personalized transfer plan.

Transfer opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • Canisius College*
  • Daemen College
  • Hilbert College
  • Roberts Wesleyan
  • Niagara University
  • St. John Fisher College
  • SUNY College at Alfred State
  • SUNY College at Brockport
  • SUNY College at Buffalo*
  • SUNY College at Canton*
  • University at Buffalo

*GCC has current transfer agreements with the above noted institutions.