InterCoast Colleges

AAS Degree Substance Use Disorder Counseling

West Covina
West Covina, CA
Associate Degree · 100% Online
AAS Degree Substance Use Disorder Counseling
InterCoast Colleges is accredited by ACCET and approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
West Covina managed online delivery.
Total tuition is $40,200 for the 68-week program.
1295 clock hours, 67 credits.
$0
Available to eligible students.

AAS Degree Substance Use Disorder Counseling is an Associate Degree program (100% Online) offered by InterCoast Colleges in West Covina, CA. The program takes 68 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $40,200.

Program Overview

The emphasis of this program is placed on courses which enable the student to gain theoretical knowledge important for working in the field and to apply concepts to meet their occupational objectives. Upon completion of all requirements the student will be awarded an AAS (Associates in Applied Sciences) Degree. This program provides the necessary knowledge, skill and attitude development needed to be effective in the treatment of alcohol and other drug dependency and abuse. General Education courses offered online.

The program is designed to provide students that do not have prior experience in the field of Alcohol and Drug Counseling with a competency-based educational program that meets the requirements for becoming a substance use disorder counselor and provides the foundation for continuing education in counseling.

Offered online only. Includes a clinical internship with supervision. This is a California-only program: it prepares students for certification with CCAPP, CAADE, and CADTP, and employment opportunities are limited to California.

Admission Requirements and Process

To enhance the success of its graduates and to ensure that only qualified applicants are accepted, InterCoast Colleges carefully considers each applicant's prior educational background, career interests, motivation and availability of time prior to acceptance. All applicants participate in an interview with an admissions representative and successfully complete all other admissions requirements before being accepted into the training program.

General Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
    A high school diploma or GED is required for enrollment. Students must provide written proof of graduation, which must include a copy of a high school diploma or a GED, a high…
  • Ability-to-Benefit Alternative
    Students who do not hold a diploma or GED may qualify under the Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) alternative by passing an independently administered, nationally standardized test…
  • English Language Proficiency
    All courses are taught in English, and the institution does not provide English-as-a-Second Language instruction. The level of language proficiency is the 12th grade level,…
  • Admissions Interview
    All applicants will participate in an interview with an admissions representative and successfully complete all other admissions requirements before being accepted into the…
  • Interest, Motivation and Time
    Of prime importance is the student's desire to succeed, along with the availability of time to actively participate in classes and additional time to complete projects,…
  • Computer and Internet Access
    Online and Hybrid students must have access to a computer or tablet and internet in order to effectively participate in courses. Cell phone apps may not facilitate all required…
  • Clinical Internship Clearances
    Requirements that may apply include CPR/First Aid certification, a drug screen, a TB test, Live Scan, a criminal background check, registration with CCAPP or equivalent with…
  • California Certification Only
    These programs prepare students for certification with CCAPP, CAADE, and CADTP, and employment opportunities are limited to California. Students who enroll in this program at…
  • Veterans Waiting Period
    Veterans, eligible spouses, or dependent applicants must wait at least 24 hours from their initial inquiry to sign an enrollment agreement.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Contact Admissions
    Complete a short form and the InterCoast admissions team will contact you within one business day to help you find the right program and campus.
  2. 2
    Interview with an Admissions Representative
    Meet with an admissions representative for an interview that usually lasts approximately one hour. The representative will discuss the various aspects of training, programs offered, tuition, and entrance requirements.
  3. 3
    Tour the Campus
    Applicants are encouraged to take a tour of the facility virtually or in person and may observe classes if they desire.
  4. 4
    Complete the FAFSA
    Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to apply for financial aid. Financial aid is available to those who qualify, and the financial aid team will help you through the process.
    FAFSA Code for West Covina: 025594
    Fill Out the FAFSA
  5. 5
    Review the Catalog and Fact Sheet
    Review the school catalog and the School Performance Fact Sheet for your program, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.
  6. 6
    Complete Your Application and Enrollment Agreement
    If qualified, contact admissions to fill out application forms and complete the enrollment agreement, or return to enroll at a later date. Enrollment Agreements require the final approval by the authorized school official.

Required Courses

Subject #NameCredits
AOD222XIntro & Overview of AOD3
AOD223XLaw & Ethics3
AOD224Physiological Effects of AOD3
AOD225Pharmacology3
AOD226Counseling Competencies3
AOD227Case Management3
AOD228XPersonal Counseling Skills1
AOD229XGroup Counseling3
AOD231Family Dynamics3
MHT201Community Mental Health3
MHT202Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Crisis Prevention & Intervention3
MHT207Psychiatric Rehabilitation Principles, Methodology & Application4
AOD235XInternship Readiness4
AOD236XProfessional & Personal Growth1
AOD237Special Populations and Cultural Diversity3
AOD238Clinical Internship w/Supervision (34 hrs / week for 8 Weeks)5
AOD240Supervised Practicum (concurrent with internship)3
BUS111Personal Leadership3
ENG101English Composition3
MAT101College Mathematics3
PSY101Principles of Psychology3
PSY102Developmental Psychology3

Career Outcomes

The objective is to meet the requirement and demand for certified counselors, secure employment, and provide the student with possible advancement opportunities. Although field experience is required before becoming certified, this course exceeds the didactic and supervised fieldwork internship requirement standards of CAADE, CADTP, and the CCAPP for future certification. Graduates applying for future CADC-I credentials with CCAPP must have achieved a grade of “C” or better in all core AOD modules.

Graduates of this program may pursue entry-level positions with titles such as Substance Use Disorder Counselor. Counselors in this area work in settings such as residential treatment programs, outpatient and intensive outpatient clinics, county behavioral health services, hospital-based programs, and reentry programs, in each case within the scope of the certification they hold.

This AAS degree is not a counseling license. Certification requires supervised experience, passing an exam, and meeting the issuing body's standards. No specific employment outcome is guaranteed. Labor market conditions vary.

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Cost and Financial Aid Information is an estimate for general reference only. It is not an offer or guarantee of financial aid or of any price, and what a School charges you may differ.
Total Program Tuition
≈ $40,200
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator

The catalog states the same amount as tuition and total program charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the West Covina campus located?
The West Covina campus is located at 2235 East Garvey Avenue North, West Covina, CA 91791, just off the freeway in a shopping center with nearby restaurants and bus stops.
What programs are offered at the West Covina campus?
Programs offered at West Covina are Electrical Training and HVAC Technician, in a hybrid format, and Alcohol & Drug Counseling Studies, in a hybrid format or fully online.
What are the West Covina campus hours?
The campus is generally open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, and closed Sunday. Hours can vary, so please call (626) 337-6800 to confirm before visiting.
What facilities are available at the West Covina campus?
The West Covina campus has dedicated Electrical and HVAC labs, a computer lab, and lecture rooms. It is centrally air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible.
What online programs are managed under the West Covina main campus?
InterCoast Colleges offers additional programs online, managed under the West Covina main campus. These include Associate of Applied Science degrees in Substance Use Disorder Counseling and Business Administration, and the Business Office Administration and Mental Health & Addiction Support Services certificate programs.
Is InterCoast Colleges accredited?
InterCoast Colleges has been accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) since 1988 and is approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Accreditation and state approval apply to the institution, including the West Covina main campus.
How can prospective students learn more about programs at West Covina?
Prospective students can review the program pages linked above, contact InterCoast Colleges online, or call the West Covina campus at (626) 337-6800 to request program information.
How does this differ from the certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling?
The AAS is a degree-level program (68 weeks, 67 academic credits) that includes more advanced coursework in counseling theory, research, and group dynamics compared to the certificate program.
Is this program California-specific?
Yes. The curriculum is aligned with the California certification bodies (CCAPP, CAADE, CADTP). Contact admissions if you are outside California.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. This program is Title IV eligible. Eligible students may qualify for federal financial aid.
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AAS Degree Substance Use Disorder Counseling