Degree Program Overview

The A.A.S. degree program in Chemical Dependency Counseling is designed to prepare students to function as chemical dependency counselors in a broad range of treatment settings such as residential and outpatient programs, detoxification units, and halfway houses. Program graduates may also broaden their area of study to psychology, counseling or social work at the Bachelor's* and Master's degree levels. Through the A.A.S. degree program, students will complete a core of courses in chemical dependency counseling, and general college courses in writing, science, math, and communications. Students in the A.A.S. degree program will also complete two internships in facilities providing chemical dependency counseling services. This experiential counseling opportunity greatly enhances the student's knowledge and skills.

Certification for chemical dependency counselors is required by the State of Maryland. The credentialling process includes a combination of a college degree in a health or human services counseling field; course work specific to chemical dependency counseling; hours of supervised counseling experience; and passing a state approved examination. Both the degree requirement and specific alcohol and drug course work are met by the completion of this degree.

The Chemical Dependency Counseling program is approved as a Statewide Program, meaning that the Maryland Higher Education Commission has designated that tuition assistance to out-of-county residents who wish to participate in the CMDP program may be available.

*Note: Through a special joint partnership between CCBC-Dundalk and Towson University, students can pursue a Bachelors of Professional and Technical Studies in Chemical Dependency Counseling and Education degree at Towson University. Interested students should see the program director for more information.

Certificate Program Overview

The Certificate program in Chemical Dependency Counseling is designed for students already possessing a degree in the health or human services counseling field who desire the theoretical and practical knowledge to work with chemically dependent clients. The CMDP Certificate program includes the "core" chemical dependency courses, without the general college requirements. A 30 credit program, the Certificate program can be completed in a relatively short period of time.

Certification or licensure (at the master's degree level) for chemical dependency counselors is required by the State of Maryland. The credentialling process includes a combination of a college degree in the health and human services counseling field; course work specific to chemical dependency counseling; hours of supervised counseling experience; and passing a state approved examination. The courses in the Certificate program will fulfill the specific chemical dependency counseling course work required at the undergraduate level for both certification and licensure. Those students seeking state certification, with college degrees in areas other than health and human services counseling, may need to consider the Chemical Dependency Counseling degree program. Students may also choose to use these courses to fulfill continuing education (CEU) requirements for periodic recertification

Although no internship is required in the certificate program, an Internship position may be recommended to students needing more practical experience in the chemical dependency counseling field. This experience would satisfy the elective requirement.

Career Highlights

• Graduates of the program are prepared to enter the field of addiction counseling in settings such as residential and outpatient treatment programs, community agencies, hospitals and schools.
• Many students go on to complete Bachelors and graduate level degrees in Social Work, Psychology, or other Human Services areas.
• Students have been awarded scholarships to University of Maryland Baltimore County, Morgan State University and Coppin State College.
• This degree program prepares individuals to work in a variety of human service areas where substance abuse counseling is in demand.

 

Program Highlights

• The Chemical Dependency Counseling program is designated by the Maryland Higher Education Commission as a Statewide Program.
• Recognized for excellence in clinical preparation by Maryland employers in the field of addiction counseling.
• Expert faculty who are knowledgeable and experienced in the field of addiction counseling are involved in leadership and advocacy roles at both the state and national levels.
• CCBC graduates excel when they transfer to four-year colleges and universities because the faculty focus on the development of each individual throughout their education.
• Internship experiences are provided to students at a variety of sites state-wide.
• Students can earn credits for experience through the CCBC's Assessment of Prior Learning program