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Sean Hughes
Assistant Professor, Psychology
General Education & Transfer
Associate of Arts • Minimum 60 Credit Hours
The Associate of Arts (AA) degree with a concentration in Behavioral Science will provide the graduate with an educational core that could lead to a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science.
The AA degree can establish the foundation for a lifetime of continual learning and serve as a framework for a productive professional and personal life. This degree gives emphasis to practical skills in communication and computation which may lead to employment; however, the goal is successful transfer with junior status to an upper division baccalaureate degree program in behavioral science.
The degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours of general education core transferable courses (including 15 credit hours of Behavioral Science courses) that will provide the student with a broad background to enter a baccalaureate program at the junior level. The AA degree utilizes both on-site as well as distance education.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
2019 Median Pay
$46,240 per year
Number of Jobs
304,500 in 2018
Job Outlook
2018-2028 22%
Much faster than average employment.
For the most current salary information, please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics “Occupational Outlook Handbook” found online at bls.gov/ooh/.
The college adheres to an open admission policy which means applications with a high school diploma or GED are eligible for admission. Applicants with neither a high school diploma nor GED may be admitted on a conditional basis.
Many businesses and industries seek well-rounded employees whose maturity level along with communication, computation, and decision-making skills are a step above those of traditional high school graduates. The Associate in Arts Degree provides graduates with enhanced knowledge and work skills without requiring the larger commitment of time or money necessary for a bachelor’s degree.
Employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 22 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth is expected as people continue to seek addiction and mental health counseling services.
Demand for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is also expected to increase as states seek treatment and counseling services for drug offenders rather than jail time. In recent years, the criminal justice system has recognized that drug and other substance abuse addicts are less likely to offend again if they get treatment for their addiction. As a result, sentences often require drug offenders to attend treatment and counseling programs. In addition, some research suggests that these programs are more cost effective than incarceration and states may use them as a method to reduce recidivism rates.