Frequently Asked Questions – BS in Addiction Studies Program
I have questions about the addiction studies program. Who do I contact?
• Thalia MacMillan
Thalia.Macmillan@sunyempire.edu
Ext. 1363 or 646-230-1363
I am interested in this program, but am already a student in a different AOS. Can I switch to this?
• This would depend on the number of courses that you have completed that count towards the Addiction Studies program requirement.
If I am a student in the Community and Human Services AOS, can I use the concentration title of “Addiction Studies”?
• Yes, only if you are a student who was matriculated prior to August 2019.
• If you are matriculated after August 2019, you will not be able to use the concentration of Addiction Studies unless you are accepted into the BS in Addiction Studies program.
I have a CASAC or CASAC-T – can I use this towards the BS in Addiction Studies program?
• Yes! The credits can count as some of the courses on the structured program.
• Please discuss with your mentor how many potential credits these credentials are worth.
Does my degree plan have to have all of the courses listed in the BS in Addiction Studies program?
• YES. If you are enrolled in the BS in Addiction Studies program you need to meet all of the course requirements.
I have a large number of transcript credits that I would like to utilize. I don’t want to take all of courses listed for the program. Can I still be part of the BS in Addiction Studies program?
• No. If you are enrolled in the BS in Addiction Studies program you need to meet all of the course requirements. You may wish to discuss another area of study with your mentor.
What if I want to take some of these courses, but do not want to be part of the BS in Addiction Studies program?
• Anyone can take these courses. They are built so that they act independently and together.
I have completed some addictions coursework in my associate’s degree. Will this apply to the BS in Addiction Studies program?
• It may! Please discuss with your mentor how many potential credits may transfer into the BS in Addiction Studies program.
Are there general education requirements for the BS in Addiction Studies program?
• Students will need to meet the SUNY general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree. There are no special requirements beyond this for the BS in Addiction Studies program. You will work with your mentor, to meet the requirements.
Is educational planning required as part of the BS in Addiction Studies program?
• Yes, as per university policy, you are required to take a minimum of 4 credits of educational planning.
Do I still need to write a rationale essay for the BS in Addiction Studies program?
• Yes, you would be expected to write a rationale essay that follows the current university policy.
What does the “Or” mean in the list of courses for the BS in Addiction Studies program?
• You can select from two courses based on your needs and interests. For example, you would select either Group Work or Family Intervention. See additional examples below.
• Substance Abuse Interventions with Special Populations OR Substance Abuse Interventions in the Workplace.
• Evidence-Based Substance Abuse Counseling OR Internship in Human Services.
Can PLA count toward the BS in Addiction Studies program?
• Yes. You would discuss with your mentor possible topics and follow the usual process for prior learning assessment.
Does Empire State University offer an Associate’s degree program in Addiction Studies?
• No, but you could earn a degree in Community and Human Services or in another area of study.
How are these courses for the BS in Addiction Studies offered?
• The courses can be offered in all of our modes: online, independent study, group, or residency. Please consult the Term Guide for the current listing.
With these courses at Empire, can I receive my CASAC-T?
• Empire State University is not a CASAC-T granting institution. OASAS does allow for an individual to earn some of their coursework at colleges; you would need to submit your transcript to them to review.
I earned my CASAC-T at a community college, does that mean I receive the credits from the community college and the CASAC-T credit award?
• No. The CASAC-T credit award can only be received if you received your training at a community training provider.
• If you received your CASAC-T training at a SUNY or CUNY community college, you are not eligible for the CASAC-T as your community college courses already represent the credit awards that are in the CASAC-T.
I have my CASAC-T, but I didn’t get it at a college. What do I need to do?
• OASAS needs to provide verification that you have the certification.
Please contact them and have them send that information to Admissions.
I have my CASAC. I would like to count it towards my degree. What do I need to do?
• OASAS needs to provide verification that you have the certification.
Please contact them and have them send that information to Admissions.