In Stark State College's human and social service chemical dependency program, you’ll build skills in cultural sensitivity, human behavior, ethical awareness, interviewing, and connecting clients with community resources — all tools for supporting people on their recovery journey.
This program prepares you to take the state exam to become a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor II, giving you a direct pathway into the field. And if you choose to continue your education, your coursework can lead to a bachelor’s degree program in social work.
Major code: 1004 Health and Public Services Division Human Services and Justice Studies Department
The catalog in force is assigned to students based on the academic year they first applied to the college, and changes only when students change their major or request the change in writing. Refer to Policy No. 3357:15-13-28.
2026-27 Catalog
Effective Summer 2026
Some courses listed within the program may require a prerequisite or co-requisite.
Pre/Co-requisites will be listed within each course hyperlink below.
Refer to Policy No. 3357:15-13-04 and 3357:15-13-05
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | ||
| CDC121 | Chemical Dependency: Assessment and Treatment Planning | 3 |
| CDC122 | Fundamentals of Chemical Dependency Practice I | 3 |
| CDC221 | Chemical Dependency and the Family | 3 |
| CDC222 | Fundamentals of Chemical Dependence Practice II | 3 |
| CDC223 | Chemical Dependency and Prevention | 1 |
| CDC224 | Chemical Dependency and Ethics | 1 |
| HJS250 | Human Services and Justice Studies Practicum and Seminar | 3 |
| SWK121 | Introduction to Social Welfare | 3 |
| SWK125 | Substance Abuse | 3 |
| SWK126 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment | 3 |
| SWK224 | Poverty in the United States | 3 |
| SWK225 | Victimization and Crisis Intervention | 3 |
| Non-technical | ||
| SSC101 | Student Success Seminar | 1 |
| BIO127 | Human Biology | 4 |
| BUS122 | Basic Economics | 3 |
| COM121 | Effective Speaking | 3 |
| ENG124 | College Composition | 3 |
| ITD122 | Computer Applications for Professionals | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| Statistics 1 | ||
| PSC121 | United States Government and Politics | 3 |
| PSY121 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC121 | Sociology | 3 |
| Select one of the following Sociology electives: | 3 | |
| Dynamics of the Family | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Juvenile Delinquency | ||
| Diversity in American Society | ||
| Total Hours | 64 | |
- 1
MTH124 Statistics should only be taken by students planning to transfer to a four-year institution.
Students are required to follow the program curriculum in effect when they begin taking technical courses, not when students are accepted to the College or program.
Full-time Student Advising Notes
Academic Advising
Students should make an appointment to see their advisor before registering for classes each semester. They should have prepared a completed registration form, including courses they wish to take, prior to this meeting.
Course Sequence
The semester-by-semester listing below provides the normal scheduling option for full-time associate degree students who plan to finish in two years.
| First Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SSC101 | Student Success Seminar | 1 |
| COM121 | Effective Speaking | 3 |
| ENG124 | College Composition | 3 |
| SOC121 | Sociology | 3 |
| SWK121 | Introduction to Social Welfare | 3 |
| SWK125 | Substance Abuse | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CDC121 | Chemical Dependency: Assessment and Treatment Planning | 3 |
| CDC122 | Fundamentals of Chemical Dependency Practice I | 3 |
| CDC223 | Chemical Dependency and Prevention | 1 |
| CDC224 | Chemical Dependency and Ethics | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| Statistics 1 | ||
| PSC121 | United States Government and Politics | 3 |
| SWK224 | Poverty in the United States | 3 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| CDC221 | Chemical Dependency and the Family | 3 |
| CDC222 | Fundamentals of Chemical Dependence Practice II | 3 |
| ITD122 | Computer Applications for Professionals | 3 |
| PSY121 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SWK126 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment | 3 |
| SWK225 | Victimization and Crisis Intervention | 3 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| BUS122 | Basic Economics | 3 |
| HJS250 | Human Services and Justice Studies Practicum and Seminar | 3 |
| Select one of the following Sociology electives: | 3 | |
| Dynamics of the Family | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Juvenile Delinquency | ||
| Diversity in American Society | ||
| BIO127 | Human Biology | 4 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 64 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate knowledge of theories and evidence-based practices in the field of human and social services, social work, and chemical dependency.
- Demonstrate ability to identify and provide entry-level services under supervision in the 12 core-functions of chemical dependency practice: screening, intake, and orientation; assessment and treatment planning; counseling and case management; crisis intervention; client education; record keeping; consultation with other professionals; and referral.
- Demonstrate knowledge of commonly used legal and illegal drugs, impact upon user, and societal costs.
- Demonstrate awareness and adherence to the following code of ethics: NASW Code of Ethics and State of Ohio Code of Ethics for Chemical Dependency Counselors.
- Demonstrate employability skills, professionalism, and cultural competency in working with individuals, families, and community groups related to chemical dependency and human and social services.