What is an Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS)?

An Associate of Applied Science degree is a professional technical degree and a perfect fit for students interested in entering the workforce after graduation. It is designed to provide students with a practical, skill-based education in a specific field, preparing them for entry-level positions in the workforce. It's important to note that an AAS degree is distinct from other types of associate degrees, such as the Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS), which may have a more general education focus and could be intended as a pathway to further academic study at a four-year college or university.

Our Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Addiction Studies is a specialized program that provides education and training for individuals interested in working in the field of addiction counseling or related areas. This degree program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to assist individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction. Graduates with an Addiction Studies AAS degree may pursue entry-level positions in various settings, including addiction treatment centers, mental health clinics, social service agencies, and community organizations. Some individuals may choose to further their education and pursue higher-level degrees or certifications in addiction counseling or related fields.

With our new Bachelors of Arts in Integrated Behavioral Health, students now have the option of continuing their education at SFCC after graduating with the Addiction Studies AAS Degree. The BAS IBH degree builds on the knowledge and skills that graduates from Integrated Community Servcies, Addiction Studies, and other behavioral health, social or human services programs gained during their first two years in college.

For more information about the BAS-IBH, please reach out to our Guided Pathways Specialist.

Addiction Studies Program Map

The Addiction Studies Program Map displays all the courses listed in the program and requirements. During your first quarter you will meet with the Guided Pathways Specialist or your Faculty Advisor and create a plan so you will know which courses you will be taking all the way through graduation completion, also known as an Education Plan.

Addiction Studies Program

What is an Associate in Arts Direct Transfer Agreement Degree (AADTA)?

The Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) Associate Degree, also called the Associate in Arts or Associate in Arts and Sciences, is the community college degree designed to transfer to most bachelors of arts degrees at Washington's four-year institutions. This degree is most beneficial for students who know they want to transfer to a 4-year institution. For the agreement to be valid for transfer and accepted in its entirety, it is essential that the degree be completed.

A prospective student who already completed an Associate in Arts degree may want to consider continuing to a Bachelor’s program that focuses in completing courses leading toward the SUDP Credential rather than achieving another AA degree. This way you would complete the SUDP AND complete the next academic level of a Bachelor’s degree.

Please watch the following video to explain the differences between the Associate of Arts (AA) vs. the Applied Associate of Science (AAS) Degree and how the AAS may transfer to a handful of the surrounding colleges (e.g. Whitworth).