OCC, SUNY Empire State College sign agreement on addiction studies bachelor’s degree program

ONONDAGA, N.Y. — Students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in addiction studies at SUNY Empire State College (ESC) can begin their work at Onondaga Community College (OCC).

The two SUNY schools signed an agreement giving students a “new, seamless route” to the four-year degree, OCC said.

Students who earn an associate degree in alcohol and substance abuse counseling at OCC can take all of their credits with them to ESC as they pursue a bachelor’s degree in addiction studies.

Coursework at ESC will include a combination of online, independent study, blended learning (both online and classroom instruction), and small group seminars. OCC students who choose this path will have a $50 ESC orientation fee waived and receive a $100 transfer scholarship in their first semester there.

“We’re grateful to our partners at Empire State College for recognizing the outstanding potential in our students and creating a pathway for them to earn a valuable four-year degree at a SUNY price point. We know what a challenging time this is for students and families. This agreement provides a tremendous level of certainty for anyone considering bettering their lives through higher education,” OCC President Casey Crabill said.