Getting Started
The first step is usually the hardest! Anyone who wishes to attend Palomar College must submit a completed application for admission. Palomar College has over 30,000 students and most transactions are done through the Internet using eServices, “My Palomar,” an electronic portal for students and staff. Through eServices, “My Palomar,” you will be able to apply to Palomar, add and drop classes, purchase parking permits, apply for financial aid, pay fees, and view your grades.
Please consult the current Palomar College catalog for all the admission criteria.
After you have submitted a Palomar College application you will be issued your Palomar ID Number and password.
Scheduling a Counseling Appointment:
Your next step is to schedule an appointment to see a counselor for complete educational planning. Counselors are not assigned and it is your responsibility to find a counselor that you would like to work with.
You can schedule an appointment with a counselor by calling the Counseling Reception Desk at (760) 891-7511. Academic, career, and personal counseling appointments are provided in the Counseling Center in San Marcos located in the Student Services Center.
Academic counseling is available to students seeking assistance with scheduling or clarification of requirements. Academic counseling provides students with information about the requirements for the certificate and associate degree majors offered at Palomar, including Social Work and Human Services and Alcohol and Other Drug Studies. Careful course selection is a key to a successful college experience and is subject to change. It is recommended that students consult with a counselor prior to each semester.
Career Counseling is available to enrolled and prospective students on a walk-in basis and by individual appointment.
Personal Counseling is available to assist students find solutions to personal problems that may be affecting their academic progress.
What is an education plan?
An education plan (or ed plan) is a personalized semester-by-semester course of study outlining a strategy for identifying and reaching your goals. Included are recommended career planning activities and support tools. An education plan should be developed during your first semester and maintained throughout your enrollment at Palomar College.
For education planning specific to the AODS Certificate, please contact the Program Coordinator, Dr. Jim Fent, at jfent@palomar.edu
Note: Your education plan is subject to change whenever there is a change of major, transfer requirements, catalog rights, curriculum and policy changes, etc. Please see the Palomar website: Education Plans – Counseling Department.
Sample Education Plan / Order
| Fall Year 1 | Notes/Restrictions | ||
| Course | Title | Units | |
| AODS 150/PSYC 150/SOC 150 | Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drug Studies | 3 | Online or in-person options |
| AODS 155/PSYC 155/SOC 155 | The Physiology and Pharmacology of Psychoactive Drugs | 3 | |
| PSYC 100 or SOC 100 or SOC 110 | Elective Course of Choice | 3 | Choose one of the 3 |
| Spring Year 1 | |||
| Course | Title | Units | |
| AODS 160 | Prevention, Intervention, and Education | 3 | |
| AODS 165 | Law and Ethics | 3 | Spring in-person/Fall online |
| AODS 250 | Group Leadership and Process | 3 | In-person only Thursday night 6-9:10 PM |
| Fall Year 2 | |||
| Course | Title | Units | |
| AODS 255 | Case Management | 3 | Fall in-person/Spring online |
| AODS 260 | Chemical Dependency Family Counseling | 3 | Summer or Fall only course |
| AODS 298 | Directed Field Experience I | 3 | In-person class only on Monday night |
| AODS 298L | Directed Field Experence I Lab | 2 or 3 | Requires internship hours at an outside SUD treatment program |
| Spring Year 2 | |||
| Course | Title | Units | |
| AODS 270 | Co-Occurring Disorders | 3 | |
| AODS 299 | Directed Field Experience II | 3 | Multiple Prerequisites/In-person class only on Monday night |
| AODS 299L | Directed Field Experience II Lab | 2 or 3 | Requires internship hours at an outside SUD treatment program |