An Associate in Arts degree in Social Work allows students to gain foundational knowledge in the social sciences, language, and related fields that will prepare them to meet the demands of promoting human and community well-being in an area situated along the U.S.-Mexico Border. “Guided by a person and environment construct, a global perspective, respect for human diversity, and knowledge based on scientific inquiry, social work's purpose is actualized through its quest for social and economic justice, the prevention of conditions that limit human rights, the elimination of poverty, and the enhancement of the quality of life for all persons.” (Council on Social Work Education, 2008, p. 1)
Graduates will be ready to earn subsequent baccalaureate and graduate degrees in the field as they will be well-versed in the underpinnings of social work.
Graduates of these programs will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Articulate the rationale for entering the social work field
- Demonstrate knowledge of social work theory
- Articulate a rudimentary understanding of the Social Work Code of Ethics and how it applies to their professional development
- Complete 25 volunteer service learning hours
Programs
Click on a program to get more information.
AA in Social Work
To get started on your personalized Academic Plan, visit the Academic Planning page or schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor.
Career Overview & Job Outlook
Successful completion of this program may lead to a variety of employment opportunities, most of which require continued higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and annual mean wages in Arizona according to a May 2019 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Social and Human Service Assistants Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care. |
$36,080 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education. |
$42,650 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers. |
$41,420 |
| Counselors Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. May help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging. |
$41,820 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations. |
$54,640 |
| Healthcare Social Workers Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare. |
$60,860 |
| Social and Community Service Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers. |
$69,330 |
| Postsecondary Social Work Teachers Teach courses in social work. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. |
$71,410 |