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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
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan, or schedule an appointment with the Advising Office.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation. (AGEC-A certificate also included)
First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | Freshman Composition I | 3 | GE-Composition |
| MAT 142 | College Mathematics or higher | 3 | GE-Mathematics |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | Major Requirement |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| SPA 101 | Elementary Spanish 1 | 4 | GE-Additional Course |
| SSC 101 | Student Success Course (recommended) | 1 | General Elective |
| 17 |
Milestones:
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Research University Degree Program options
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
Second Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 102 | Freshman Composition II | 3 | GE-Composition |
| FAS 185 | Family Communication Skills | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| SOC 250 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 | Major Requirement |
| BIO 100 | Biology Concepts (recommended) | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| SPA 102 | Elementary Spanish 2 | 4 | GE-Additional Course |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 240 | Racial/Ethnic Relations | 3 | Major Requirement |
| HIS 280 | History of Mexico | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| ARTS | Choose one course from ARTS | 3 | GE-Arts |
| PHI 105 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 | GE-Humanities |
| BIO 160 | Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- If transferring, apply to universities
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Visit universities campus
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAS 204 | Gender Relations | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| PSY 238 | Human Development | 3 | Major Requirement |
| PSY 230 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| SPC 215 | Public Speaking | 3 | General Elective |
| 13 |
*Course may be required for students transferring to the university.
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities
Transfer Paths and Requirements
| UNIVERSITY / LOCATION | DEGREE | MAJOR | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University - Downtown Phoenix, West and Tucson Campuses | BSW | Social Work | 4th Semester Proficiency |
| Northern Arizona University - Flagstaff and Online | BSW | Social Work | None |
Transfer Tools
AZTransfer will provide you with more information and tools on how to transfer to ASU, NAU, and UofA.
Need help with transferring? The AWC Transfer Services office can provide you with individualized help to explore degree pathways and specific university requirements. Visit their website or schedule an appointment with a transfer specialist.
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 |