Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Social Work
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The Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in Social Work provides the first two years of a four year curriculum for students intending to transfer into a baccalaureate program to earn a Bachelor of Social Work. With a Bachelor of Social Work, students can receive their Master Social Work in one year (advanced standing) which is the required minimum education for the following career fields: Clinical/Psychotherapy and Policy Administration and Community Practice.
Details
Field of Interest
Behavioral Science and Human Services
Degree Type
Associate in Arts (AA)
Academic Plan
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Social Work (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8117
Total credits required
60-64
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.
What You'll Learn
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Apply a foundational understanding of evidence based social work practice with individuals, families, groups, community and social action groups.
- Demonstrate self-awareness and explain the implications of one`s own personal, cultural values, beliefs and biases toward groups that are different than one`s self.
- Practice self-care techniques that promote health, wellness, work-life balance and longevity in the field.
- Employ social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
- Interpret and apply understanding of history and policy as it relates to social work to address social justice and economic well-being and the delivery of effective social work services.
- Engage clients using culturally responsive communication skills differentially across diverse and vulnerable client populations and communities to build trust, relationship and rapport toward mutually agreed upon change.
- Demonstrate professional writing skills using clear documentation and accurate reports, visual presentations and use of technology skills to enhance effective case management to accomplish competency-based goals.
- Conduct evidence-based assessments to develop and evaluate social work practice intervention plans with input from one`s own profession as well as multidisciplinary teams.
- Identify and differentiate between facts, opinion, assumption, hypothesis, and conclusions to explain the impact of institutional racism, sexism and ageism on clients, communities and social work practice.
- Use the various roles of case management such as knowledge of community resources, broker, advocate, networking and referral to inform social work practice.
- Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.
Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
$43,660 Show expanded career information for Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Community Health Workers
$44,250 Show expanded career information for Community Health Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
$60,790 Show expanded career information for Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
$43,720 Show expanded career information for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
$56,120 Show expanded career information for Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Social and Community Service Managers
$69,700 Show expanded career information for Social and Community Service Managers
Social and Human Service Assistants
$39,460 Show expanded career information for Social and Human Service Assistants
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
| Awareness Areas |
|---|
|
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWU171 | Introduction to Social Work | Critical course Gateway course | H, SB | 3 | |
| ENG101 or ENG107 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Critical course | FYC or FYC | 3 | |
| PSY101 or SOC101 | Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Sociology | SB or SB | 3 | ||
| Interdisciplinary Requirement | Interdisciplinary Requirement | Students must choose two classes from at least two of the three area tracks | 3 | ||
| Second Language or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective | Complete six (6) approved general education credits in the Governance and Civic Engagement (CIVI) area (consult with ASU for approved course options) OR Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64). | 0–5 | ||
| FYE101 or FYE103 | Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230 | Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication | SB or SB or L or SB | 0–3 | ||
| POS110 or SWU182 | American National Government or A Social Services Perspective of Government | SB or SB | 3 | ||
| ENG102 or ENG108 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | L | 0–3 | ||
| MAT14+ | College Mathematics | OR Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area | MA | 3–6 | |
| PHI101 or PHI105 or SWU183 | Introduction to Philosophy or Introduction to Ethics or Introductory Ethics: A Social Service Perspective | HU or HU or HU | 3 | ||
| Second Language or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective | Complete six (6) approved general education credits in the Governance and Civic Engagement (CIVI) area (consult with ASU for approved course options) OR Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64). | 0–5 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECN211 or SWU181 | Macroeconomic Principles or Economics: A Social Issues Perspective | SB or None | 3 | ||
| CS | Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application | Recommend SWU225 | CS | 3 | |
| Second Language or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective | Complete six (6) approved general education credits in the Governance and Civic Engagement (CIVI) area (consult with ASU for approved course options) OR Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64). | 0–5 | ||
| SWU291 | Social Service Delivery Systems | 3 | |||
| SG or SQ | Natural Sciences General or Natural Sciences Quantitative | SG or SQ | 4 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWU295 | Effective Helping in a Diverse World | C, SB | 3 | ||
| HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | HU | 3 | ||
| Second Language or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective | Complete six (6) approved general education credits in the Governance and Civic Engagement (CIVI) area (consult with ASU for approved course options) OR Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64). | 0–5 | ||
| L | Literacy & Critical Inquiry | Recommend selecting a course that satisfies L and COM or L and CRE101 requirements simultaneously. | L | 3 | |
| SQ | Natural Sciences Quantitative | SQ | 4 | ||
| Interdisciplinary Requirement | Interdisciplinary Requirement | Students must choose two classes from at least two of the three area tracks | 3 | ||
| Elective | Elective | Recommend SWU130 or SWU250 or SWU258. | 0–3 |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
| Awareness Areas |
|---|
|
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWU171 | Introduction to Social Work | Critical course Gateway course | H, SB | 3 | |
| ENG101 or ENG107 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
| FYE101 or FYE103 | Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POS110 or SWU182 | American National Government or A Social Services Perspective of Government | SB or SB | 3 | ||
| ENG102 or ENG108 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | L | 0–3 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY101 or SOC101 | Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Sociology | SB or SB | 3 | ||
| MAT14+ | College Mathematics | Critical course OR Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area | MA | 3–6 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHI101 or PHI105 or SWU183 | Introduction to Philosophy or Introduction to Ethics or Introductory Ethics: A Social Service Perspective | HU or HU or HU | 3 | ||
| Interdisciplinary Requirement | Interdisciplinary Requirement | Students must choose two classes from at least two of the three area tracks | 3 | ||
| COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230 | Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication | None or SB or L or SB | 0–3 |
Term 5
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECN211 or SWU181 | Macroeconomic Principles or Economics: A Social Issues Perspective | SB or None | 3 | ||
| CS | Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application | Recommend SWU225 | CS | 3 |
Term 6
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWU291 | Social Service Delivery Systems | 3 | |||
| Second Language or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective | Complete six (6) approved general education credits in the Governance and Civic Engagement (CIVI) area (consult with ASU for approved course options) OR Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64). | 0–5 |
Term 7
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWU295 | Effective Helping in a Diverse World | 3 | |||
| Second Language or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective | Complete six (6) approved general education credits in the Governance and Civic Engagement (CIVI) area (consult with ASU for approved course options) OR Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64). | 0–5 |
Term 8
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG or SQ | Natural Sciences General or Natural Sciences Quantitative | SG or SQ | 4 | ||
| Second Language or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective | Complete six (6) approved general education credits in the Governance and Civic Engagement (CIVI) area (consult with ASU for approved course options) OR Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64). | 0–5 |
Term 9
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HU | Humanities, Arts, and Design Area | 3 | |||
| Interdisciplinary Requirement | Interdisciplinary Requirement | Students must choose two classes from at least two of the three area tracks | 3 | ||
| Second Language or Elective | Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective | Complete six (6) approved general education credits in the Governance and Civic Engagement (CIVI) area (consult with ASU for approved course options) OR Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64). | 0–5 |
Term 10
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | Literacy & Critical Inquiry | Recommend selecting a course that satisfies L and COM or L and CRE101 requirements simultaneously. | 3 | ||
| SQ | Any SQ Natural Sciences course | 4 | |||
| Elective | Elective | Recommend SWU130 or SWU250 or SWU258. | 0–3 |
Interdisciplinary Requirement Tracks:
Students must choose two classes from at least two of the three area tracks:
Interdisciplinary Requirement Track One:
AJS101 Introduction To Criminal Justice or
AJS212 Juvenile Justice Procedures or
AJS109 Substantive Criminal Law or
AJS270 Community Relations
Interdisciplinary Requirement Track Two:
PAD100 21st Century Public Policy and Service or
PAD200 Public Affairs Economics
Interdisciplinary Requirement Track Three:
REC120 Leisure and the Quality of Life
Course Area Key
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- C = Cultural Diversity in the US
- CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
- FYC = First Year Composition
- G = Global Awareness
- H = Historical Awareness
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- MA = Mathematics
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
- SG = Natural Sciences General
- SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=189951).
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.