Program Description
The Social Work Associate of Arts degree will prepare students with foundational information in the field of Social Work and is designed for those who plan to transfer to a four-year institution for a Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW) or related field. Social work practice consists of the professional application of social work values, principles, and techniques to one or more of the following ends: helping people obtain tangible services; counseling and psychotherapy with individuals, families, and groups; helping communities or groups provide or improve social and health services; and participating in legislative processes. The practice of social work requires knowledge of human development and behavior; social and economic, and cultural institutions; and of the interaction of all these factors.
Social Work is an excellent career choice for those who care about human dignity and social justice. The field is just as diverse as the individuals, families, and communities being served.
The Social Work program offers maximum transferability. The 30-credit general education core offers courses that transfer to Pennsylvania State System Higher Education (PASSHE) universities and other local colleges and universities. Students completing the A.A. degree in Social Work will be able to transfer the equivalent of the first two years of a bachelor's degree to any one of the fourteen four-year universities in the PASSHE system and complete the remainder of the degree program with two more years of full time study.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program will be prepared for transfer to a four-year college or university.
Program Objectives
Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development and knowledge of the Social Work profession, values, practice and policies at an introductory level.
- Demonstrate an understanding of cultural humility through exploring anti-racist, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI) within the Social Work profession.
- Demonstrate introductory level engagement, assessment, and documentation skills for working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities with a focus on anti-racist, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI).
- Assess the significance of the intersections of people within their environments through exploration of micro to macro settings.
Obtaining the Degree
To earn the Social Work Associate of Arts degree, students must:
- Matriculate in the program;
- Satisfactorily complete all degree requirements, including General Education and Major Requirements of the degree.
General Education Requirements
Major Requirements
Students are encouraged to take the courses in their suggested sequence. Students are also encouraged to meet with their Faculty Advisor to determine the pre-requisites and co-requisites prior to registering for elective courses.