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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Social Work
Major: 8117
Effective Term: 2023 Fall   
Award Type: AA

CIP Code: 44.0701
 Program Availability: CG   EM   GC   GW   MC   PC   PV   RS   SC   SM  
Instructional Council: Social Work
Total Credits: 60-64
GPA: 2.00
SOC Code: Upon completion of this degree, students may pursue a career as:
21-1093.00 Social and Human Service Assistants

Upon completion of a bachelor`s degree, students may pursue a career as:
21-1021.00 Child, Family, and School Social Workers
21-1023.00 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
11-9151.00 Social and Community Service Managers
21-1092.00 Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
21-1094.00 Community Health Workers

Upon completion of a graduate degree, students may pursue a career as:
21-1022.00 Healthcare Social Workers


Description: 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.

Program Learning Outcomes
1. Apply a foundational understanding of evidence based social work practice with individuals, families, groups, community and social action groups. (PAD200, SWU171, SWU181, SWU291)
2. 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. (PSY101, REC120, SOC101, SWU171, SWU181, SWU291, SWU295, [FYC], [HU], (COM), (CRE))
3. Practice self-care techniques that promote health, wellness, work-life balance and longevity in the field. (PHI101, PHI105, REC120, SWU183, SWU291)
4. Employ social work ethical principles to guide professional practice. (AJS212, SWU171, SWU291, SWU295, [HU])
5. 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. (ECN211, PAD100, PAD200, POS110, SWU171, SWU181, SWU182, SWU295)
6. 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. (AJS270, SOC101, SWU295, [FYC], [HU], (COM), (CRE))
7. 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. (SWU291, SWU295, [FYC], [SG], [SQ], (CRE))
8. 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. (AJS270, PAD100, PAD200, SWU291, SWU295, [MA])
9. 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. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS270, ECN211, PAD100, PAD200, PSY101, SOC101, SWU171, SWU181, SWU295, [HU], [MA], [SG], [SQ], (CRE))
10. Use the various roles of case management such as knowledge of community resources, broker, advocate, networking and referral to inform social work practice. (AJS212, AJS270)
11. Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field. (FYE101, FYE103)
Required Courses
ECN211 Macroeconomic Principles (3) OR
SWU181 Economics: A Social Issues Perspective (3) 3

FYE101 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR
FYE103 Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3) 1-3

PHI101 Introduction to Philosophy (3) OR
PHI105 Introduction to Ethics (3) OR
SWU183 Introductory Ethics: A Social Service Perspective (3) 3

POS110 American National Government (3) OR
SWU182 A Social Services Perspective of Government (3) 3

PSY101 Introduction to Psychology (3) OR
SOC101 Introduction to Sociology (3) 3

SWU171 Introduction to Social Work 3
+ SWU291 Social Service Delivery Systems 3
SWU295 Effective Helping in a Diverse World 3
 Credits: 22-24

+ indicates course has prerequisites and/or corequisites.
++ indicates that any suffixed course may be selected.
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: June 27, 2023

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.