Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Social Work

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
  • 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

Community Health Workers

$44,250

Healthcare Social Workers

$60,790

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

$43,720

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

$56,120

Social and Community Service Managers

$69,700

Social and Human Service Assistants

$39,460

* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources

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.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
  • In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements:
    • Cultural [C] and
    • Global [G] or Historical [H]
  • Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
  • In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements:
    • Cultural [C] and
    • Global [G] or Historical [H]
  • Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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.

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Associate in Arts (AA) in Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Social Work