Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Social Work

Social Work
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Learn more about the Social Work program.

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Course Sequence

Field of Interest

Field of Interest: Behavioral Science and Human Services

You’ve always been one to lend a helping hand, and now you want to make a career of providing human aid or advocating for social justice. Social work involves counseling adults, children, and families with the goal of improving their social and psychological function; providing therapy to individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems; and connecting people in need with social services and charitable assistance.

MCC’s social work coursework can lead to an empowering career that will allow you to make a difference in many lives. Get started on this challenging and rewarding pathway today.

Details

Details icon Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:

Field of Interest
Behavioral Science and Human Services
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 2023
Available Online
Yes
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

Transfer Partner
Arizona State University
Transfer Program
BSW (Bachelor of Social Work)

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges to earn a degree with this emphasis.

What You’ll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Apply a foundational understanding of evidence based social work practice with individuals, families, groups, community and social action groups.
  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.
  3. Practice self-care techniques that promote health, wellness, work-life balance and longevity in the field.
  4. Employ social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  10. Use the various roles of case management such as knowledge of community resources, broker, advocate, networking and referral to inform social work practice.
  11. Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.

Career Opportunities

A degree in social work provides near-endless career opportunities in the public and private sectors, including roles in health care, government programs, nonprofit organizations, substance abuse programs, child welfare agencies, corrections, and more.

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 Maricopa County-based annual median 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.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

$44,535

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

$62,161

* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer

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 Pathway Planner 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.

Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.

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 3
PSY101 or
SOC101
Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Sociology SB 3
Interdisciplinary Requirement Interdisciplinary Requirement Students must choose two classes from at least two of the three area tracks 3
C or
Second Language
Cultural Diversity in the US or Any 101 Level Language Course Cultures or Language: Completion of three courses in cultural diversity or Completion of a language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) C 3–5
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 L 0–3
POS110 or
SWU182
American National Government or A Social Services Perspective of Government SB 3
ENG102 or
ENG108
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL 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 3
Second Language Any 102 Level Language Course 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 3
CS Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application Recommend SWU225 CS 3
C or
Second Language
Cultural Diversity in the US or Any 201 Level Language Course Cultures or Language: Completion of three courses in cultural diversity or Completion of a language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) C 3–5
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 Course carries C and SB values and meets ASU Cultural Sequence #3 C, SB 3
HU Humanities, Fine Arts & Design HU 3
C or
Second Language
Cultural Diversity in the US or Any 202 Level Language Course Cultures or Language: Completion of three courses in cultural diversity or Completion of a language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) C 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.

Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.

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 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 3
ENG102 or
ENG108
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL 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 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 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 SB or L 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 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
C or
Second Language
Cultural Diversity in the US or Any 101 Level Language Course Cultures or Language: Completion of three courses in cultural diversity or Completion of a language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) C 3–5

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 Course carries C and SB values and meets ASU Cultural Sequence #3 3
C or
Second Language
Cultural Diversity in the US or Any 102 Level Language Course Cultures or Language: Completion of three courses in cultural diversity or Completion of a language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) C 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
C or
Second Language
Cultural Diversity in the US or Any 201 Level Language Course Cultures or Language: Completion of three courses in cultural diversity or Completion of a language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) C 3–5

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 Any 202 Level Language Course 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

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Program Information

Learn more about and find contact information for the Social Work program.

General Help

Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.

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.

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.

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, meet with an academic advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

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=183284).

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