Program Information
Learn more about the Social Work program.
General Help
Ask general questions at our support center.
Course Sequence
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Field of Interest
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
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
- 2026-2027
- Available Online
- Yes
- Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
++ indicates that any suffixed course may be selected.This program is intended to align with the Social Work, BSW program requirements at Arizona State University. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor for additional information.
Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information: ASU .
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.
Career Opportunities
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.
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.
| Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) |
|---|
|
Students pursuing an Associate for transfer to a university or a MCCCD bachelor's degree should note the following changes to the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements, effective Catalog Years 2026-27 and beyond. Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to assess whether transitioning to the Reimagined AGEC requirements aligns with educational goals and to ensure completion of all graduation requirements. Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will include:
Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will no longer include:
For a full outline of the Reimagined AGEC Requirements, please visit Maricopa’s AGEC Webpage. |
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
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWU171 | Introduction to Social Work | Critical course Gateway course | H, SB, SCB | 3 | |
| ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Critical course | FYC, WCM or FYC, WCM | 3 | |
| PSY101 or SOC101 |
Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Sociology | SB, SCB or SB, SCB | 3 | ||
| Plan Electives | Plan Course Electives | Students must choose two classes from at least two of the three options | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCM | Oral Communication | OCM | 3 | ||
| POS110 or SWU182 |
American National Government or A Social Services Perspective of Government | IAM, SB or SB, SCB | 3 | ||
| ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC, WCM or WCM, FYC | 3 | ||
| MAT14+ | College Mathematics | OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix except MAT206. | QNR | 3–6 | |
| PHI101 or PHI105 or SWU183 |
Introduction to Philosophy or Introduction to Ethics or Introductory Ethics: A Social Service Perspective | AHM, HU or AHM, HU or AHM, HU | 3 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECN211 or SWU181 |
Macroeconomic Principles or Economics: A Social Issues Perspective | SB, SCB or None | 3 | ||
| IAM | Institutions of the Americas | Can be met by POS110 in the Plan Course Requirements section. | IAM | 3 | |
| SWU291 | Social Service Delivery Systems | 3 | |||
| NSI | Natural Sciences | NSI | 4 | ||
| MAT206 or PSY230 or (PSY230 and PSY231) or PSY230WL or SWU225 |
Elements of Statistics or Introduction to Statistics or (Introduction to Statistics and Laboratory for Statistics) or Introduction to Statistics with Lab or Statistics for Social Research/Justice and Government | SWU225 is recommended. | CS, QNR or CS, QNR or CS, QNR or CS, QNR or CS | 3–4 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWU295 | Foundations of Social Work Practice | C, SB, SCB | 3 | ||
| AHM | Arts and Humanities | AHM | 3 | ||
| NSI | Natural Sciences | NSI | 4 | ||
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Can be met by SWU182 in the Plan Course Requirements section. | SCB | 3 | |
| Plan Electives | Plan Course Electives | Students must choose two classes from at least two of the three options | 3 |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
| Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) |
|---|
|
Students pursuing an Associate for transfer to a university or a MCCCD bachelor's degree should note the following changes to the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements, effective Catalog Years 2026-27 and beyond. Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to assess whether transitioning to the Reimagined AGEC requirements aligns with educational goals and to ensure completion of all graduation requirements. Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will include:
Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will no longer include:
For a full outline of the Reimagined AGEC Requirements, please visit Maricopa’s AGEC Webpage. |
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
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWU171 | Introduction to Social Work | Critical course Gateway course | H, SB, SCB | 3 | |
| ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Critical course | FYC, WCM or FYC, WCM | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC, WCM or WCM, FYC | 3 | ||
| MAT14+ | College Mathematics | OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix except MAT206. | QNR | 3–6 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY101 or SOC101 |
Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Sociology | SB, SCB or SB, SCB | 3 | ||
| Plan Electives | Plan Course Electives | Students must choose two classes from at least two of the three options | 3 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCM | Oral Communication | OCM | 3 | ||
| PHI101 or PHI105 or SWU183 |
Introduction to Philosophy or Introduction to Ethics or Introductory Ethics: A Social Service Perspective | AHM, HU or AHM, HU or AHM, HU | 3 | ||
| Plan Electives | Plan Course Electives | Students must choose two classes from at least two of the three options | 3 |
Term 5
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECN211 or SWU181 |
Macroeconomic Principles or Economics: A Social Issues Perspective | SB, SCB or None | 3 | ||
| POS110 or SWU182 |
American National Government or A Social Services Perspective of Government | IAM, SB or SB, SCB | 3 | ||
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Can be met by SWU182 in the Plan Course Requirements section. | SCB | 3 |
Term 6
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWU291 | Social Service Delivery Systems | 3 | |||
| MAT206 or PSY230 or (PSY230 and PSY231) or PSY230WL or SWU225 |
Elements of Statistics or Introduction to Statistics or (Introduction to Statistics and Laboratory for Statistics) or Introduction to Statistics with Lab or Statistics for Social Research/Justice and Government | SWU225 is recommended. | CS, QNR or CS, QNR or CS, QNR or CS, QNR or CS | 3–4 |
Term 7
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SWU295 | Foundations of Social Work Practice | C, SB, SCB | 3 | ||
| NSI | Natural Sciences | NSI | 4 |
Term 8
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHM | Arts and Humanities | AHM | 3 | ||
| IAM | Institutions of the Americas | Can be met by POS110 in the Plan Course Requirements section. | IAM | 3 | |
| NSI | Natural Sciences | NSI | 4 |
General Electives
Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits but no more than a total of 64 semester credits. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals.
Students may be required to complete a language course at the elementary or intermediate level or demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment. Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information about your transfer-specific world language requirement.
Plan Course Electives:
Complete two (2) classes from at least two (2) of the three (3) options below:
Option One (1):
HRM110 Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Management (3) OR
HRM145 Events Management (3) OR
HRM150 Hospitality and Tourism Information Systems I (3) OR
HRM160 Tourism Principles and Practices (3) OR
HRM170 Hospitality in Healthcare and Life Care Management (3) OR
+ HRM260 Hospitality Human Resource Management (3) OR
+ HRM265 Financial Management for Hospitality and Tourism (3) 3
Option Two (2):
AJS101 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3) OR
AJS109 Substantive Criminal Law (3) OR
AJS113 Criminal Justice Crime Control Policies and Practices (3) OR
AJS123 Ethics and the Administration of Justice (3) OR
AJS124 Correctional Institutions (3) OR
AJS131 Police Management Techniques I (3) OR
AJS162 Domestic Violence (3) OR
AJS170 Fire and Arson Investigation for Law Enforcement (3) OR
AJS192 Serial Killers and Mass Murderers (3) OR
AJS195 International and Domestic Terrorism (3) OR
AJS200 Current Issues in Criminal Justice (3) OR
AJS201 Rules of Evidence (3) OR
AJS205 Effective Communication and Report Writing in Criminal Justice (3) OR
AJS211 Police Planning (3) OR
AJS212 Juvenile Justice Procedures (3) OR
AJS219 Crime Scene Technology: Physical Evidence (3) OR
AJS220 Transnational Organized Crime (3) OR
AJS230 The Police Function (3) OR
AJS240 The Correction Function (3) OR
AJS/EMT/FSC258 Victimology and Crisis Management in Public Safety (3) OR
AJS260 Procedural Criminal Law (3) OR
AJS270 Community Relations (3) OR
AJS275 Criminal Investigation I (3) OR
SWU258 Victimology and Crisis, a Social Services Perspective (3) 3
Option Three (3):
+ CIS143 Introduction to Critical Infrastructure Protection (3) OR
PAD100 21st Century Public Policy and Service (3) OR
+ PAD200 Public Affairs Economics (3) 3
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Follow one of the options below to get started on your personal career pathway.
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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.
- AHM = Arts and Humanities
- C = Cultural Diversity in the US
- CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
- FYC = First-Year Composition
- H = Historical Awareness
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts & Design
- IAM = Institutions of the Americas
- NSI = Natural Sciences
- OCM = Oral Communication
- QNR = Quantitative Reasoning
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
- SCB = Social and Behavioral Sciences
- WCM = Written Communication
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 at https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/acres.woa/wa/customView?id=16461515.
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