Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Social Work

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Program Information

Learn more about the Social Work program.

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Field of Interest

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

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 2024
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:

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

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.

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

$49,547 Show expanded career information for Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$23.82

Annual Median Wage

$49,547

Annual Job Openings

521

Number of People Employed

4,890

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 10.6 %

Community Health Workers

$49,190 Show expanded career information for Community Health Workers

Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$23.64

Annual Median Wage

$49,190

Annual Job Openings

118

Number of People Employed

787

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 18.7 %

Healthcare Social Workers

$64,187 Show expanded career information for Healthcare Social Workers

Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

Typical Education Level

a Master's or Professional degree

Hourly Median Wage

$30.85

Annual Median Wage

$64,187

Annual Job Openings

277

Number of People Employed

2,148

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 16.1 %

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

$47,557 Show expanded career information for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

Typical Education Level

a Master's or Professional degree

Hourly Median Wage

$22.86

Annual Median Wage

$47,557

Annual Job Openings

289

Number of People Employed

2,294

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 19.6 %

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

$65,870 Show expanded career information for Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$31.66

Annual Median Wage

$65,870

Annual Job Openings

117

Number of People Employed

1,363

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 4.7 %

Social and Community Service Managers

$70,822 Show expanded career information for Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$34.04

Annual Median Wage

$70,822

Annual Job Openings

272

Number of People Employed

2,170

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 17.1 %

Social and Human Service Assistants

$39,409 Show expanded career information for Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$18.94

Annual Median Wage

$39,409

Annual Job Openings

680

Number of People Employed

4,310

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 19.9 %

* 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 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
Part-time

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	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).	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	No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisites		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	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.		FYC or FYC	3
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG100LL or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113)] or a grade of B or better in ALT100 or an appropriate district placement or permission of Instructor.		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	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in SWU171, or permission of Department or Division or Corequisites: SWU171.			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	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	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).		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	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	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.	FYC or FYC	3
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG100LL or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113)] or a grade of B or better in ALT100 or an appropriate district placement or permission of Instructor.	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	No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisites		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	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in SWU171, or permission of Department or Division or Corequisites: SWU171.			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	Notes	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	Notes	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.

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.

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=189951).

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

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Field of Interest

Details

What You’ll Learn

Career Opportunities

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

$49,547 Show expanded career information for Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Community Health Workers

$49,190 Show expanded career information for Community Health Workers

Healthcare Social Workers

$64,187 Show expanded career information for Healthcare Social Workers

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

$47,557 Show expanded career information for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

$65,870 Show expanded career information for Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Social and Community Service Managers

$70,822 Show expanded career information for Social and Community Service Managers

Social and Human Service Assistants

$39,409 Show expanded career information for Social and Human Service Assistants

Course Sequence by Term

Full-time Sequence

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Part-time Sequence

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Term 5

Term 6

Term 7

Term 8

Term 9

Term 10

Interdisciplinary Requirement Tracks:

Interdisciplinary Requirement Track One:

Interdisciplinary Requirement Track Two:

Interdisciplinary Requirement Track Three:

Ready to get started?

Course Area Key

Disclaimer

Previous Catalog Years