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
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. (PAD200, SWU171, SWU181, SWU291)
  • 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))
  • Practice self-care techniques that promote health, wellness, work-life balance and longevity in the field. (PHI101, PHI105, REC120, SWU183, SWU291)
  • Employ social work ethical principles to guide professional practice. (AJS212, SWU171, SWU291, SWU295, [HU])
  • 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)
  • 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))
  • 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))
  • 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])
  • 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))
  • 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)
  • Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field. (FYE101, FYE103)
Required courses
Course #Course TitleCredits
Credits:22-24
ECN211Macroeconomic Principles (3) OR
SWU181Economics: A Social Issues Perspective (3)3
FYE101Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR
FYE103Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3)1-3
PHI101Introduction to Philosophy (3) OR
PHI105Introduction to Ethics (3) OR
SWU183Introductory Ethics: A Social Service Perspective (3)3
POS110American National Government (3) OR
SWU182A Social Services Perspective of Government (3)3
PSY101Introduction to Psychology (3) OR
SOC101Introduction to Sociology (3)3
SWU171Introduction to Social Work3
SWU291Social Service Delivery Systems3
SWU295Effective Helping in a Diverse World3

Course Sequence by Term

Restricted Electives
Course #Course TitleCredits
Credits:6
Arizona State University Interdisciplinary Requirement
Complete two (2) classes from at least two (2) of the three (3) interdisciplinary tracks:
Interdisciplinary Requirement Track One (1):
AJS101Introduction to Criminal Justice (3) OR
AJS109Substantive Criminal Law (3) OR
AJS212Juvenile Justice Procedures (3) OR
AJS270Community Relations (3)3
Interdisciplinary Requirement Track Two (2):
PAD10021st Century Public Policy and Service (3) OR
PAD200Public Affairs Economics (3)3
Interdisciplinary Requirement Track Three (3):
REC120Leisure and the Quality of Life3
Second Language Requirement:
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). Please see the General Electives for more information.
Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC)
AGEC-ACredits: 26-29
A single course with an [L], [HU], [SB], [SG], or [SQ] designation may also be used to satisfy the Oral Communication, Critical Reading, and/or Awareness Area ([C], [G] and/or [H]) requirement(s). See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations.
 
First-Year Composition [FYC]Credits: 6
ENG101First-Year Composition (3) OR
ENG107First-Year Composition for ESL (3) AND
ENG102First-Year Composition (3) OR
ENG108First-Year Composition for ESL (3)6
 
Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L]Credits: 3
Any approved general education course in the Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] area.3
 
Mathematics [MA]Credits: 3-6
MAT140College Mathematics (5) OR
MAT141College Mathematics (4) OR
MAT142College Mathematics (3) OR
MAT145College Mathematics with Review (5) OR
MAT146College Mathematics with Review (6) OR
Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area (3-6)3-6
 
Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS]Credits: 3
Any approved general education course in the Computer, Statistics, and Quantitative Applications [CS] area.3
Recommend SWU225 Statistics for Social Research/Justice and Government3
 
Humanities, Arts and Design [HU]Credits: 3
Met by PHI101, PHI105, or SWU183 in the Required Courses area AND
Any approved general education course in the Humanities, Arts, and Design [HU] area.3
 
Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB]Credits: 0
Met by (POS110 OR SWU182) AND (PSY101 OR SOC101) in the Required Courses area.
 
Natural Sciences [SG]/[SQ]Credits: 8
Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] area (4) AND
Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] area or the Natural Sciences (General) [SG] area (4).8
 
Awareness AreasCredits: 0
These requirements may be shared with other AGEC requirements. See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations.
 
Cultural Diversity in the US [C]Credits: 0
 
 
Historical/Global Awareness [H]/[G]Credits: 0
Met by SWU171 in the Required Courses area.
 
MCCCD Additional Requirements
MCCCD Additional RequirementsCredits: 0-6
Some courses in this area have [SB] and [L] designations and may also be applied to the corresponding AGEC requirements. See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations.
 
Oral CommunicationCredits: 0-3
COM100Introduction to Human Communication (3) OR
COM110Interpersonal Communication (3) OR
COM225Public Speaking (3) OR
COM230Small Group Communication (3)0-3
 
Critical ReadingCredits: 0-3
CRE101College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking (3) OR
Equivalent as indicated by assessment (0)0-3
Course Area Key
General Electives
Course #Course TitleCredits
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.
Recommended:
SWU130Addictions and Substance Use Disorders3
SWU250Mindfulness for Stress Management3
AJS/EMT/FSC258Victimology and Crisis Management in Public Safety3
Recommended for Arizona State University Interdisciplinary Requirement
Complete six (6) approved general education credits in the Governance and Civic Engagement (CIVI) area (consult with ASU for approved course options)
OR
Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment.
ARB+++ Any ARB Arabic course(s)
ASL+++ Any ASL American Sign Language course(s)
CHI+++ Any CHI Chinese course(s)
FRE+++ Any FRE French course(s)
GER+++ Any GER German course(s)
ITA+++ Any ITA Italian course(s)
JPN+++ Any JPN Japanese course(s)
SPA+++ Any SPA Spanish course(s)
Note that this requirement can be satisfied with fewer than nine (9) credits ONLY if 202 level language proficiency is met (prior to transfer) through coursework, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or ASU proficiency exams.

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.