Associate's degree programs in social work prepare students to work closely with at-risk patients and help them access proper services. Core curriculum for most social work degree programs includes courses in psychology, sociology and counseling. Such courses equip students with the interviewing, data gathering and observation skills needed to successfully work in the social services field.
Overall Goals of a Social Work Degree Program
An associate's degree alone cannot prepare an individual to become a social worker. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers need at least a bachelor's degree, and clinical social workers are required to have a Master of Social Work (MSW). An associate's degree program in social work or social services can prepare graduates to transfer over to a 4-year program or can prepare them for entry-level positions in community and social services organizations.
On the most basic level, students in an associate's degree program in social work learn how to appropriately interact with at-risk people and provide basic services to those in need. Core courses cover human behavior, counseling, addictions, and more. Students in these programs are typically also required to complete general education courses.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutAnAssociateSDegreeInSocialWork"> Important Facts About an Associate's Degree in Social Work</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Residential counselor, social services assistant, home based assistant, advocate</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees</td></tr>
<tr><td> Learning Environment </td><td> Traditional classroom and online options available</td></tr>
<tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Interpersonal, analytical and critical thinking, oral and written communication, thorough researching, computer competency, organized, cross-cultural consideration</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $37,610 (<i>for social and human service assistants</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 12% (<i>for social and human service assistants</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CoreCurriculum"> Core Curriculum</h3><p>The core curriculum of social work associate's degree program is designed to train students to carefully observe patients and record data related to those observations. Classwork often focuses on human behavior, adult and child development, addictions studies, the implementation of treatment plans and crisis intervention. Many programs require students to take several classes in sociology, counseling and psychology. Associate's degree candidates may take classes in:
</p><ul><li>Addictions
</li><li>Disability
</li><li>Counseling
</li><li>Child welfare
</li><li>Family services
</li><li>Probation
</li><li>Employment services
</li><li>Administrative procedures
</li><li>Child protection
</li></ul><h3 id="section---GeneralEducationRequirements"> General Education Requirements</h3><p>Most social work associate's degree programs require students to successfully complete general education requirements in the liberal arts, humanities and sciences. Such coursework gives social work students a well-rounded education. Courses in general education subjects like history, philosophy, anatomy or statistics equip students with a more holistic understanding of the world, which can, in turn, help them connect with clients and execute their duties more effectively.</p>
