Associate Degree in Social Work with Career Information

Social workers help families and children cope with serious issues, such as sexual assault, drug abuse, domestic violence and disease, in addition to overseeing child protective care cases. While a bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement to work in the position, students may begin their schooling by earning an associate's degree in pre-social work.

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Associate of Arts (AA) in Pre-Social Work

The associate's degree program in pre-social work prepares students to transfer to 4-year universities, where they may earn a bachelor's degree in social work. The pre-social work program introduces students to the field of social work, behavioral issues, counseling methods and specialty areas of social work, such as the elderly or children.

Graduates of the 2-year degree program gain an understanding of today's sociological issues, develop a good idea of the role of a social worker and learn how cultural diversity factors into their position. Some programs may also cover research methods, social policy and the planning development conducted by social workers. Applicants entering the pre-social work degree program should be high school graduates.

Program Coursework

The pre-social work program offers students introductory college courses, as well as sociology core classes. Sample courses include:

  • Introduction to psychology
  • Biology
  • Philosophy
  • English composition
  • Social issues
  • Economics
  • Cultural anthropology
  • Human behavior and development
  • Child development

Salary Info and Employment Outlook

Social workers earn a median annual salary of $39,530, as of May 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov. Due to retiring social workers and the increase in the elderly, demand for social workers should increase. The Bureau states that job opportunities are favorable for college graduates and they may find work in social service agencies, governmental offices, mental health facilities and private practices.

Continuing Education Information

Associate of Arts graduates with Pre-Social Work degrees often go on to earn Bachelor of Arts degrees in Social Work at 4-year universities.

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5 Popular Schools

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    • Associate
        • AA in Psychology

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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Applicants must be 22 years of age or have active military status
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    • Associate
        • AA in Liberal Arts

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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Colorado (3 campuses)

    Classroom-Based Programs

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Other Related Schools:

  • School locations:
    • Michigan (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
      • Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      • Human and Social Services
        • Child Care Management
        • Social Work
      • Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
      • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
      • Public Administration
      • Social Science and Studies
      • Social Studies and History
  • School locations:
    • Louisiana (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Louisiana include:
      • Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      • Human and Consumer Sciences
      • Human and Social Services
        • Child Care Management
        • Child Care Services
        • Social Work
      • Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
      • Political Science
      • Social Science and Studies
      • Social Studies and History
  • School locations:
    • New Hampshire (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of New Hampshire include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      • Cultural Studies
      • Ethnic and Gender Studies
      • Geography and Cartography
      • Human and Social Services
        • Community Organization and Advocacy
        • Human Development and Family Studies
        • Social Work
      • Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
      • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
      • Philosophy
      • Political Science
      • Public Administration
      • Social Science and Studies
      • Social Studies and History

Popular Schools

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    • AA in Psychology

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    • AA in Liberal Arts

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Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics