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.
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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