Social Work

Associate in Arts
Transfer Degree
Cost
$11,202*

Enhance human well-being. Empower communities.

Prepare to transform lives and reshape communities. Uncover complex challenges and everyday inequities people face. Advocate for the oppressed and forge your path to a meaningful and fulfilling career. With an AA in social work, you find inspiration and build a foundation of expertise that transfers to a four-year degree program.

What can you do with a degree in Social Work?

Continue to a four-year college or university and earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Become a caseworker in mental health facilities, schools, hospitals or rape crisis centers. Go on to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) and become a case manager.

With additional education, you can begin a career in any of the following roles:

  • patient advocate
  • counselor assistant
  • intake coordinator
  • case manager

An affordable, seamless transition to a Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW)

We prepare you for the rigors of a baccalaureate program. Your faculty are experienced social workers in public health, clinical work, addiction counseling, foster care, hospital social work and private practice. Learn an open-minded, unbiased approach to care.

Classwork includes papers, case studies, ethical dilemmas and vignettes, local agency visits and brief fieldwork placements. Expect to learn:

  • application of the Strengths Perspective
  • biopsychosocial (biological, psychological, social) assessment
  • client interviewing skills
  • introductory counseling skills
  • social work ethics

Highlights

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

  • Transfer Degree

    Save on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

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Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    MTH 142

    MTH 142 General Education Statistics

    Class Description

    This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least ?squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
         		3
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    PHI 125

    PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

    Class Description

    In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
         		3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 142
      Course Title

      MTH 142 General Education Statistics

      Class Description

      This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least ?squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PHI 125
      Course Title

      PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

      Class Description

      In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 122

    ENG 122 English Composition II

    Class Description

    This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
         		3
    GEG 121

    GEG 121 Physical Geography

    Class Description

    This introductory physical science course examines the processes and agents that help to shape and change the environment in which humans live. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships that exist between the earth's heat and energy systems and the weather, climate, soils, vegetation, streams, oceans, landforms, and human activities.
         		3
    SWK 121

    SWK 121 Introduction to Social Work

    Class Description

    This course provides an introduction to the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for generalist social work in contemporary society. Social welfare services, policies, and their historical origins will be presented along with the unique experiences of diverse and at-risk populations affected by various social problems. It provides an overview of the range of public and private social services available for meeting these problems.
         		3
    HUS 140

    HUS 140 Drugs and Society

    Class Description

    This course provides the student with an historical background of drugs of abuse and their impact on individuals and society. Topics addressed include an in-depth study of specific licit and illicit drugs and the pharmacological and behavioral effects within the major classifications of substances. Additional topics include laws and regulations, individual and societal problems, prevention strategies, and trends and statistics.
         		3
    SOC 121

    SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

    Class Description

    This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
         		3
    • Course Code ENG 122
      Course Title

      ENG 122 English Composition II

      Class Description

      This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code GEG 121
      Course Title

      GEG 121 Physical Geography

      Class Description

      This introductory physical science course examines the processes and agents that help to shape and change the environment in which humans live. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships that exist between the earth's heat and energy systems and the weather, climate, soils, vegetation, streams, oceans, landforms, and human activities.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SWK 121
      Course Title

      SWK 121 Introduction to Social Work

      Class Description

      This course provides an introduction to the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for generalist social work in contemporary society. Social welfare services, policies, and their historical origins will be presented along with the unique experiences of diverse and at-risk populations affected by various social problems. It provides an overview of the range of public and private social services available for meeting these problems.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUS 140
      Course Title

      HUS 140 Drugs and Society

      Class Description

      This course provides the student with an historical background of drugs of abuse and their impact on individuals and society. Topics addressed include an in-depth study of specific licit and illicit drugs and the pharmacological and behavioral effects within the major classifications of substances. Additional topics include laws and regulations, individual and societal problems, prevention strategies, and trends and statistics.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SOC 121
      Course Title

      SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

      Class Description

      This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    BIO 141

    BIO 141 Concepts in Biology

    Class Description

    This course emphasizes scientific inquiry through selected concepts of biology, such as organization, function, heredity, evolution and ecology. Biological issues with personal and social implications will be introduced to enable students to make informed decisions. A laboratory component will reinforce concepts introduced in the lecture portion of class. NOTE: This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course and is not intended for students wishing to enter an allied health or pre-professional field.
         		4
    SWK 228

    SWK 228 Human Sexuality

    Class Description

    This course provides an examination of the current knowledge and attitudes of the behavioral aspects of human sexuality with particular emphasis on personal, interpersonal, community, and societal influences on sexuality. Topics of interest include sexuality throughout the lifespan, sexual anatomy and physiology, gender roles and gender identity, contraception, pregnancy, birth, lifestyles, love and intimacy, abortion, sexual orientation, sexually transmitted diseases, dysfunction, power/coercion, and sale of sex. PSY 228 and SWK 228 are cross-listed.
         		3
    ART 121

    ART 121 Introduction to Art

    Class Description

    This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
         		3
    HUS 128

    HUS 128 Introduction to Counseling Skills

    Class Description

    This course provides the student with an introduction to the foundational theories and skills necessary in the counseling field and explores the dynamics of establishing positive relationships with people in need of human services. The counseling process and the issues of intervention, therapeutic interviewing, confidentiality, and empathic communication will be presented. This course includes a mandatory field experience of 40 hours with an HUS Department Chair pre-approved social service agency.
         		3
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 141
      Course Title

      BIO 141 Concepts in Biology

      Class Description

      This course emphasizes scientific inquiry through selected concepts of biology, such as organization, function, heredity, evolution and ecology. Biological issues with personal and social implications will be introduced to enable students to make informed decisions. A laboratory component will reinforce concepts introduced in the lecture portion of class. NOTE: This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course and is not intended for students wishing to enter an allied health or pre-professional field.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SWK 228
      Course Title

      SWK 228 Human Sexuality

      Class Description

      This course provides an examination of the current knowledge and attitudes of the behavioral aspects of human sexuality with particular emphasis on personal, interpersonal, community, and societal influences on sexuality. Topics of interest include sexuality throughout the lifespan, sexual anatomy and physiology, gender roles and gender identity, contraception, pregnancy, birth, lifestyles, love and intimacy, abortion, sexual orientation, sexually transmitted diseases, dysfunction, power/coercion, and sale of sex. PSY 228 and SWK 228 are cross-listed.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ART 121
      Course Title

      ART 121 Introduction to Art

      Class Description

      This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUS 128
      Course Title

      HUS 128 Introduction to Counseling Skills

      Class Description

      This course provides the student with an introduction to the foundational theories and skills necessary in the counseling field and explores the dynamics of establishing positive relationships with people in need of human services. The counseling process and the issues of intervention, therapeutic interviewing, confidentiality, and empathic communication will be presented. This course includes a mandatory field experience of 40 hours with an HUS Department Chair pre-approved social service agency.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ANT 221

    ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology

    Class Description

    This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
         		3
    PSC 121

    PSC 121 American National Politics

    Class Description

    This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system’s key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system’s operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
         		3
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    HUS 123

    HUS 123 Introduction to Group Dynamics

    Class Description

    This course introduces basic concepts and theories of group dynamics, including group development and functioning, communication patterns, leadership, and conflict management. Laboratory experiences provide opportunities for self-awareness through observations of group behavior, working within groups, and group leadership.
         		3
    SOC 225

    SOC 225 Class, Race, and Gender

    Class Description

    This course uses various sociological perspectives to examine how class, race, and gender structure individual and group access to power, resources, opportunities, and prestige. It examines how these socially constructed categories provide identity and meaning that shape social interaction and institutional structure and practice. Classical and contemporary theoretical and empirical models demonstrate how the intersection of these major dimensions of inequality represent a source of opportunity and privilege, while simultaneously contributing to the reproduction of social inequality.
         		3
    • Course Code ANT 221
      Course Title

      ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology

      Class Description

      This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSC 121
      Course Title

      PSC 121 American National Politics

      Class Description

      This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system’s key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system’s operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUS 123
      Course Title

      HUS 123 Introduction to Group Dynamics

      Class Description

      This course introduces basic concepts and theories of group dynamics, including group development and functioning, communication patterns, leadership, and conflict management. Laboratory experiences provide opportunities for self-awareness through observations of group behavior, working within groups, and group leadership.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SOC 225
      Course Title

      SOC 225 Class, Race, and Gender

      Class Description

      This course uses various sociological perspectives to examine how class, race, and gender structure individual and group access to power, resources, opportunities, and prestige. It examines how these socially constructed categories provide identity and meaning that shape social interaction and institutional structure and practice. Classical and contemporary theoretical and empirical models demonstrate how the intersection of these major dimensions of inequality represent a source of opportunity and privilege, while simultaneously contributing to the reproduction of social inequality.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

60

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.


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Social Work at CLC

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