Social work associate's degree programs typically require that students take general education courses in the following areas: English composition, humanities and fine arts electives, social sciences, algebra and communications.
Most associate's degree in social work programs offer students core major courses in the following areas: general psychology, developmental psychology, behavioral psychology, social psychology, marriage and family relationships and sociology.
Associate's degrees in social work typically take two years to complete for those studying full-time, and require the completion of 60 credit hours.
Students who earn a social work associate's degree are prepared for para-professional jobs as advisers in social services departments, hospitals, mental health facilities, family service agencies, child care centers and drug treatment facilities.
Students who earn an associate's degree in social work are well-positioned to advance their studies by applying to bachelor of social work (BSW) programs.