Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Social Work

The Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in Social Work provides the first two years of a four year curriculum for students intending to transfer into a baccalaureate program to earn a Bachelor of Social Work. With a Bachelor of Social Work, students can receive their Master Social Work in one year (advanced standing) which is the required minimum education for the following career fields: Clinical/Psychotherapy and Policy Administration and Community Practice.

Details

Field of Interest
Behavioral Science and Human Services
Degree Type
Associate in Arts (AA)
Academic Plan
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Social Work (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8117
Total credits required
60-64
Catalog Year
2026-2027
Effective Term
Fall 2025
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
++ indicates that any suffixed course may be selected.

This program is intended to align with the Social Work, BSW program requirements at Arizona State University. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor for additional information.

Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information: ASU .

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

What You'll Learn
  • Apply a foundational understanding of evidence-based social work practice with individuals, families, groups, community and social action groups.
  • Demonstrate self-awareness and explain the implications of one`s own personal, cultural values, beliefs and biases toward groups that are different than one`s self.
  • Practice self-care techniques that promote health, wellness, work-life balance and longevity in the field.
  • Employ social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
  • Interpret and apply understanding of history and policy as it relates to social work to address social justice and economic well-being and the delivery of effective social work services.
  • Engage clients using culturally responsive communication skills differentially across diverse and vulnerable client populations and communities to build trust, relationship and rapport toward mutually agreed upon change.
  • Demonstrate professional writing skills using clear documentation and accurate reports, visual presentations and use of technology skills to enhance effective case management to accomplish competency-based goals.
  • Conduct evidence-based assessments to develop and evaluate social work practice intervention plans with input from one`s own profession as well as multidisciplinary teams.
  • Identify and differentiate between facts, opinion, assumption, hypothesis, and conclusions to explain the impact of institutional racism, sexism and ageism on clients, communities and social work practice.
  • Use the various roles of case management such as knowledge of community resources, broker, advocate, networking and referral to inform social work practice.
  • Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.
Career Statistics

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Child, Family, and School Social Workers
$43,660
Community Health Workers
$44,250
Healthcare Social Workers
$60,790
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
$43,720
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
$56,120
Social and Community Service Managers
$69,700
Social and Human Service Assistants
$39,460

* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC)

Students pursuing an Associate for transfer to a university or a MCCCD bachelor's degree should note the following changes to the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements, effective Catalog Years 2026-27 and beyond. Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to assess whether transitioning to the Reimagined AGEC requirements aligns with educational goals and to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will include:

  • Oral Communication [OCM] (3 Credits)
  • Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] (3 Credits)
  • Institutions in the Americas [IAM] (3 Credits)

Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will no longer include:

  • Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] (3 Credits)
  • Computers/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] (3-5 Credits)
  • Cultural, Global, and Historical Awareness Areas [C, G, H] (0-3 Credits)
  • Subject Options -AGEC-S only (8 Credits)

For a full outline of the Reimagined AGEC Requirements, please visit Maricopa’s AGEC Webpage.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
SWU171 Introduction to Social Work Critical course Gateway course H, SB 3
ENG101 or
ENG107		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL Critical course FYC or FYC 3
PSY101 or
SOC101		 Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Sociology SB or SB 3
Plan Electives Plan Course Electives Students must choose two classes from at least two of the three options 3
FYE101 or
FYE103		 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
OCM Oral Communication OCM 3
POS110 or
SWU182		 American National Government or A Social Services Perspective of Government IAM, SB or SB 3
ENG102 or
ENG108		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC or FYC 3
MAT14+ College Mathematics OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix except MAT206. QNR 3–6
PHI101 or
PHI105 or
SWU183		 Introduction to Philosophy or Introduction to Ethics or Introductory Ethics: A Social Service Perspective AHM, HU or AHM, HU or AHM, HU 3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ECN211 or
SWU181		 Macroeconomic Principles or Economics: A Social Issues Perspective SB or None 3
IAM Institutions of the Americas Can be met by POS110 in the Plan Course Requirements section. IAM 3
SWU291 Social Service Delivery Systems 3
NSI Natural Sciences NSI 4
MAT206 or
PSY230 or
(PSY230 and
PSY231) or
PSY230WL or
SWU225		 Elements of Statistics or Introduction to Statistics or (Introduction to Statistics and Laboratory for Statistics) or Introduction to Statistics with Lab or Statistics for Social Research/Justice and Government SWU225 is recommended. CS or CS or CS or CS or CS 3–4

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
SWU295 Foundations of Social Work Practice C, SB 3
AHM Arts and Humanities AHM 3
NSI Natural Sciences NSI 4
SCB Social and Behavioral Sciences Can be met by SWU182 in the Plan Course Requirements section. SCB 3
Plan Electives Plan Course Electives Students must choose two classes from at least two of the three options 3

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC)

Students pursuing an Associate for transfer to a university or a MCCCD bachelor's degree should note the following changes to the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements, effective Catalog Years 2026-27 and beyond. Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to assess whether transitioning to the Reimagined AGEC requirements aligns with educational goals and to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will include:

  • Oral Communication [OCM] (3 Credits)
  • Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] (3 Credits)
  • Institutions in the Americas [IAM] (3 Credits)

Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will no longer include:

  • Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] (3 Credits)
  • Computers/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] (3-5 Credits)
  • Cultural, Global, and Historical Awareness Areas [C, G, H] (0-3 Credits)
  • Subject Options -AGEC-S only (8 Credits)

For a full outline of the Reimagined AGEC Requirements, please visit Maricopa’s AGEC Webpage.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
SWU171 Introduction to Social Work Critical course Gateway course H, SB 3
ENG101 or
ENG107		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL Critical course FYC or FYC 3
FYE101 or
FYE103		 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ENG102 or
ENG108		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC or FYC 3
MAT14+ College Mathematics OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix except MAT206. QNR 3–6

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
PSY101 or
SOC101		 Introduction to Psychology or Introduction to Sociology SB or SB 3
Plan Electives Plan Course Electives Students must choose two classes from at least two of the three options 3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
OCM Oral Communication OCM 3
PHI101 or
PHI105 or
SWU183		 Introduction to Philosophy or Introduction to Ethics or Introductory Ethics: A Social Service Perspective AHM, HU or AHM, HU or AHM, HU 3
Plan Electives Plan Course Electives Students must choose two classes from at least two of the three options 3

Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ECN211 or
SWU181		 Macroeconomic Principles or Economics: A Social Issues Perspective SB or None 3
POS110 or
SWU182		 American National Government or A Social Services Perspective of Government IAM, SB or SB 3
SCB Social and Behavioral Sciences Can be met by SWU182 in the Plan Course Requirements section. SCB 3

Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
SWU291 Social Service Delivery Systems 3
MAT206 or
PSY230 or
(PSY230 and
PSY231) or
PSY230WL or
SWU225		 Elements of Statistics or Introduction to Statistics or (Introduction to Statistics and Laboratory for Statistics) or Introduction to Statistics with Lab or Statistics for Social Research/Justice and Government SWU225 is recommended. CS or CS or CS or CS or CS 3–4

Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
SWU295 Foundations of Social Work Practice C, SB 3
NSI Natural Sciences NSI 4

Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AHM Arts and Humanities AHM 3
IAM Institutions of the Americas Can be met by POS110 in the Plan Course Requirements section. IAM 3
NSI Natural Sciences NSI 4

General Electives

Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits but no more than a total of 64 semester credits. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals.

Students may be required to complete a language course at the elementary or intermediate level or demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment. Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information about your transfer-specific world language requirement.

Plan Course Electives:

Complete two (2) classes from at least two (2) of the three (3) options below:
Option One (1):
HRM110 Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Management (3) OR
HRM145 Events Management (3) OR
HRM150 Hospitality and Tourism Information Systems I (3) OR
HRM160 Tourism Principles and Practices (3) OR
HRM170 Hospitality in Healthcare and Life Care Management (3) OR
+ HRM260 Hospitality Human Resource Management (3) OR
+ HRM265 Financial Management for Hospitality and Tourism (3) 3

Option Two (2):
AJS101 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3) OR
AJS109 Substantive Criminal Law (3) OR
AJS113 Criminal Justice Crime Control Policies and Practices (3) OR
AJS123 Ethics and the Administration of Justice (3) OR
AJS124 Correctional Institutions (3) OR
AJS131 Police Management Techniques I (3) OR
AJS162 Domestic Violence (3) OR
AJS170 Fire and Arson Investigation for Law Enforcement (3) OR
AJS192 Serial Killers and Mass Murderers (3) OR
AJS195 International and Domestic Terrorism (3) OR
AJS200 Current Issues in Criminal Justice (3) OR
AJS201 Rules of Evidence (3) OR
AJS205 Effective Communication and Report Writing in Criminal Justice (3) OR
AJS211 Police Planning (3) OR
AJS212 Juvenile Justice Procedures (3) OR
AJS219 Crime Scene Technology: Physical Evidence (3) OR
AJS220 Transnational Organized Crime (3) OR
AJS230 The Police Function (3) OR
AJS240 The Correction Function (3) OR
AJS/EMT/FSC258 Victimology and Crisis Management in Public Safety (3) OR
AJS260 Procedural Criminal Law (3) OR
AJS270 Community Relations (3) OR
AJS275 Criminal Investigation I (3) OR
SWU258 Victimology and Crisis, a Social Services Perspective (3) 3

Option Three (3):
+ CIS143 Introduction to Critical Infrastructure Protection (3) OR
PAD100 21st Century Public Policy and Service (3) OR
+ PAD200 Public Affairs Economics (3) 3 

Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

  • AHM = Arts and Humanities
  • C = Cultural Diversity in the US
  • CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
  • FYC = First-Year Composition
  • H = Historical Awareness
  • HU = Humanities, Fine Arts & Design
  • IAM = Institutions of the Americas
  • L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
  • MA = Mathematics
  • SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
  • SG = Natural Sciences General
  • SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award at https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=16455941.

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Associate in Arts (AA) in Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Social Work