Programs and Courses
Social Work
General Information
For Information: Eileen Johnston
Phone: 623.845.3280
Student Goals: Transfer, Career-related
Those who have completed a baccalaureate or master’s degree in Social Work (BSW or MSW) pursue careers in which they attempt to alleviate problems of individuals, families, and communities through counseling, group therapy, referrals, and arrangements for assistance with housing, medical, financial, or other needs and difficulties. A social work background is also beneficial in child welfare, family services, rehabilitation, public welfare, probation work, mental health, legal aid, recreation, and adoption agencies. Students take social work (SWU) courses:
- To Prepare for a Major in Social Work at a four-year institution. Students are strongly advised to consult the catalog of that institution in planning their transfer programs. SWU102 and 291 parallel ASU Main and ASU west campus courses. Students should contact ASU’s School of Social Work regarding admission a year in advance of their planned transfer.
- As Needed Background in preparation for an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in the Human Services Program. This program prepares students for entry-level employment. See the Human Services Program in this catalog on page 208 for required SWU courses.
Note: Students should consult with a department advisor in planning their academic schedule in order to complete degree requirements in an expedient manner. Required courses may not be available every semester or year. Due to limited course offerings, degree seeking students may find it necessary to extend completion time lines and attend both day and evening classes.
Special Skill Levels Needed: College level reading, writing, and math skills.
Associate in Transfer Partnership Degree - Social Work
The Associate in Transfer Partnership Degree (ATP) is specifically developed for students who have identified Social Work as a major and are planning to transfer to Arizona State University Main (ASUM) or Arizona State University west campus (ASUW).
The ATP degree requires a core of general education credits in the following general education categories: First-Year Composition (6 credits); Mathematics (3 credits); Natural Sciences (4 credits); and Humanities and Fine Arts/Social and Behavioral Sciences or related area general education requirements (6 credits). Also included in the ATP degree are the general education and major requirements to meet the lower division requirements of the major at the baccalaureate degree-granting institution. The ATP degree must consist of at least a minimum of 60 credits but no more than 64 credit hours.
The ATP in Social Work does not assure admission to the specific program at the baccalaureate degree-granting institution. Students participating in the ATP degree will be treated as “native” students by the upper division institution in terms of course evaluation and course changes.
Advising is a critical element of the ATP degree, students must work closely with a community college program advisor. Upon completion of 36 credit hours, including the 19 credit hour general education core, students are strongly encouraged to meet with an ASU College of Human Services advisor, or a MCCCD academic advisor regarding the selection of course work to complete the minimum 60 credits. Students are responsible for periodic meetings with the community college advisor and, if/when determined necessary, with the appropriate baccalaureate degree-granting institution academic advisor.
Course Descriptions
Course Availability: (F) Fall, (S) Spring, (D) Day, (E) Evening, (Su1) Summer 1, (Su2) Summer 2, (O) Occasionally, (+) indicates course prerequisities
Social Work (SWU)
SWU102
Introduction to Social Work / 3 credits 3 periods
An introduction to the fields within the area of social work through a study of the disciplines of social case work, social group work, and community organization. Opportunities to experience the various techniques of practice within each discipline. Required for students enrolled in the associate degree program of the social work curriculum. Prerequisites: Eligibility for ENG101 and CRE101. (F,S,D,E) Note: SWU102 meets both a Historical and Social & Behavioral Science requirement.
SWU202
Social Agency Practices / 1 credit 1 period
Review and analysis of problems and situations which develop during the student’s internship experience. Social agency structure, operations, procedures, and delivery of services. Prerequisites: SOC101, SWU102, and permission of the instructor. Corequisites: Concurrent enrollment in first semester of SWU210. (F,S,D)
SWU210AA Human Services Internship / 2 credits 2 periods
SWU210AB Human Services Internship / 3 credits 3 periods
Work experience in community service organizations. 80 hours of designated work per credit. Maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisites: SOC101, SWU102, and permission of program director or department chairperson. (F,S)
SWU220
Co-Occurring Disorders / 3 credits 3 periods
Concepts of chemical use, abuse, and addiction examined from several perspectives. Concepts integrated from different disciplines and technologies. Addresses issues of psychiatric and substance abuse disorders that commonly occur together. Prerequisites: BHS/SWU130 or permission of instructor. (S,E)
SWU258
Victimology and
Crisis Management / 3 credits 3 periods
Focuses on victimology and techniques of crises intervention; and the importance of multicultural perspective. Includes coverage of sexual assault, family violence, child abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, coping skills, stress management, and community resources. Prerequisites: None. (O)
SWU275
Case Report Writing / 3 credits 3 periods
Includes privacy and legal issues, and use of resources in preparing reports. Terminology and characteristics of a good written report. Prerequisites: SWU102. Prerequisites or Corequisites: ENG102. (S,E)
SWU291
Social Service
Delivery Systems / 3 credits 3 periods
Purposes, structures, and delivery systems of human service agencies. Includes 40 hours of volunteer experience in local human service agencies. Prerequisites or Corequisites: SWU102, or SWU271, or permission of the department. (F,S)
SWU292
Effective Helping in
a Diverse World / 3 credits 3 periods
Introduction to professional helper communication skills with respect to cross-cultural practice and diversity issues, in a social work setting. Prerequisites: (SOC101 and SWU102) or SWU271 suggested but not required. (O)


