Social Work, A.A.
The Social Work profession focuses on helping individuals, families, and communities thrive by providing direct and indirect services and working to improve social conditions. Bachelor’s degree programs prepare students for careers in various agencies such as child welfare, mental health, and shelters. Community college students are encouraged to complete an Associate in Arts degree before transferring. Students should consult their advisors about specific program requirements, as admission to bachelor’s programs is competitive.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Social Work?
With a degree in social work, you can pursue a variety of rewarding careers helping
individuals, families, and communities. Opportunities include working in child welfare,
mental health, hospitals, schools, substance abuse programs, shelters, and correctional
facilities. You can also advance to roles such as case manager, counselor, community
service coordinator, or policy advocate.
A social work degree prepares you to make a positive impact and support those in need
while opening pathways to further education and specialized fields within social services.
Suggested Curriculum
This suggested curriculum prepares students for a career in social work by providing
a strong foundation in communication, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. It
includes core courses in psychology, sociology, economics, and government, along with
electives in anatomy and physiology. Community college students are encouraged to
complete an Associate in Arts degree before transferring to a bachelor’s program,
which will open opportunities in fields like child welfare, mental health, and community
services.
Area A: Communication (9 credits)
- ENG 101 Composition I (C1 900) - with a grade of C or better
- ENG 102 Composition II (C1 901R) - with a grade of C or better
- COMM 101 Principles of Communication (C2 900)
Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts (9 credits)
Any Literature course from the list for Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts
- PHILO 203 Introduction to Logic (H4 906)
Select an additional course in fine arts or interdisciplinary humanities/fine arts from the list for Area B.
Area C: Mathematics (3 credits)
- MATH 115 General Education Statistics (M1 902)
Area D: Physical and Life Sciences (7-8 credits)
- BIOL 100 General Education Biology (IAI: L1 900L)
Select one physical science course from the list for Area D.
Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences (9 credits)
- ANTHR 222 Introduction to Cultural and Social Anthropology (IAI: S1 901N)
- PSYCH 101 Introduction to Psychology (S6 900)
- SOCIO 101 Introduction to Sociology (S7 900)
- ECON 201 Macroeconomic Principles (S3 901)
- POLSC 140 Introduction to U.S. Government and Politics (S5 900)
- PSYCH 102 Human Growth and Development: Life Span (S6 902)
- SOCIO 201 Introduction to Social Work or
- SWK 201 Introduction to Social Work
- BIOL 108 Essentials of Anatomy Physiology
Select additional courses from the list of Courses Approved for Transfer or contact the universities you are considering.
Each college and university has its own major requirements and transfer policies. Consult the schools you are considering and a PSC advisor to discuss courses and their transferability.
Faculty Contact Information
Andrew (Andy) Schott
Professor, Political Science
Email: aschott@prairiestate.edu
Phone: (708) 709-3624
Office: 2165
Prairie State College provides a comprehensive array of resources designed to foster student success and well-being. These include disability support services, health and safety protocols, career development counseling, and personal support. Academic assistance is readily available through tutoring, advising, and library services, while transfer advising and campus security ensure a safe and seamless college experience. Additionally, the college offers various financial aid options to help students achieve their educational objectives.
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