Social Work: US-Mexico Border Emphasis
A.A. - Transfer Degree
Learn more about transfer options below.
Students in this major receive a foundation in the social sciences, language and related fields that prepares them to meet the demands of promoting human and community well-being. Graduates will be ready to enter university baccalaureate study versed in the underpinnings of the field of social work. "Guided by a person and environment construct, a global perspective, respect for human diversity, and knowledge based on scientific inquiry, social work's purpose is actualized through its quest for social and economic justice, the prevention of conditions that limit human rights, the elimination of poverty, and the enhancement of the quality of life for all persons." (Council on Social Work Education, 2008, p. 1)
Program Purpose
This program is designed to prepare students to enter university programs to earn baccalaureate and graduate degrees in the field of Social Work. Graduates will demonstrate (1) basic knowledge of social work theory that will prepare them to transfer to university social work programs; and(2) critical thinking skills in AWC’s General Education focus areas.
Learning Outcomes
- Articulate the rationale for entering the social work field.
- Articulate a rudimentary understanding of social work Code of Ethics and how it applies to their professional development.
- Completed 25 volunteer service learning hours.
Program Map
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
This program map has been updated for new students starting in Fall 2025 (or after) to reflect the new Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements. Students following previous catalogs can find corresponding program maps in Self-Service/Student Planning. For official requirements, refer to the AWC Catalog.
The recommended plan below meets all program requirements. If the classes listed as recommended don’t align with your schedule or interests, alternative options are available. Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan or schedule an appointment with your Faculty Advisor or the Advisement Services Office.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation (AGEC certificate also included)
First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Freshman Composition I/GE | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| MAT 142 | College Mathematics/GE (or higher) | 3 | GE-Quantitative Reasoning |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology/GE | 3 | Major Requirement |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology/GE | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| SPC 215 | Public Speaking/GE | 3 | GE-Oral Communication |
| 15 |
Milestones:
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Research University Degree Program options
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
Second Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 102 | Freshman Composition II/GE | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| FAS 185 | Family Communication Skills | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| SOC 250 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 | Major Requirement |
| BIO 160 | Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology/GE | 4 | GE-Natural Sciences |
| CIS 120 | Intro to Comp Info Systems/GE | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 240 | Racial/Ethnic Relations | 3 | Major Requirement |
| HIS 280 | History of Mexico | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| PHI 105 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| INST/AME | Choose one course from Institutions in the Americas | 3 | GE-Institutions in the Americas |
| 12 |
Milestones:
- If transferring, apply to universities
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Visit universities campus
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAS 204 | Gender Relations/GE | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| PSY 238 | Human Development | 3 | Major Requirement |
| PSY 230 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| ART/HUM | Choose one course from Arts & Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| ELE | Choose an elective course (100 or higher) | 4 | General Elective |
| 17 |
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities
Transfer Information
| UNIVERSITY / LOCATION | DEGREE | MAJOR | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University - Downtown Phoenix, West and Tucson Campuses | BSW | Social Work | 4th Semester Proficiency |
| Northern Arizona University - Flagstaff and Online | BSW | Social Work | None |
Transfer Tools
AZTransfer will provide you with more information and tools on how to transfer to ASU, NAU, and UofA.
Need help with transferring? The AWC Transfer Services office can provide you with individualized help to explore degree pathways and specific university requirements. Visit their website or schedule an appointment with a transfer specialist.