Are you interested in working with people and giving back to your community? If so, a career in Social Work and Human Services may be right for you.
In the field of Social Work and Human Services, professionals focus on helping individuals, families, and communities address social problems, enhance well-being, and access necessary resources and support systems. Practitioners in this field work to promote social justice, empower vulnerable populations, and strengthen society as a whole through direct services, advocacy, policy development, and community organization.
Careers in Mental Health, Government, and Education
The field of Social Work and Human Services offers many different educational and career pathways. Examples of careers that can begin with an associate degree in Social Work and Human Services include:
- Rehabilitation Counselor*
- Substance Abuse/Addiction Counselor
- Social Worker
- Art Therapist*
- Psychologist*
- Marriage, Family & Child Counselor*
- Mental Health Counseling*
- Mental Health Technician
- Human Service Worker
- Crisis Hotline and Suicide Prevention Counselor
- Behavioral Therapist/Analyst*
- Community Social Service Provider
- Certified Wellness Coach
*May require additional education. Please see a counselor for additional information.
Transfer Opportunities and Pathways
Careers in Social Work and Human Services have varying educational requirements depending on the position and licensing requirements. Some positions require an associate degree (like the one offered at College of Marin), others require a bachelor's degree, and still others require a master's degree. Social work programs can be found at many colleges and universities across the United States. Find the right pathway for you!
- Search for Social Work programs (BA and MSW) in the United States
- Discover more about the Social Work profession including career and education opportunities
- Research Social Work programs (BA and MSW) at the CSUs
- Learn what major prep courses you need to take in order to transfer to the UCs or CSUs
- Get to work as a Certified Wellness Coach in California with the AA-T Social Work and Human Services!
Associate in Arts for Transfer: Social Work and Human Services (AA-T)
Total Major Units: 60
This degree is primarily intended for the student who wants to earn a degree on the way to transferring to a California State University. Through this program, students gain knowledge of human service delivery systems, develop communication skills for working with individuals, groups, and diverse populations, and learn case management techniques. Students will also acquire hands-on field experience in human service agencies. The curriculum covers fundamental concepts, principles, and theories in social work and human services, while fostering critical thinking about societal conditions that create the need for social services.
This program map represents just one possible pathway to complete the Social Work & Human Services program at College of Marin. See a counselor to create a personalized education plan that is customized to meet your academic goals.
YEAR 1: Fall Semester
| Course | Required for major | Cal-GETC GE Area | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ENGL C1000: Academic Reading and Writing |
1A | 3 | |
|
PSYC C1000: Introduction to Psychology* or SOC 110: Introduction to Sociology* |
X | 4 | 3 |
|
STAT C1000: Introduction to Statistics |
X | 2 | 4 |
|
Cal-GETC 6: Ethnic Studies—choose 1 |
6 | 3 | |
| Total units | 14 |
*PSYC C1000 or SOC 110 is a prerequisite for SWHS 120A. Both are required for the degree.
YEAR 1: Spring Semester
| Course | Required for major | Cal-GETC GE Area | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SWHS 110: Introduction to Social Work and Humans Services (SPRING ONLY) |
X | 3 | |
|
PSYC C1000: Introduction to Psychology or SOC 110: Introduction to Sociology |
X | 4 | 3 |
|
ENGL C1001: Critical Thinking and Writing** |
X | 1B | 4 |
|
COMM C1000: Introduction to Public Speaking or COMM 100: Introduction to Communication |
1C | 3 | |
|
COUN 130: Career Life Skills Planning or Other Elective units |
3 | ||
| Total units | 16 |
**ENGL C1001 can double count as LIST A major requirement and General Education
YEAR 2: Fall Semester
| Course | Required for major | Cal-GETC GE Area | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SWHS 120A: Social Work and Human Services Seminar*** (FALL ONLY) |
X | 1 | |
|
SWHS 120B: Social Work and Human Services Fieldwork*** (FALL ONLY) |
X | 2 | |
|
ECON 101: Principles of Macroeconomics or ECON 102: Principles of Microeconomics |
X | 4 | 3 |
|
Cal-GETC 3A: Arts—choose 1 |
3A | 3 | |
|
BIOL 110: Introduction to Biology or BIOL 107: Human Biology |
X | 5B | 3 |
| Electives | 3 | ||
| Total units | 15 |
***SWHS 120A and 120B must be taken concurrently. Both have the prerequisites of SWHS 110 and PSYC C1000 or SOC 110.
YEAR 2: Spring Semester
| Course | Required for major | Cal-GETC GE Area | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Major LIST A—choose 1 |
X | 3 | |
|
Cal-GETC 3B: Humanities—choose 1 |
X | 3 | |
|
Cal-GETC 5A: Physical Science—choose 1 |
X | 3 | |
|
Cal-GETC 5C: Science lab—choose 1 |
X | 3 | |
|
Electives**** |
5 | ||
| Total units | 15 |
****Elective units may vary depending on Cal-GETC courses selected. Please see a counselor for your specific educational goals.