Guide to getting an associate degree in social work 

Social work is a profession of advocates, caregivers, first responders, and mentors. Social workers guide clients through life crises and difficulties with empathy, patience, and a plethora of resources learned through their education.

Social workers can find themselves working in various settings with diverse clients. For example, you can work in a hospital, aged care facility, mental health clinic, or even in an urban environment securing better quality of life for disenfranchised populations.

It is while studying for their associate degree that students begin exploring the many pathways of social work, like child protection or school social work — that can guide them to make decisions on their future work setting.

An associate degree can appeal to students with a passion for social justice, but have other commitments deterring them from a full-time 4-year degree program. Offered online and in person, in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, an associate degree in social work gives students the flexibility to learn the foundations of social work at their own pace.

What can you do with an associate in social work degree?

Although an associate degree in social work provides access to some entry-level positions in the field, to be eligible to work as a licensed social worker (LSW), students need to earn a bachelor’s degree and complete a state-certified exam. To become a certified social worker (CSW), a master’s degree in social work is required.

This makes official social work licensure and certificates hard to earn at the associate degree level. However, some states allow associate degree holders to become licensed social work assistants after passing an Association of Social Work Board exam. Associate degree holders can strengthen their applications with a first aid certification, which is recommended to social workers working with young and disabled populations.

While many students transfer directly into a 4-year social work program, some choose to gain experience and enter the field directly as social work assistants.

Social work and human and community services are set for a 17% growth between now and 2029. Although you will have to wait to earn your social work license or certificate before becoming a fully-fledged social worker, an associate degree allows you to get a taste of the profession and its responsibilities before committing to further education.

Should you get an associate degree in social work?

An associate degree is the first step in higher education that you can earn after high school. In the working world, employers prefer this degree over a standard high school diploma or GED equivalent. A college degree of any type shows a dedication to learning, strong time management skills, and a commitment to professional and academic excellence.

Although the qualifications to become a social work assistant are a high school diploma and on-the-job training, organizations like Child Protective Services (CPS) prefer candidates with experience in the field. An associate degree can substitute for professional experience, as students learn the basics of the field and how to conduct themselves professionally.

» Read: The good, bad, and frustrating nature of working in child welfare

Associate degrees can benefit adult learners who have been working in the field for some time but have not pursued higher education. Not only can your studies highlight your dedication to the profession to your employer, it may open the opportunity for their support towards any further education you may wish to follow.

The table below is a short-term comparison between the entire associate’s degree market and the associate in social work. It is a snapshot of earnings 2 years after graduation. Obviously, earning an ASW is not going to make you wealthy in the first years after your graduation ceremony. Not only does it pay less at $24,726 than a generic 2-year degree, ASW holders make the same average salary as high school diploma graduates. This career choice is driven by something other than money.

How to pick an associate in social work program

Social workers meet with clients in various face-to-face scenarios, like schools, clinics, hospitals, and even their own home. Social workers connect best with clients during in-person meetings.  Hence in-person learning opportunities are highly beneficial to social work students in terms of improving their interpersonal and communication skills. Yet, less than 10% of ASW programs are offered online which is half the market average for associate degree programs.

However, remote and online working opportunities have increased in recent years. For example, therapists can connect to clients via secure online therapy systems. Social workers can use online resources to video chat and keep up with clients, and students can achieve a quality education online. The in-person internship and fieldwork experiences begin at the bachelor’s degree level, meaning students in the associate degree program can take a fully online course load without the risk of missing out on essential skills.

Online programs are great for students with working or family responsibilities. They allow students to learn from home, sometimes even from another state. Online programs can also offer asynchronous learning opportunities, allowing students to learn at their own pace.

Though we generally recommend in-person learning opportunities for social work and human services degrees, an online associate degree can be easily completed without consequence. Students can learn from the format of their choosing and excel — just make sure the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the central accrediting body for all social work programs.

How much does an associate in social work cost?

The average cost of an associate in social work program at a public educational institution is $6,692. On average it takes graduates 7.5 years to payback this degree, which possibly is due to the average salary being $24,726.  This degree appears to not be available at private and for profit colleges.

Financial aid and scholarships for associate in social work students

As with all degree programs, the first steps in applying for most types of aid involves filling out the FAFSA form on the Federal Student Aid website.  Next step is to check the Degree Choices scholarship database for scholarships based on your academic program, state, identity, and circumstances. Finally, book an appointment to meet with the student financial aid service at your chosen college to uncover options that are provided by the school, or that you may be unaware of.

» Read: How to write an effective scholarship essay

What to expect from an associate in social work program

An associate degree in social work is often seen as a substitute for the first 2 years of a bachelor’s degree program. Students complete basic core requirements, like English and math classes, before moving focusing on social work subjects.

At the associate level, social work classes cover introductory to intermediate social work topics, that are then taken further in the bachelor’s program. At the end of this program, students have typically developed core skills like critical thinking and conflict resolution. They may also have created a professional network that can be beneficial when looking for their first paid position. Upon graduation, students can use the connections made in the program to begin working in the field.

The first step into the profession begins at the associate degree level, where vital emotional and physical skills like empathy and case file management are learned. This degree is typically offered in 2-year and community colleges and can be completed within 60 credit hours. Upon graduation, students can transfer to a 4-year college program, and after another 2 years of study, possibly graduate with a bachelor’s degree in social work.

» Read: Getting the support you need at community college

Entry into an associate degree program requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Students need to submit academic letters of recommendation, resume, and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. Some programs may require a clean background check before admission.

Note, students looking to transfer to a bachelor of social work (BSW) after earning their associate degree, should check with the program regarding how many transfer hours can be accepted and for additional requirements.

What type of courses are there in an ASW?

Although some variations exist between programs, here are some of the standard classes found in an associate degree program:

What other degrees are there in social work?

As mentioned above, people with a bachelor’s degree, certification, and licensure are ideal for most working positions. However, higher degrees are available after a bachelor’s degree to further refine a social worker’s education while opening additional job opportunities.

At the master of social work (MSW) level, students begin more hands-on field training, often shadowed by professionals during their 2 years of work. Students customize their education at this level to the population and social service of their choosing.

A doctoral degree in social work (DSW) is the terminal degree for the profession. It allows students direct access to teaching positions, research work, and practice in a clinical setting for research and rehabilitation.

What careers can I have with an associate in social work?

Those with an associate degree in social work can find their way in the field without licenses or certificates. Though positions can be limited, they remain vital to the community, often acting as an intermediary between a licensed social worker or healthcare worker and the clientele.

Depending on the organization, associate degree holders can work with various age groups in many ways, like outreach, program education, aid, and research. A bachelor’s degree will often be prioritized over an associate degree, but hard workers can still find a job in some popular fields below.