Social Work
Associate of Arts Degree Psychology · San Diego City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Summary
Social Work is an applied behavioral science that emphasizes the application of behavioral science principles in a variety of cultural contexts. Social Work students are expected to think critically and scientifically about behavior, to apply the principles of the behavioral sciences, and to understand the role of values in diverse cultural settings. As a profession, social work focuses on methods for helping people from many different social groups to improve the quality of their lives.
Award Note: The Associate Degree requires a minimum of 60 degree applicable semester units.
Learning Outcome(s): Students who complete the Social Work Program will be able to:
- Recognize, identify, assess, and address key concepts in aging (e.g., physical and mental health, exercise, nutrition, the normal aging process, etc.) affecting optimal aging and older adulthood functioning.
- Identify and compare the various public benefits available through local, state, federal, public assistance programs.
- Identify and make referral to appropriate services.
- Recognize and identify risk of caregiver stress, particularly in caring for individuals suffering from Alzheimer's and other dementia.
- Make a report of an incident or suspected incident of an abuse/ neglect of dependent adults and elders.
Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR: | 22 | |
| HUMS 110 | Social Work Fields of Service | 3 |
| HUMS 120 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| BIOL 107 | General Biology-Lecture and Laboratory | 4 |
| ECON C2002 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 258 | Behavioral Science Statistics | 3 |
| orSTAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| SOCO 101 | Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| PSYC 161 | Introduction to Counseling | 3 |
| PSYC 230 | Psychology of Lifespan Development | 3 |
| PSYC 245 | Introduction to Clinical Psychology | 3 |
| SOCO 110 | Contemporary Social Problems | 3 |