Online Associate Degrees in Social Work: Reviewing Programs

Profiling Top Online Social Work AA/AS Programs

Earning an associate degree in social work 100% online is a convenient way to work around your existing obligations and schedule while becoming a social worker. In fact, many schools have fully online programs, so finding one that suits your needs is possible. When looking at online programs, it may be a good idea to select one within your state if you intend to seek licensure later in your career.

Typically, it takes two years to earn a social work associate degree. Some programs may be completed within one year, though this is rare. Other programs offer a longer, part-time track. While these tracks typically take three or four years to complete, the coursework is easier to balance with a full-time job or other responsibilities.

Student Support: Social Work FAQs

How much will it cost to earn an associate in social work degree online?

Getting an associate degree in social work can be pricey. From the programs we looked at, the average tuition cost for the entire degree was $9,107. However, it’s possible to find a more affordable program, and financial aid resources are available to help offset the cost.

What are the admission requirements for an online associate degree in social work?

Admissions requirements for an associate degree in social work vary, though most schools share a few common requirements. These include submitting high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and letters of recommendation from teachers. Some programs may also require students to write an essay or answer a few short questions about their interest in social work.

Do I need additional certification or licensure to work as a social worker with an associate degree?

You’ll find differing social work licensure requirements state-by-state; depending on your desired job, you may need state licensure to work as a social worker. In most states, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is required to apply for licensure. However, some jobs require only an associate degree in social work and thus don’t require additional certificates or licenses. Job titles that are accessible to those with an associate degree include social work assistant and human services assistant.

How much can I make with an associate degree?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers make about $55,350 annually. Since this statistic pulls from the salaries of social workers with varying education levels, someone with an associate degree most likely will make less. For an idea of businesses that employ social workers and specific jobs you might do, check out this guide from the University of Cincinnati.

What careers will an associate’s degree in social work qualify me for?

It’s true that most social work jobs prefer a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, but there are a number of social work careers available to those with an associate degree. Previous work experience and connections in your community, especially with nonprofits and social-impact organizations, will help. Often, smaller, community-oriented nonprofits who are working with limited resources are looking for support staff with associate degrees and a passion for the field.

Depending on the state you live in, you may even be able to get licensed as a social worker with an associate degree, though many states require at least a bachelor’s degree. Even if that’s the case, there are some specific non-licensure entry-level roles you may qualify for. Look for entry-level roles as a social work assistant, community outreach worker, or case manager assistant. Keep in mind that these roles usually come with lower pay than you’d get with a bachelor’s or master’s degree—but they’re still a great start in the field.

Common Courses for Social Work Degrees

An associate degree in social work is an opportunity to learn the foundations of the field. Many of the courses focus on introducing students to the varied concepts and subfields within social work. For a better idea of what classes often cover, we outlined five common course topics below and provided real-world examples.

Case Management Skills

Social workers often manage cases with many moving parts, which makes this course crucial to providing associate degree social work students with job-ready skills. Many schools, such as San Antonio College, host an introductory course focused on case management and/or provide a licensure track for this skill set.

Introduction to Psychology

Social work is heavily based on psychology. As a result, many social work associate degree programs require students to take a general course in psychology where they learn the history of the field and the fundamentals of human behavior. Some programs may also require a course in sociology, though psychology is more common.

Introduction to Social Work

Almost every degree we looked at included an introductory course to social work. Typically taken in a student’s first semester, this class offers an overview of the field and outlines the most important concepts for students to know. Reading Area Community College is one of the many schools with this course.

Practicum

While not a requirement of every associate degree social work program, some require students to complete a practicum in the field of social work. This practicum allows them to gain hands-on experience and apply what they learn to a real-world setting. Central Ohio Technical College’s associate degree in social work, for example, offers a practicum.

Social Workers in Healthcare Settings

A 2022 study suggests social workers can help improve outcomes in healthcare settings. As a result, more hospitals are hiring social workers to support patients. Many universities, such as Georgia Military College, offer courses on social work within healthcare to help students understand how to meet this growing need.

Resources for Social Work Advancement

• Association for Community Organization and Social Action: This group provides helpful resources to social workers, including those studying in this field. Resources include professional development, networking, and more.
• Child, Family, and School Social Workers Career Video: Many social workers help children and families within the community. This video explains more about this career path and who might benefit from a job as a child and family social worker.
• Healthcare Social Workers Career Video: Wondering what a healthcare social worker does and if this is the right career path for you? This video explains everything you need to know.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Career Video: For those who have a passion for social work and mental health, becoming a mental health social worker is an excellent career path. Watch this video to learn more.
• National Association of Social Workers: This organization provides career resources, networking opportunities, and more for student social workers. Some resources are available free while others can be accessed with a student membership.

Top Picks: Online Social Work AA/AS Programs

With so many online social work associate degree programs available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. We’ve done the homework for you with our comprehensive listing of online programs, ranked according to availability, affordability, and student outcomes. By using our list, you can identify the features that are most important to you and sort through the options to determine which programs are the best match for your needs.