Social work is a fulfilling and rewarding career path for those who want to help people and make a difference in their communities. While some social workers hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree an associate degree in social work (ASW) provides an accessible entry point into the field. In this article we’ll explore what a two year social work degree entails and how it can launch your career.
What is a Two Year Social Work Degree?
A two year associate’s degree in social work (ASW) introduces students to social work foundations, theories, skills, and values. Coursework covers topics like:
- Human growth, behavior, and development
- Social issues, policy, and services
- Communication, assessment, and interviewing
- Field experience/internships
This well-rounded curriculum readies graduates for entry-level roles or transfer to 4-year bachelor of social work (BSW) programs.
While specific program options and requirements vary, a typical ASW degree comprises 60 credits over two years of full-time study. Some colleges offer part-time, online/hybrid, and accelerated program options as well.
Key Benefits of Earning an ASW
Pursuing a two year social work degree offers many advantages
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Lower cost: ASW programs take less time and money to complete than a 4-year BSW.
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Transferable credits: Many ASW credits transfer to BSW programs, saving you time and money.
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Career exploration: ASWs allow you to explore social work basics before committing to a BSW or MSW.
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Hands-on training: Internships let you gain invaluable real-world experience.
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Job opportunities: ASWs open doors to entry-level roles in case management, advocacy, and social services.
While an ASW alone doesn’t lead to licensure, it equips graduates with fundamental knowledge and skills for the field.
What You Can Do With a 2-Year Social Work Degree
While licensure requires a BSW or MSW, ASW graduates can pursue valuable entry-level roles including:
- Social services assistant
- Case management aide
- Intake coordinator
- Patient advocate
- Behavioral aide
- Group home worker
- Residential counselor
- Crisis hotline counselor
These positions allow you to utilize your training in a clinical or community-based setting. You’ll gain work experience that helps inform your career goals.
According to PayScale, associate-level social workers earn an average base salary of $41,000 per year. With additional experience and education, salaries grow significantly.
Finding the Right 2-Year Social Work Program
When researching ASW programs, consider factors like location, cost, accreditation status, and transferability. Look for a program that aligns with your academic and career objectives.
Public community colleges often offer very affordable ASW degrees with transfer pathways to state universities. For instance:
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Lawson State Community College in Alabama offers an AAS in Social Work for just $125 per credit hour.
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At Yavapai College in Arizona, in-state students pay only $98 per credit for the ASW program.
For convenience and flexibility, online ASW programs are also available at certain schools.
The Path From an ASW to BSW and MSW
An associate degree in social work serves as a stepping stone on the path to more advanced credentials. Here is the typical educational journey:
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2 years: Earn an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science in Social Work
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2 more years: Complete a Bachelor of Social Work at a 4-year college
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2+ years: Obtain a Master of Social Work for specialized practice and licensure
Many students transfer seamlessly from an ASW program into a BSW at a partner university. Advisors can help you chart this course.
Tips for Choosing the Right ASW Program
- Review accreditation status and transfer options
- Compare curriculum and field experiences
- Evaluate student resources and career support
- Determine if online or on-campus fits your needs
- Calculate total costs including tuition, fees, books, housing, etc.
- Research admission requirements and deadlines
- Look for financial aid such as scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study
Thorough program research helps you find the ASW degree that matches your goals and budget.
Why a 2-Year Degree is a Smart Choice
While some seek to jump right into a BSW, starting with an ASW has many advantages:
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It allows time to confirm your interest in social work before pursuing a 4-year degree.
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You can boost your academic performance in a smaller program before transferring.
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It enables you to get early work experience through internships.
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You’ll save substantially on overall education costs.
For many aspiring social workers, an associate degree serves as an accessible, affordable path to launch their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2-Year Social Work Degrees
What types of jobs can I get with an ASW?
While you can’t become a licensed social worker with an ASW alone, you qualify for entry-level roles like social services assistant, case manager assistant, patient advocate, intake coordinator, and residential counselor.
Do ASW credits transfer to BSW programs?
Many public community colleges have articulation agreements with state universities, allowing seamless transfer of credits from ASW to BSW programs. Meet with an advisor to map out this pathway.
Should I earn an ASW or jump right to a BSW?
It depends on your career timeline, budget, and readiness for university study. An ASW allows time to confirm your interest while saving on costs. Direct BSW admission is best for those set on licensure.
Can I earn an ASW degree online?
Yes, many schools offer online or hybrid ASW programs with a mix of asynchronous and synchronous learning. These flexible options allow distance students to progress through the degree.
How much financial aid is available for an ASW?
In addition to affordable tuition at public schools, ASW students can qualify for federal and state grants, loans, work-study funds, and scholarships to offset educational costs.
Start Your Social Work Journey With an ASW
A two year associate’s degree in social work offers a cost-effective, accessible entry point to gain core knowledge, hands-on skills, and work experience for the field. While not a direct path to licensure, an ASW provides crucial foundations for social work practice, allowing you to confirm your career choice before pursuing more advanced credentials. Research programs carefully to find the right fit for your goals and budget.
Associate of Science Degree
Make a difference in the lives of others and provide a voice to those who can’t be heard through a career in the field of Social Work. Careers in social work are well paying and include a wide range of opportunities and workplaces. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2019 – 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway degree at Century College provides a powerful option for your education in social work: the first two years of a social work bachelor’s degree that transfers to all 7 Minnesota State universities. The Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway degree is specifically designed to meet the demands of students’ busy lives – providing flexible scheduling, 12-week semesters, and multiple starting points. You will gain real-world experience in the social work field through a practical skills course offered in the first semester and internship opportunity.
By completing the Pre-Social Work Transfer Pathway degree at Century College and then transferring for your bachelor’s degree, you will save thousands on your education through affordable tuition rates and financial aid options, while avoiding student loan debt.
Planning for Your Program
As a two-year public community and technical college, Century College receives funding from the State of Minnesota, keeping tuition rates significantly lower than private colleges and universities. With affordable tuition rates and financial aid and scholarship opportunities, our students avoid student loan debt.
Century College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and our programs qualify for financial aid including grants, loans, and college work-study. Eligibility for financial aid is determined annually based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Century College’s Federal School Code is 010546.
Each year, the Century College Foundation awards more than $300,000 in scholarships to Century College students involved in several areas of study. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.
