Associate of Applied Science - Program Map - 2025-2026
Social & Behavioral Sciences

Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Social Work prepares individuals interested in working with people to obtain entry-level employment in the Social Work field. Social Work students are sensitive and caring people who, as a result of enrollment in the Social Work Program, are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to effectively serve people in need in a variety of community and social service agencies. During the second year of the program, students enroll in two semesters of internship and are placed at social service agencies consistent with their area of interest. Admission to internships requires student completion of the first-year curriculum in Social Work and approval of Social Work faculty. Internship courses involve working a minimum of 15 hours per week at a social service agency and attending a weekly one-hour seminar class. Completion of the three DAAC courses, in addition to the AAS degree, will meet the state of Texas education and practicum requirements to test for the Licensed Chemical Dependence Counselor (LCDC) credential. These courses are also offered in the Social Work-Drug/Alcohol Abuse Counseling Certificate Program. Individuals that are already licensed as an LCDC may complete the DAAC courses for continuing education hours in order to renew their LCDC license. Licensure in the field of Social Work in the State of Texas requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited Social Work Program. The capstone course for the AAS Degree in Social Work is SCWK 2487, Internship-Social Work II.

Career Opportunities

Potential Careers: Social Workers • Intake Workers • Casework Assistants • Mental Health Technicians • Social Services Agency Coordinators • Counselors

Potential Salary: $23,240 to $65,320/year nationally, depending on career, education, location, and experience.

For more information on possible careers, education requirements, and salaries, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov

Social Work

Associate of Applied Science

First Semester

Credit Hours

ENGL

1301

Composition I (C)

3

PSYC

2301

General Psychology (CF) (SBS)

3

SCWK

2307

Human Behavior and the Social Environment I

3

SCWK

2311

Interviewing and Counseling Theories

3

SOCW

2361

Introduction to Social Work

3

15

Second Semester

Credit Hours

SCWK

1305

Group Work Intervention

3

SCWK

2301

Assessment and Case Management

3

SCWK

2372

Human Behavior and the Social Environment II

3

SOCI

1301

Introduction to Sociology (CF) (SBS)

3

SOCW

2362

Social Welfare: Legislation, Programs, and Services

3

15

Third Semester

Credit Hours

CMSW

1353

Family Intervention Strategies

3

SCWK

2331

Abnormal Behavior

3

SCWK

2486

Internship-Social Work I

4

SPCH

1315

Public Speaking (C) or

SPCH

1321

Business & Professional Communication (C)

3

Open Elective

1

14

Fourth Semester

Credit Hours

CMSW

1309

Problems of Children and Adolescents

3

MATH

1324

Mathematics for Business & Social Sciences (CF) (MNS) or

MATH

1332

Contemporary Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning) (CF) (MNS)

3

SCWK

1370

Social Work Practice and Services to Special Populations

3

SCWK

2487

Internship-Social Work II

4

Humanities or Fine Arts Elective (C) (HFA)

3

16

Total Credit Hours

60


(C) Core Curriculum Course (F) Field of Study Course

Things To Know

  • Please visit your counselor/advisor at the end of each semester to discuss your next semester's courses.
  • Some courses in this degree plan may count toward the Drug/Alcohol Abuse Counseling Certificate. Visit the above degree plans to see which courses count.
  • The Social Work program also offers a basis for entry into academic areas offering four-year and graduate degrees such as Social Work, Psychology, Social Psychology, Human Services, Education, or Counseling. Local universities accept most academic credits from El Paso Community College's Social Work program. Students should research the transferability of credits from EPCC to universities prior to taking classes at EPCC. Students should be aware that licensure in the field of Social Work in the State of Texas requires a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from an accredited Social Work program. Both the University of Texas at El Paso and New Mexico State University offer accredited Bachelor's degree programs in Social Work. Both universities also offer Master's degree programs as well. Please check with the transferring institution on the transfer and applicability of courses to specific Bachelor of Arts degrees.

Marketable Skills

By the completion of the Associate of Applied Science in Social Work, students will have gained the following marketable skills:

  • Communication: Students are effective oral and written communicators and display the ability to listen to comprehend.
  • Critical Thinking: Students can interpret and understand complex ideas to solve problems and build connections.
  • Personal Responsibility: Students demonstrate professionalism and a strong, independent work ethic.
  • Social Responsibility: Students demonstrate personal ethics, integrity, and civic engagement.
  • Teamwork: Students are effective team members and maintain respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion.