There are few things more rewarding than a career in social work. Everyday, these compassionate professionals help people through the most vulnerable moments of their lives. But learning how to do that can seem intimidating and expensive. In California, it doesn’t have to be.
Over 50 schools in California offer associate degrees in social work, human services, and other related fields. With this entry-level degree, you can jump right into your career or pursue more advanced studies and become an informed advocate for at-risk people everywhere.
In this guide, you’ll find information on everything from typical classes and average costs to career options. If you’re ready to explore associate social work degree programs, the list at the end includes detailed descriptions of the most affordable options in California.
The Curriculum: What You’ll Learn Through an Associate Degree Program in Social Work or Human Services
Associate degrees in social work and human services programs focus on the fundamentals. You’ll likely take classes about human behavior, counseling skills, case management, and different types of social service agencies and what they do. Some programs even give students the chance to complete an internship at a local service agency.
However, many programs teach more than basic social work skills. Depending on which school you attend, you might have the option to choose a specialty like:
- Child welfare.
- Substance abuse.
- Mental health.
- Social justice.
- Working with seniors.
- Victim advocacy and forensic social work.
In addition to social service classes, you’ll also likely have to take general education classes in math, science, and humanities.
Timeline and Formats
An associate degree in social work or human services can be earned in two years as a full-time student. Part-time students often earn their degrees in anywhere from three to four years.
You’ll have to earn about 60 credit hours (which is about 20 classes) to earn your degree. Fortunately, most associate degree programs offer classes in-person, online, or as a mix of both.
Average Tuition and Financial Aid Resources
Based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the estimated average tuition for associate degrees in social work or human services in California is about $2,600. This represents the tuition for full-time in-state students who complete their degrees in two years. Tuition for part-time or out-of-state students may differ. Books, materials, and other costs are not included.
If that doesn’t fit in your budget, California has some stellar financial aid programs for associate degree and community college students.
- Cal Grant Community College Entitlement Awards. These state-sponsored grants for low and middle-income community college students can be used for books, fees, living expenses, and tuition. However, the amount and what you can use it for may depend on which type of grant you qualify for.
- Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement Award. This grant is similar to the Community College Entitlement Award, but is specifically for students who want to transfer to a four-year university.
- California College Promise Grant. Through this program, California residents can attend some community colleges without paying any fees. Not all colleges participate, but many do.
Remember to explore each school’s scholarship opportunities. Some schools even have their own Promise programs that make education free for qualifying students.
Learn more about scholarships and financial aid available to social work students in California.
Types of Associate Degrees
There are three main types of associate degrees. While they’re all similar, they’re designed to help different types of students meet their goals:
- Associate of arts (AA). AA programs often take a liberal arts approach. This means that along with taking social service classes, you’ll also take classes on broader subjects like history, psychology, or even philosophy. These types of programs are great for students who want to take on administration, leadership, or advocacy roles.
- Associate of science (AS). As the name suggests, AS programs tend to focus more on hard sciences. The curriculum often includes classes on anatomy, pharmacology, and statistics. Students who want to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), researchers, or have a specific career in mind often earn AS degrees.
- Associate in Arts for Transfer (AAT). AATs are designed for students who want to transfer to a four-year university after earning their degree. In some cases, all of your credits may transfer and you can enroll in a bachelor’s program as a junior. Each school has its own policy, but most of California’s community colleges have transfer agreements with University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) schools.
These differences aren’t always as concrete as they seem. Many students transfer after earning an AA or AS. And if you want a more science-based education, you may still find it through an AA program. Either way, be sure to work with counselors, admissions staff, and other faculty to determine if a program is right for you.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Associate Degree in Social Work or Human Services?
Social work agencies of all kinds typically see associate degrees as entry-level degrees. But entry-level jobs aren’t small — they’re important to getting people the right kind of help when they need it the most.
With an associate’s degree in social work or human services, you might become a(n):
- Case manager who connects clients to the right services and coordinates with all kinds of specialists.
- Counselor who can guide people through mental health issues, addiction, grief, or almost any other struggle.
- Eligibility specialist who teaches clients about services they qualify for and helps them sign up.
- Volunteer or community coordinator who brings people together in the name of equity and service.
- Outreach worker on the frontlines of California’s fight against poverty and homelessness.
Whether you want to make a difference while you gain experience or go on to earn a BSW or Master’s in Social Work (MSW), your journey starts here.
California’s Most Affordable Social Work and Human Service Associate Degree Programs
The programs on this list all fall under the average estimated tuition rate of $2,600. Many are California Community Colleges with transfer agreements with schools across the state. No matter your goals, budget, or location, there’s a program tailored to you.
Allan Hancock College
Human Services Program
Santa Maria, CA
Website
AS in Human Services (On-campus)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,292
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $19,752
Also offers:
- Concentration in addiction studies.
- Certificates in areas like addiction studies, co-occurring disorders, family services, family studies, and advanced helping skills.
- Local high school graduates can study at AHC for free during their first year.
- Offers 14 different scholarships like the Community Commitment Scholarship and Native American Scholarship.
With an addiction concentration and 15 different certificates and degrees to choose from, AHC offers one of the most dynamic associate social work degree programs in California. In their first semester, students are introduced to the field through classes on counseling and case management. The generalist track includes courses on broad yet career-ready skills like crisis intervention. On the addiction studies track, students dive into how different substances affect the brain and body. Both tracks include a fieldwork experience so students can observe professionals at work and practice their new skills. Their addiction studies program is certified by the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE) and designed to help students pass the CAADE Treatment Specialist certification exam.
Berkeley City College
Social Sciences Department
Berkeley, CA
Website
AAT in Social Work and Human Services (On-campus and hybrid)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,296
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $18,433
Also offers:
- Free non-credit certificates in Mental Health and Community Health
- Peer Support Specialist Certificate
- Some semesters, BCC allows students to enroll without paying any fees.
- Students who earn the AAT in Social Work and Human Services can transfer to CSU schools as juniors with priority admission.
To prepare students for diverse careers in social services, BCC’s core curriculum includes classes on biology, sociology, psychology, and statistics. Their more advanced courses cover topics like minority groups and child development. But what makes this program stand out is its one-on-one student peer support service. But human service students can’t just take advantage of this unique program — they can actually become mental health ambassadors themselves, host support groups, and get paid as they use their talents to help the BCC community.
Cabrillo College
Human Services Department
Aptos, CA
Website
AS in Human Services (On-campus, online, and hybrid)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,524
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $18,608
Also offers:
- Concentrations in drug and alcohol studies, aging, and general practice.
- Certificates in drug and alcohol studies, family development, and general human services practice.
- Cabrillo College’s Career Services department hosts career fairs and an online job and internship board.
- In 2022, 56% of Cabrillo College students received financial aid. On average, they received just over $4,700 in grants and scholarships.
Cabrillo College’s human services associate degree program takes a hands-on approach to education. Along with learning skills like group counseling and addiction intervention, students are introduced to the technologies and resources they’ll use in their careers. Through internships and independent study classes, students get to learn from working professionals and explore topics they’re passionate about. Whether you’re looking to start your social work career or getting ready for a more advanced degree, Cabrillo College is a great choice.
Chabot College
Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education Pathway
Hayward, CA
Website
AS in Human Services (On-campus with online classes available)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,306
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $16,608
Also offers:
- Certificate in behavioral health.
- AAT in social work and human services.
- Many courses are designed to help students get transfer credit at CSU schools.
- First-time college students enrolled full-time can enroll with no fees during their first year.
If you know you want to get into social work but aren’t sure which direction to take, Chabot College’s human services program can help you get started. You’ll learn skills like case management, culturally-informed counseling, and addiction intervention — skills you can use in just about any kind of social work agency. The course schedule also leaves plenty of room for hands-on practicum experiences and electives. So whether you think learning American Sign Language or studying environmental science will help you find your dream job, Chabot College’s faculty can help you design a schedule that fits your needs.
Coastline Community College
Psychology and Human Services Department
Fountain Valley, CA
Website
AA in Human Services (On-campus with online classes available)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,372
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $20,010
Also offers:
- AA in aging studies.
- AA in sociology with an emphasis on social and behavioral science.
- Certificates in human services and aging studies.
- Coastline has neighborhood campuses in Garden Grove, Newport Beach, and Westminster.
- Some students may be eligible for up to two years of free tuition and/or free books in their first year.
With multiple campuses and over 180 courses available online, Coastline Community College could be a great choice for students who need flexibility. Through the human services associate degree program, students build the framework they need to help children, families, and people battling substance abuse and mental illness. However, if you have a more definite career plan, you can also pursue a degree in gerontology (the study of aging) or behavioral science. These options, the affordable price, and the variety of learning formats make this one of the most accessible associate social work degree programs in California.
College of the Redwoods
Career Education Division
Eureka, CA
Website
AS in Social Work and Human Services (On-campus. Some online classes available)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,294
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $19,145
Also offers:
- Degree focuses in child welfare, clinical psychology, substance abuse, and criminal justice.
- Students can seamlessly transfer into the CSU system, Many students pursue more advanced social work degrees at nearby Humboldt State University.
- The College of the Redwoods has noncredit certificate programs designed to help veterans and non-native English speakers succeed in academic environments.
CR’s beautiful campus, small class sizes, and flexible programming make it one of the most unique social work associate degree programs in the state. Students in this program are exposed to a generalist practice approach rooted in relational accountability and focused on the experience of working within rural and indigenous communities. Whether it is learning about the core principles and practices of the field or unpacking the role of trauma in the lives of those we serve, CR’s Social Work and Human Services students are engaged with hands-on work directly tied to the student’s field of interest. For those who wish, additional training around addiction counseling is also available. With the help of supportive faculty and incredibly accessible counseling/advising staff, students in CR’s Social Work and Human Services program receive hands-on attention throughout their time on campus. Individuals graduating from this program are fully prepared to enter the workforce or continue with their social work education.
Cypress College
Human Services Department
Cypress, CA
Website
AS in Human Services (On-campus and online classes)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,296
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $19,438
Also offers:
- Certificates in addiction studies, conflict resolution, criminal justice, family studies, gerontology, and victimology.
- This program is accredited by the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE) making it a great choice for future substance abuse specialists.
- Through the Honors Program, students can take seminar-style classes that include guest speakers, field trips, and other hands-on opportunities. Honors Program students have priority consideration when they enroll at some four-year universities.
While earning an AS in Human Services from Cypress College, students don’t just learn the basics. They get the opportunity to explore different corners of the field. Classes on addiction, family services, and aging cover some of the biggest social work specialties. However, the school’s victimology certificate program offers associate-level students a rare head start in the often complicated world of legal advocacy. Even though this is a two-year degree, Cypress College has built a human service program that rivals four-year schools in its diversity.
Glendale Community College
Social Sciences Division
Glendale, CA
Website
AAT in Social Work and Human Services (On-campus. Online and hybrid classes available)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,342
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $18,955
Also offers:
- AA in social science.
- AAT in social justice: gender studies.
- AAT in political science
- GCC offers more than 500 scholarships with different application criteria. Social work students may want to investigate the many scholarships for students involved in community service.
- With athletics, study abroad programs, and career education courses, GCC is a great option for students who want to to get involved in campus life.
GCC’s social work and human service degree program has two main goals. The first is to teach students how to serve their future clients on a holistic level. So along with introducing students to social work principles, the curriculum also includes classes on economics, biology, psychology, and family dynamics. Courses like Intercultural Communication and Social Crises of Today take that foundational knowledge and apply it to helping others. As an AAT program, GCC’s second goal is preparing students to earn an undergraduate degree in social work. Many classes are designed specifically to meet general education requirements at CSU schools.
Imperial Valley College
Social and Behavioral Sciences Pathway
Imperial, CA
Website
AS in Addiction Studies and AA in Behavioral Science (On-campus, online, and hybrid classes)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,252
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $13,883
Also offers:
- Certificate in addiction disorder studies.
- AA in Chicana/o studies.
- AA in social science.
- AAT in sociology.
- IVC’s multiple class formats allow students to attend classes online or in-person and listen to pre-recorded lectures at their convenience. Through the Hyflex program, students can choose to attend some classes on campus or online through a live stream.
- The Learning-aligned Employment Program matches underrepresented students with employers in their field so they can learn, earn, and find future career opportunities.
With multiple degree programs dedicated to social issues, future social workers of all kinds can jumpstart their careers at IVC. Those interested in mental health or clinical social work can pursue an AA in behavioral science and learn about research methods and the psychology behind human behavior. The addiction studies program (which includes a hands-on practicum) introduces students to different types of addiction, counseling techniques, and case management. Students who want to get into social justice advocacy can also earn degrees in areas like Chicana/o studies and social science.
Las Positas College
Psychology-Counseling Division
Livermore, CA
Website
AAT in Social Work and Human Services (On-campus, online, and hybrid classes)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $3,112
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $23,692
Also offers:
- AA in human services addiction studies.
- Certificate in addiction studies.
- Students who complete the AAT program are guaranteed admission to a CSU school if they pursue a similar major.
- LPC’s multiple class formats and scholarships (up to $2,000 in some cases) make the school an extremely accessible option.
The AAT in Social Work and Human Services program at LTC is perfect for students who want to explore specialties. Core classes like Intro to Social Work and Human Services, General Psychology, and Statistics and Probability give students the foundation to serve clients directly and perform administrative tasks. When it comes to electives, students have a lot of options. They can take classes on crime and justice, child and family wellbeing, addiction, multicultural issues, and more. Like a bachelor’s of social work (BSW) program at a four-year school, LTC’s program also includes a practicum so students get a chance to hone their skills in the field.
Los Angeles City College
Social and Behavioral Sciences Pathway
Los Angeles, CA
Website
AAT in Social Work and Human Services (On-campus and online classes available)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,494
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $21,794
Also offers:
- AAT in social justice studies.
- AA in human services (also available with an addiction studies concentration)
- AA in modern political studies.
- AA in social and behavioral science.
- Certificates in justice administration, human services, addiction studies, infant and toddler studies, children with special needs, and child development.
- Students who complete the AAT program will have satisfied many requirements for similar degrees at CSU schools. Nearby Cal State LA has bachelor’s and Master’s Social Work programs.
- Some students may qualify to have their enrollment fees waived
With its scientific, skills-focused curriculum, the social work AAT program at LACC is built for students with big ambitions. Many of the core classes help students apply sciences like psychology, statistics, and anatomy to their future careers. However, students can pick from 20 different classes to tailor their education to their specific needs. For instance, if you’re interested in mental health social work, you might take Abnormal Psychology and Life-span Psychology. If you’re passionate about enacting large-scale reform, Composition and Critical Thinking can teach you how to appeal to legislators, community leaders, and the public at large. But no matter what you choose, you’ll be equipped to take your education in just about any direction.
Merced College
School of Arts and Social Sciences
Merced, CA
Website
AA in Human Services (On-campus)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,425
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $17,696
Also offers:
- Certificate in human services.
- AAT in social justice studies.
- AA in social and behavioral sciences.
- First-time college students who take at least 12 units each semester may qualify for up to two years of free tuition.
- In addition to the 2676-acre main campus, students can take classes and utilize resources at the Los Banos Campus
Students looking for a comprehensive and straightforward introduction to social work will find it at Merced College. Their human services program’s core classes cover topics like practical ways to help clients, how to help people utilize social services, and how different types of agencies operate. The curriculum also includes a work experience course that helps students bridge the gap between theory and action. After learning the basics, students can enroll in skills-based classes focused on things like case management, counseling, and leadership. To fill out the rest of their schedule, students can choose to take classes like Family Violence, Human Development, and Drugs and Behavior — each designed to help students discover their future calling.
Merritt College
Department of Community Social Services and Substance Abuse
Oakland, CA
Website
AA in Community Social Services and Substance Abuse (On-campus and online classes available)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,334
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $18,492
Also offers:
- Certificates in community social services and substance abuse
- Located in the Bay Area, Merritt College is surrounded by numerous social service and advocacy organizations as well as four-year and graduate schools for social workers.
- Students can join the First-Year Experience IMPACT Program where they take classes with students with similar goals, go on field trips, and ingrain themselves in the Merritt College community.
As part of the California Community College system, Merritt College prepares students to transfer to four-year universities. However, its curriculum is also designed to prepare students to enter human services upon graduation. While some classes cover common topics like case management and basic intervention techniques, the Merritt curriculum also includes more advanced classes like Dual Diagnosis: Mental Illness and Drug Abuse, Group Dynamics, and Psychology/Pharmacology of Drugs of Abuse. If you’re thinking about becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California, this program may very well be your first step.
MiraCosta College
Social Work and Human Services Department
Oceanside, CA
Website
AAT in Social Work/Human Services (On-campus and online classes available)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,304
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $17,938
Also offers:
- AA in gerontology.
- AA in social justice studies with a concentration in Chicano, gender, or LGBTQ studies.
- AAT in law, public policy, and society.
- Certificates in optimal aging and older adulthood, volunteer services, research fundamentals.
- In addition to participating in the California College Promise Grant program (which waives enrollment fees for qualifying students), MiraCosta has its own Promise program. Some students can attend for up to two years for free.
- The school is a federally-designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (about 38% of students are Latino) and is home to a VetSuccess On Campus (VSOC) program.
MiraCosta’s AAT in Social Work/Human Services program offers a straightforward degree path while also giving students room to take career-focused electives. The core classes introduce students to basic human services skills as well as statistics, communication, and other career fundamentals. But through electives like Contemporary Social Problems, Intro to Administration of Justice, and Child and Adolescent Growth and Development, students get to explore different career specialities. For a more in-depth experience, students can also add a certificate program to their degree. To bring it all together, MiraCosta also offers a fieldwork experience program that pairs students with local organizations.
Monterey Peninsula College
Social Science Division
Monterey, CA
Website
AS in Human Services (On-campus and online classes available)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,388
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $17,639
Also offers:
- AA in ethnic studies.
- AA in gender and women’s studies.
- AAT in social justice with concentrations in gender and ethnic studies.
- AAT in global studies.
- Certificate in human services.
- In addition to its Veterans Resource Center and TRIO Student Support Services program for low-income, first-generation students, MPC also has its own food pantry open to all students.
- Through the First Year Experience program, students can get access to mentoring, counseling, and other resources that make earning a degree accessible for everyone.
With its streamlined curriculum, the AS in human services program at MPC offers a comprehensive overview of the field for students who want to enter the workforce or get a headstart on a more advanced degree. After taking classes that introduce different human service roles and counseling techniques, students take classes on multiple types of social work like family development, substance abuse intervention, and gerontology. Students interested in advocacy can earn degrees in areas like social justice and ethnic studies while pursuing a certificate in human services. These flexible options make MPC a great choice for students still figuring out their calling.
Napa Valley College
Social Sciences Department
Napa, CA
Website
AS in Human Services (On-campus with online and hybrid classes available)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,326
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $21,079
Also offers:
- AAT in social work in human services.
- Certificate in human services.
- The NVC Promise Scholarship covers enrollment and other types of fees for two full years.
- At the Basic Needs Center, students can access free wi-fi, charging stations, food pantries, and school and hygiene supplies.
If you want to learn concrete social service skills, NVC is the place to do it. In addition to including introductory classes about California’s many social service resources, this program also includes classes on case management, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and family needs assessment. Students can then practice these skills during a 130-hour fieldwork experience. Some of NVC’s local internship partners include the American Canyon Family Resource Center, the Boys and Girls Club of Napa Valley, and McGrew Behavior Intervention Services. While many of the courses in the AS in human services program may qualify for transfer credit, their AAT in social work and human services is designed for students who plan on earning a bachelor’s.
Saddleback College
Health and Wellness Department
Mission Viejo, CA
Website
AS in Human Services — Generalist (On-campus)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,300
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $19,911
Also offers:
- Mental health worker AS.
- AS in alcohol and drug studies.
- Certificates in alcohol and drug studies, mental health, and generalist human service practice.
- Occupational Skills Awards in community-based corrections and eating disorders.
- Saddleback’s alcohol and drug studies program is accredited by the California Association for Alcohol and Drug Educators (CAADE) meaning it prepares students to become Certified Addiction Counselors.
- With a tutoring center, child care, and a Promise Program that pays for tuition and fees for eligible students, Saddleback College has one of the most robust student support programs in the state.
Whether you want to develop human service skills you can take anywhere or dive into a specific discipline, Saddleback College has a program for you. On the generalist track, students learn about everything from crisis intervention to group and individual counseling. The substance abuse and mental health degree programs teach many of the same principles through a more highly-focused lens. However, the most unique options at Saddleback are its Occupational Skills Awards (OSAs). Through the community-based corrections OSA, students learn how to help people convicted of crimes reintegrate into their communities. The eating disorder OSA is made up of three classes that teach students about the medical and psychological sides of eating disorders. These types of specialty classes are rare at the associate’s level meaning Saddleback students have the chance to make an impact early in their careers.
San Bernardino Valley College
Social Sciences, Human Development, Kinesiology, and Health Division
San Bernardino, CA
Website
AA in Human Services (On-campus with some online classes)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $1,488
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $10,371
Also offers:
- AAT in social work and human services.
- Certificates in addiction studies, case management in the public sector, and human services.
- SBVC is home to the Human Services Association, a group that hosts on-campus meetings and off-campus activities. This provides an opportunity for students to get to know faculty, alumni, and working professionals.
- Every year, the SVBC Foundation Office awards over $300,000 in scholarships.
The human services program at SBVC is designed to help students with their immediate goals. Those planning on transferring to a four-year BSW program at a CSU school can earn an AAT in social work and human services. Some credits may transfer to non-CSU schools, but AAT grads are guaranteed admission into the CSU system. If your goal is to get into the field immediately, you can earn an AA in human services and learn the skills needed for entry-level positions. SVBC’s two certificate programs add more depth to the program. Earning an addiction studies certificate is an important first step in becoming a Certified Addiction counselor. Students hoping to become case managers in California’s massive social service system can earn a certificate in case management in the public sector. Both choices give students the chance to complete a fieldwork experience.
San Diego City College
Social and Behavioral Sciences, Language, Identity, Culture, and Education Pathway
San Diego, CA
Website
AA in Social Work (On-campus with some online classes)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,288
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $14,880
Also offers:
- AS in behavioral studies (alcohol and other drug studies).
- AA in Black studies.
- AA in Chicano and Chicana studies.
- AA in sustainability.
- Certificates in behavioral studies (alcohol and other drug studies), conflict resolution and mediation, community health work, gerontology, and labor studies.
- With San Diego State University and Point Loma Nazarene University nearby, SDCU could be a great option for students looking to transfer.
- SDCC prides itself on its community involvement. Every year, the school hosts its Social Justice Conference to discuss local and national issues.
SDCC’s associate social work program was designed with two types of students in mind: those who want to prepare for a higher degree and future paraprofessionals (entry-level support workers). Fortunately, they have the resources to support both kinds. While SDCC doesn’t classify this program as an AAT program, students can work with counselors in the Transfer/Career Center to design their schedule and maximize their credits. And with classes that cover social work’s major specialties and most important skills, graduates can put their talents to use in the field. However, SDCC is home to an impressive number of related degree and certificate programs that allow students to tailor their experience to their goals.
Santiago Canyon College
Sociology Department
Orange, CA
Website
AAT in Social Justice Studies (On-campus with some online classes available)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,314
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $17,974
Also offers:
- AAT in social justice studies with an emphasis in Chicano, ethnic, or gender studies.
- Completion of this program guarantees acceptance in the CSU system for a similar field. CSU Fullerton is just over 10 miles from the SCC campus.
- SCC has programs dedicated to supporting all kinds of students from students of color to veterans, undocumented families, and students with disabilities.
In SCC’s social justice program, students learn the historical context of and challenges faced by California’s most marginalized groups. While the Chicano, ethnic, and gender degree specializations focus on specific populations, the general degree track allows students to mix and match courses about all of them. Each specialization also includes classes on cross-cultural communication and research methods. Upon graduation, students can use their deep understanding of complex social issues to get the most out of their social work studies.
Solano Community College
Social and Behavioral Sciences Division
Fairfield, CA
Website
AA in Human Services and Social Work (On-campus with some online classes)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,314
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $16,412
Also offers:
- AAT in social justice studies.
- Associate degree in ethnic studies.
- Certificate in human services.
- SCC has transfer agreements with CSU, University of California (UC), and Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the state. They also have agreements with many private universities as well as schools in Nevada and Arizona.
- The school offers day, evening, and weekend classes on-campus, off-campus, and online.
With its skills-based curriculum, the human services and social work program at SCC provides a great foundation for students of all kinds. Classes focused on vital tasks like case management, leading support groups, and serving diverse populations prepare students for entry-level social service careers. Through the practicum experience, students get to practice their skills working with local service agencies. Students planning to transfer to a four-year university can take advantage of SCC’s many transfer agreements and get a headstart on their bachelor’s degrees. If you decide to pursue a degree in social justice or ethnic studies at SCC, you can earn a certificate in human services and become an advocate for underserved communities across the state.
Woodland Community College
Social Justice and Public Service Division
Woodland, CA
Website
AS in Human Services (On-campus with some online classes)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,248
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $12,760
Also offers:
- AAT in social work and human services.
- AS in chemical Dependency counseling.
- Certificate in chemical dependency counseling.
- WCC’s human services classes are available at the main campus, the Lake County Campus, and online.
- With its active student-run clubs, childcare services, and financial aid programs, WCC ensures all students can get the support they need to succeed.
WCC’s three social service degrees give students the start they need to take their next step. The AS in human services program is designed to arm students with the skills they need to enter the workforce. Students in the AAT program get the same education, but some courses are designed to be transferred to similar programs at CSU campuses. The chemical dependency program prepares students to become Certified Addiction Counselors with highly-focused classes and a 255-hour internship. And with WCC’s multiple class formats, all types of students have a chance at a career in helping others.
Yuba College
Social Science Division
Marysville, CA
Website
AS in Human Services (On-campus with online classes available)
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,260
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $14,980
Also offers:
- AS in chemical dependency awareness.
- Chemical dependency counselor AS
- Certificates in chemical dependency awareness and counseling.
- The Yuba College Transfer Program helps students plan their transfers to four-year universities. While the school has transfer agreements with the CSU and UC systems, they can also help with private and out-of-state transfers. Through this program, students can make appointments with university representatives.
- Full-time students attending college for the first time can qualify for free tuition for up to 15 credit hours per semester.
The core classes in Yuba College’s AS human services program give students an overview of the skills and theories they need to serve their clients. However, students can tailor their schedule to their goals with electives like Introduction to Correctional Counseling, Chicano Studies, and Child, Family, and Community. But what really sets this program apart is its chemical dependency programs. While the classes in this specialty can prepare students for roles as chemical dependency counselors, they also cover addiction in specific contexts like the workplace, school, and relationships. This practical, career-focused approach makes Yuba College a great option for students hoping to enter just about any kind of organization.