Medical & Behavioral Health, Option to the Associate in Science in Social Work
Program Description
The Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree in Social Work will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the discipline, applied concepts, and theories necessary for a future in the field of social work and other helping professions. The A.S. in Social Work is also designed for students who intend to transfer to an accredited four-year baccalaureate program in the field of Social Work (B.S.W.) or another human services degree program.
This option will begin to prepare students to work in the field of medical social work. Foundational knowledge in areas related to medical and behavioral health will be emphasized in the curriculum. The practicum portion of this option will take place in a medical setting. Additional prerequisites such as a background check may be involved.
Transfer Information
Students pursuing the Social Work degree can transfer into majors such as Social Sciences, Human/Public Services, Sociology, or Social Work. Students are encouraged to work closely with OCC faculty and Advising Transfer Services. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution in NJ can explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer www.njtransfer.org.
Career Information
The Associate of Science degree is designed to provide students with the coursework needed to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a bachelor’s degree. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with OCC faculty and Career Services as they begin to explore career options. OCC students can also utilize Focus2 Career, a resource provided by OCC, to explore degree programs and corresponding careers. To get started, log in through Ocean Connect.
Students are encouraged to keep track of degree requirements by using the “My Progress” screen on Student Planning. Student Planning can be accessed via logging into Ocean Connect.
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| MATH 156 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| SOWK 101 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Any STSC - Student Success Seminar course 1 | 2 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| SOCI 181 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOWK 170 | Trauma and Healing | 3 |
| SOWK 207 | Group Dynamics | 3 |
| Technology Gen. Ed. Requirement 2 | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| SOWK 171 | Social Work in Health Care Settings | 3 |
| SOWK 194 | Interviewing and Communication Techniques | 3 |
| SOCI 282 | Sociology of the Family | 3 |
| ANTH 134 or SOCI 238 | Cultural Anthropology 3 or Race and Ethnicity | 3 |
| BIOL 114 or BIOL 119 | Principles of Biological Science 3 or Science and the Human Body | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| SOWK 201 or PSYC 278 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment 3 or Life Span Development | 3 |
| SOWK 202 | Social Work Seminar and Practicum 4 | 3 |
| PHIL 190 | Introduction to Critical Thinking | 3 |
| Select from the following 3 | 3 | |
| America and the West After World War II | ||
| American Federal Government | ||
| Introduction to Political Science | ||
| PSYC 271 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
- 1
A variety of STSC -Student Success Seminar courses are available. Please speak to your academic advisor for assistance when selecting.
- 2
Students may attempt to “test out” of the technology requirement. If they succeed, they must take an additional course(s) in math or science from the List of Approved General Education Courses.
- 3
Course selections should be based on the requirements of the intended transfer to a four-year institution. Students should speak to their advisor for clarification.
- 4
Practicum must take place at an articulated partner where the student can specialize in medical social work. The practicum may itself have specific pre-requisites, please see above in Program Description.