The academic content and curriculum of the Associate Degree Program in Social Work is designed to understand the social needs of society and to provide services appropriate to those needs. The program usually lasts two years and focuses on basic concepts, theories and practices in the field of social services.
The curriculum consists of courses covering the basic principles and practice areas of social work. These courses include topics such as human behavior and the social environment, foundations of social work practice, family and child welfare, sociology of old age, disability and social services, social policy, poverty and gender. These courses provide students with the necessary knowledge to understand the basic theories and practices of social work.
Students learn the principles of ethical and professional behavior in social work. This is an important part of the curriculum and helps students to understand the ethical dilemmas and professional responsibilities that may be encountered in social work practice.
In addition, the curriculum may include courses in social research methods and data analysis. These courses enable students to identify, investigate and evaluate social problems encountered in society. In this process, students acquire the skills to understand the origins of social problems and develop solutions to these problems.
Internships and practicum courses are also an important part of the program. Students have the opportunity to work in local social service agencies, non-governmental organizations or outreach projects to gain real-world experience. This experience offers the chance to put theoretical knowledge into practice and develop the skills necessary for a career in social work.
Finally, the program's curriculum also provides students with essential skills in the field of social work, such as effective communication, problem solving, decision making and teamwork. These skills are critical for graduates to be successful in the social service sector. The Social Services Associate Degree Program graduates students as professionals who are sensitive to the changing needs of society and equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet these needs.