Liberal Arts and Humanities – Social Service
Program Length
2 years
60 Credits
Degrees Offered
A.A., Social Service
Learning Experiences
Virtual
In Person
A.A., Social Service
Our Liberal Arts and Sciences degree curriculum* with a Social Service concentration offers you a broad range of courses designed to provide foundational knowledge in areas such as English, mathematics, science, and history, while also providing key courses that will address human behavior and social interaction. The Social Service concentration is an excellent foundation for pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and other fields. An associate degree in social service work allows you to step into the field of human services.
*The general education core for this degree complies with guidelines of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI).
The Curriculum of an Associate’s Degree with a Social Service Work Concentration
Evidence-Based Social Work Practice
The practice of combining well-researched interventions with clinical practice and experience to help guide a client through treatment and the best services for their situation. With each client having their own unique set of problems, evidence-based social work practice allows a social service worker to examine other clients with similar problems, and assess what has worked in the past and what has not.
Social Work Ethics
Learning the guidelines for social service work is an essential part of your associate degree in social service work and will continue to be essential if you choose to become a social worker. The NASW core values are there to help guide you on your path.
Case Management
Assessing the needs of a client and their family, case management is when you arrange, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate a client. After conducting a thorough assessment, you then advocate on behalf of the client, making sure they have access to the services they need.
Family Services
Examining the difficulties and policies that occur when working with children and their families, family service courses focus on techniques to use in these difficult situations. These types of courses explore behavior, educational, and multicultural difficulties that can occur when working with children and families from various backgrounds.
Why Choose an A.A. with a Social Service Concentration from St. Augustine College?
Choosing an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Humanities with a concentration in Social Service from St. Augustine College offers a comprehensive education that combines a strong liberal arts foundation with specialized knowledge in social services. The program emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and a deep understanding of social systems, preparing students to address the complex needs of diverse communities. St. Augustine College’s commitment to bilingual education allows students to begin their studies in Spanish and transition to English, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for a diverse student body. Additionally, the college offers flexible scheduling options, including online, in-person, and hybrid formats, accommodating the varied needs of adult learners and working professionals. The supportive learning environment, combined with dedicated faculty and staff, ensures that students receive the guidance and resources necessary to achieve their academic and career goals.
Graduates of this Associates program are well-equipped to pursue entry-level positions in various social service settings. Potential career opportunities include roles such as case manager, counselor assistant, rehabilitation aide, and social services assistant. These positions involve working directly with individuals and communities to provide support, resources, and advocacy. For instance, case managers coordinate care plans and connect clients with necessary services, while counselor assistants support mental health professionals in delivering therapeutic interventions. Rehabilitation aides assist in implementing treatment plans for individuals recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions, and social services assistants help clients navigate social programs and access essential resources. The skills and knowledge acquired through this associate degree also serve as a strong foundation for further academic pursuits, such as a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related fields, opening doors to advanced career opportunities in the social services sector.
