2023-2024 Online Catalog
Social Services, A.S. |
Program Description
An associate degree in Social Services from Union College prepares students for further academic training and entry into professional agencies focused on the helping professions. In addition to core subjects, Social Services degree students take Psychology and Sociology courses to develop a consistent foundation in these disciplines, which lead to basic understanding of human behavior and the needs of individuals and groups.
Assisting individuals or groups with a specific need or problem includes providing support and guidance, such as referral to social service agencies. Students with a Social Services degree from Union College may transfer to baccalaureate-granting institutions to pursue higher level degrees in Social Work, Psychology, or Sociology. Reciprocity agreements with undergraduate schools and colleges/universities with undergraduate and graduate levels frequently enable Union College students to transfer without having to take additional associate-level undergraduate classes.
Students with a Social Services degree from Union College may also participate in entry-level professional positions.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:
- Illustrate cultural sensitivity through course work and behavior that reflect entry level professional readiness;
- Explain the origin and purpose of psychological and sociological theories;
- Apply quantitative and qualitative methods used in sociological and psychological research;
- Demonstrate information literacy through regular use of online technologies, i.e. learning management system, use of the college library to access database for scholarly journals, and writing assessment requiring basic APA methodologies;
- Demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving ability and ethical thinking through effective communication;
- Evaluate the various issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of Social Services.
After Union College
Graduates can transfer to a bachelor’s degree-granting institution and are eligible to take advantage of the many transfer/articulation agreements Union College has with some of the top four-year colleges and universities in the country. See a transfer advisor for details.
Fall Semester
- ENG 101 - English Composition I 3 credit hours
- 3 credit hours
- 3 credit hours
- History Gen Ed Requirement - 3 credit hours
- COM 100 - Communications Technologies 4 credit hours
Spring Semester
- ENG 102 - English Composition II 3 credit hours
- 3 credit hours
- PSY 105 - Group Dynamics 3 credit hours
- PSY 102 - Psychology of Personality 3 credit hours
- 4 credit hours
-
OR
- 4 credit hours
Fall Semester
- 3 credit hours
- HUS 101 - Community Resources in Human Services 3 credit hours
- PSY or SOC 200-Level Elective 3 credit hours*
Spring Semester
- SOC 206 - Minorities in American Life 3 credit hours
- SOC 209 - Introduction to Social Policy and Welfare 3 credit hours
- SOC 213 - (PSY 213) Social Research Methods 3 credit hours
- PSY 212 - Psychology of Adulthood and Aging 3 credit hours
- PSY 207 - Social Psychology 3 credit hours
Total Program Credits: 60
* PSY or SOC 200-Level Elective (3 credits total):
PSY 204 - Lifespan Development OR