The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” . Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” .
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” , be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
Effective Fall 2026
The Associate in Arts for Transfer in Social Work and Human Services involves both academic as well as practical preparation both for transfer and for work in the human services field. The course of study offers students a foundational understanding of the field of social work and human services and the opportunity to acquire skills in interpersonal, analytical and critical thinking skills, problem-solving, and written and verbal communication.
Upon completion of the Social Work and Human Services Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T), students will have a strong academic foundation in the field and be prepared for upper division baccalaureate study. Completion of the degree indicates that the student will have satisfied the lower division requirements for transfer into a Social Work or Human Services program for many campuses in the California State University system.
Associate Degree for Transfer Requirements:
- Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable courses,
- Minimum overall grade point average of 2.0,
- Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major, and
- Completion of Cal-GETC
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Demonstrate, through written and/or oral work, planning, collaboration, negotiation, and advocacy skills needed for working with and within social welfare and human service agencies and institutions.
- Demonstrate, through written and/or oral work, the importance of empathy, cultural humility, cultural responsiveness, and holistic support for people and communities in need.
- Demonstrate, through written and/or oral work, the importance of upholding a code of ethics in service work.
- Demonstrate preparation for further study in the field through written and/or oral work.
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education
-
Appropriate for Intersession
-
Available Online
-
Global Citizenship
Semester 1
16 Units
This course provides an introductory overview of social welfare and the societal institutions in the U.S. that structure the provision of social services. It presents a historical perspective on the development of U.S. social work and human services. Special attention is given to current service delivery systems, their policies and procedures, and the tasks of culturally responsive social workers and human service workers within those settings.
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
This course is an introduction to psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior. Students focus on theories and concepts of biological, cognitive, developmental, environmental, social, and cultural influences; their applications; and their research foundations.
- 4I: Psychology
- D9 - Psychology
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
This course is an introduction to statistical thinking and processes, including methods and concepts for discovery and decision-making using data. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-squared, and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Students apply methods and processes to applications using data from a broad range of disciplines.
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
- Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
- 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research.
- Prerequisite: Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process
- 1A: English Composition
- A2 - Written Communication
- Area IV-A: Language and Rationality (Group A)
- Area 1A. English Composition
- 1A: English Composition
This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
Semester 2
15 Units
This course introduces the study of society and human social interaction. Both macro and micro sociological theory are discussed, as well as methods of sociological inquiry, culture, socialization, deviance, social change and social stratification--particularly in the areas of social class, race and ethnicity, and gender. Students are highly encouraged to complete Sociology 1 prior to enrolling in other sociology courses.
- 4J: Sociology & Criminology
- D0 - Sociology and Criminology
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
This course provides the student who is participating in a supervised field experience in a community organization, agency, or institution with a weekly class meeting that provides the academic element to the experiential course offering. The application of concepts gained in the prerequisite or corequisite course to the field experience will be emphasized. This course is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to develop skills that would facilitate gaining employment in the human services field.
- Prerequisite: SWHS 1
- Corequisite: SWHS 95
This course offers the student a supervised field experience in a community organization, agency, or institution, allowing the student to apply knowledge and learn new skills outside of the classroom environment. This course is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to observe, practice, and develop skills that would facilitate gaining employment in the human services field.
- Prerequisite: SWHS 1
- Corequisite: SWHS 10
In this course, students receive instruction in critical thinking for purposes of constructing, evaluating, and composing arguments in a variety of rhetorical forms, using primarily non-fiction texts, refining writing skills and research strategies developed in ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing (or C-ID ENGL 100) or similar first-year college writing course.
- Prerequisite: ENGL C1000
- Prerequisite: College-level composition (ENGL C1000/ ENGL C1000H/ ENGL C1000E/C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent
- 1B: Critical Thinking-English Composition
- 3B: Humanities
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- C2 - Humanities
- Area 1B. Oral Communication and Critical Thinking
- Area 3: Arts and Humanities
- 1B: Critical Thinking and Composition
- 3B: Humanities
Cal-GETC Area 3A Course 3 units

Cal-GETC Area 1C Course 3 units

Semester 3
15 Units
This survey course explores the principles of biology using humans as examples. It includes introductions to the scientific method, cell biology, heredity, evolution, human ecology, behavior, and the major concepts of structure, function and pathology of most organ systems. The course may serve as an introduction to the future study of biology, including anatomy and physiology, or stand by itself as a non-lab life science course for general education students.
ANATMY 1 or PHYS 3 are also acceptable
- 5B: Biological Science
- B2 - Life Science
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
- Area I: Natural Science
- Area 5: Natural Sciences
- 5B: Biological Science
An introductory course using microeconomic models to understand individual decisions by consumers and firms, market outcomes including market failure, elasticity, market structures, labor markets, inequality, and the impact of government policies. *Students may take ECON C2001 and ECON C2002 in any order or even at the same time.
- Prerequisite: Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of elementary algebra.
- 4B: Economics
- D2 - Economics
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
An introductory course using models of the domestic and international economy to understand national income, unemployment, inflation, economic growth, inequality, the financial system, and monetary, fiscal, and other economic policies. *Additionally, the course introduces students to the following models: Classical, Keynesian, Monetarist, and Supply Side with their corresponding policy implications and recommendations. Students may take ECON C2001 and ECON C2002 in any order or even at the same time
- Prerequisite: Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of elementary algebra.
- 4B: Economics
- D2 - Economics
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Cal-GETC Area 3B Course 3 units

Cal-GETC Area 6 Course 3 units
Semester 4
14 Units
POLS C1000 ( or POL SC 1) recommended for CSU graduation requirement
US HIST course recommended for CSU graduation requirement
Transferable Elective Course 3 units
Transferable Elective Course 1 unit
Program Electives
36 Units
This course provides students with an overview of the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. An emphasis is placed on examining the structure and functions of the police, courts and corrections. The following additional topics are explored: the origins of criminal law, theories of crime, the adjudication of a criminal case, measurement of crime, the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system, the social impact of crime, sentencing policies and related subject areas.
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Cultural Anthropology is the study of human society and culture, analyzing both similarities and differences amongst cultural groups. This course will introduce students to important socio-cultural concepts used by cultural anthropologists including material culture, social organization, religion, kinship, ritual and symbolic systems, race, ethnicity, and language amongst others. Students will examine how cultural anthropologists understand the notion of culture in the study of human behavior in different regions of the world. The ethnographic method as a key methodology will be stressed throughout this course.
- 4A: Anthropology and Archaeology
- D1 - Anthropology and Archeology
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area V: Global Citizenship
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Area 7: Global Citizenship
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
This course focuses on the identification and analysis of processes and challenges of communication as affected by different cultures, especially as it affects communication among the various cultures found within the United States (e.g. African American, Asian American, Latino/a, Middle Eastern, Native American, European American and Gay/Lesbian cultures) and among the various cultures throughout the world. The course focuses on the principles of communication theory as they apply to the intercultural setting with an emphasis on the effects of differences in beliefs, values, attitudes, socio-political organization, role expectations, language and nonverbal behavior, etc.—all of which are interrelated.
- 4G: Interdisciplinary, Social & Behavioral Sciences
- D7 - Interdisciplinary Social and Behavioral Science
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area V: Global Citizenship
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Area 7: Global Citizenship
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
This course is an examination of the developing child in a societal context, focusing on the interrelationship of family, school and community and the influence of multiple societal contexts. It explores the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children’s development, birth through adolescence. Studies of family systems in contemporary society as they impact children and their individual heritage, diverse culture, ability and language will be examined, highlighting at least three major American cultures (Latina/o American, African American, Asian American, Native American, and European American). The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families.
- Advisory: PSYCH 11
- 4G: Interdisciplinary, Social & Behavioral Sciences
- D7 - Interdisciplinary Social and Behavioral Science
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area V: Global Citizenship
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Area 7: Global Citizenship
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
In this course, students receive instruction in critical thinking for purposes of constructing, evaluating, and composing arguments in a variety of rhetorical forms, using primarily non-fiction texts, refining writing skills and research strategies developed in ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing (or C-ID ENGL 100) or similar first-year college writing course.
- Prerequisite: ENGL C1000
- Prerequisite: College-level composition (ENGL C1000/ ENGL C1000H/ ENGL C1000E/C-ID ENGL 100) or equivalent
- 1B: Critical Thinking-English Composition
- 3B: Humanities
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- C2 - Humanities
- Area 1B. Oral Communication and Critical Thinking
- Area 3: Arts and Humanities
- 1B: Critical Thinking and Composition
- 3B: Humanities
This course surveys the United States from the colonial period through post-Civil War Reconstruction, addressing developments in American culture; ethnic, racial, gender, and class relations; politics; and the economy. It also considers American interaction with other nations, including both foreign policy and the relationship of domestic developments to the larger history of the modern world.
- 3B: Humanities
- 4F: History
- C2 - Humanities
- D6 - History
- US1
- Area II-A: Social Science (Group A)
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area III: Humanities
- Area 3: Arts and Humanities
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- 3B: Humanities
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
This course surveys the United States from post-Civil War Reconstruction to the present, addressing developments in American culture; ethnic, racial, gender, and class relations; politics; and the economy. It also considers American interaction with other nations, including both foreign policy and the relationship of domestic developments to the larger history of the modern world.
- 3B: Humanities
- 4F: History
- C2 - Humanities
- D6 - History
- US1
- Area II-A: Social Science (Group A)
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area III: Humanities
- Area 3: Arts and Humanities
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- 3B: Humanities
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
This course will examine the major developmental milestones for children, both typically and atypically developing, from conception through adolescence in the areas of physical, psychosocial, and cognitive development. Emphasis will be on interactions between maturational and environmental factors within a culturally sensitive framework. While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages.
- 4I: Psychology
- D9 - Psychology
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
This course provides an introduction to biological, environmental, social, and psychological determinants of psychopathology and behavioral deviation. Historical and current theories of abnormal mental or behavioral functioning, their implications for therapy, and community support systems are discussed. An integrative survey of theory and research in abnormal behavior, and intervention and prevention strategies for psychological disorders are also introduced.
- Advisory: PSYC C1000
- 4I: Psychology
- D9 - Psychology
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
From a psychological perspective, this course traces physical, emotional, social and intellectual development throughout the lifespan from conception through aging and dying. Special attention is paid to the interaction of biological, environmental, and psychological factors on development. The way familial, cultural and socioeconomic influences impact the individual will receive special emphasis. Theories and research regarding physical, cognitive, personality, and social development are used as a foundation to understand lifespan issues, developmental problems, and practical implications at each stage of development.
- Advisory: PSYC C1000
- 4I: Psychology
- D9 - Psychology
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
This course involves a sociological analysis of social problems on the local, national, and international level. Critical inquiry and analysis are conducted into issues such as global inequality, environmental destruction, urban deterioration, economic and political power distribution, poverty, racism, sexism, and problems of work, family, education, drugs, and crime. Theoretical perspectives of sociology and current sociological research are explored.
or SOCIOL 2s
- 4J: Sociology & Criminology
- D0 - Sociology and Criminology
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
This course involves the critical examination of patterns, practices, and relations among racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Particular attention will be given to problems of ongoing discrimination, prejudice, assimilation and cultural pluralism, and power differences between groups. Interconnections between race, ethnicity, social class, gender, and other systems of inequality will be emphasized. Social movements organized within and among racial and ethnic groups that address institutional inequalities in this society will be analyzed.
- 4J: Sociology & Criminology
- D0 - Sociology and Criminology
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area V: Global Citizenship
- Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Area 7: Global Citizenship
- 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences


