Program Description

An associate degree in Social Services from Union County 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 County 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 County College students to transfer without having to take additional associate-level undergraduate classes.

Students with a Social Services degree from Union County 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 County College

Graduates can transfer to a bachelor’s degree-granting institution and are eligible to take advantage of the many transfer/articulation agreements Union County College has with some of the top four-year colleges and universities in the country. See a transfer advisor for details.

Recommended Sequence

Milestone Courses