Social Work

If you like to help people and are good at maneuvering through complex situations, social work should be on your list of career options! Social work is a practice-based profession that promotes social change, development, cohesion and the empowerment of people and communities. It involves the understanding of the social welfare system, social problems, policy responses of society and the connection to economic and cultural institutions.

You might find social workers in veterans’ affairs, adoption agencies, schools, rehabilitation facilities, housing and community development, counseling private practice, hospitals and many other settings.

Program Details

Associate in Arts

Format: On Campus, Online, Hybrid
In-District Tuition: $169/credit hour
Out-of-District Tuition: $337/credit hour
Degree: View Degree
Average Time to Complete: 2 years
Financial Options: Financial Aid is available.

Program Highlights

From infants to the elderly, social workers assist others as they face some of life's most difficult challenges. As a student of social work at HCC, your courses explore appropriate behavioral techniques to solve personal problems and deal with diverse relationships. You'll be encouraged to enroll in corresponding psychology and sociology courses such as human growth and development and social psychology.

At Heartland you can earn an Associate of Arts (AA) degree with a concentration in Social Work. Faculty members have field experience with local social service agencies. This brings valuable real-world perspectives to the instruction you receive. Service learning options include involvement with Big Brothers and Big Sisters and other area nonprofit organizations.

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Courses

SWK 170: Intro to Social Work

Degree - Associate in Arts

Within our Associate in Arts degree, there may be specific courses that are recommended for your major at your chosen transfer school. It’s important to meet with an academic advisor each semester to ensure that the correct coursework is taken, while earning your degree.

Even if your specific concentration or major is not listed on our application or program pages, academic advisors can help ensure you are taking the right coursework for your chosen major.

Learn more about the general education requirements for an Associate in Arts.

Transfer Guide

Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI)

Heartland Community College is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide transfer agreement among more than 100 colleges and universities in Illinois. IAI courses have been approved for transfer to an Illinois public university. For more information about the Illinois Articulation Initiative, please visit the IAI website.

General Education Core Curriculum Requirement

For completion of the Associate in Arts degree, you will need to complete a minimum of 37 general education core curriculum (GECC) hours, within 7 categories, as part of the 60-credit hour degree. Please click on the category to view what courses Heartland has to offer within each of the required categories.

View what courses Heartland has to offer within each of the required categories:
Communications
Fine Arts
Humanities
Life Sciences
Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Social & Behavioral Sciences

Careers

A social work degree can open many opportunities in the healthcare, government, education, and nonprofit sectors. Continuing your studies at a four-year institution will prepare you for a variety of opportunities, including careers such as:

Adoption/Foster Care Specialist
Community Planner
Counselor
Parole/Probation Officer
Therapist

* Employment opportunities in the field will rise 19% between 2012 and 2022.

The U.S. Department of Education's gainful employment regulations require disclosure of certain program information to students and prospective students.

Please review the employment information pertaining to your degree or certificate by selecting your intended program at the Heartland Community College Career Coach.

For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions visit the U.S Department of Education College Scorecard site.

Contact Information

Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Division Office

ICB 2000 & 2100
1500 W Raab Road
Normal, IL 61761

Phone: 309-268-8620

Email: LASS Office