Overview
The Social Work and Community Studies program provides students with a foundation in social services, case management, and community development. Students will learn about social inequity and community-building through a social justice lens. Sociological theory and research principles will guide critical academic exploration and development, which will be applied to a hands-on practicum internship under the supervision of faculty and professionals in the community.
The degree and certificate in Social Work and Community Studies are designed to prepare students to work in public, private, and nonprofit community service organizations such as social service, educational, correctional, mental health, community development and community health agencies, and programs. The AA degree may also serve as the first level of education in a career ladder leading to a BA in social work, community development, or sociology and then on to advanced study in a variety of graduate programs leading to master's and doctoral degrees.
Program Maps
A.A./A.S. Degrees
Certificates
Associate Degree
A.A. in Social Work and Community Studies
Social Work and Community Studies is an applied sociology program that provides a foundation for students to explore the social services, community development practices, and social justice efforts needed to address social inequities. Sociological theory and research principles will guide critical academic exploration and development, which will be applied to hands-on practicum field experience(s) under the supervision of faculty and professionals in the community. The A.A. degree and certificate in Social Work and Community Studies will offer additional broader employment options and career advancement opportunities. This program was formerly known as Community Studies.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2025
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| CSP 300 |
Introduction to Social Work and Human Services (3) |
3 |
| or SOC 380 |
Introduction to Social Work and Human Services (3) |
|
| CSP 301 |
Introduction to Casework in Social Services (3) |
3 |
| or SOC 382 |
Introduction to Casework in Social Services (3) |
|
| CSP 302 |
Introduction to Community Building and Change Making (3) |
3 |
| or SOC 375 |
Introduction to Community Building and Change Making (3) |
|
| SOC 321 |
Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3) |
3 |
| or SOC 482 |
Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States - Honors (3) |
|
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: |
3 |
| CSP 305 |
Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work (2 - 4) |
|
| or SOC 385 |
Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work (2 - 4) |
|
| A minimum of 6 units from the following: |
6 |
| ADMJ 304 |
Juvenile Delinquency (3) |
|
| ADMJ 340 |
Introduction to Correctional Services (3) |
|
| COMM 325 |
Intercultural Communication (3) |
|
| PSYC 370 |
Human Development: A Life Span (3) |
|
| or EDUC 300 |
Human Development: A Life Span (3) |
|
| PSYC 390 |
Psychology of Death and Dying (3) |
|
| PSYC 405 |
Substance Abuse: Effects on Body and Behavior (3) |
|
| or ADMJ 303 |
Substance Abuse: Effects on Body and Behavior (3) |
|
| SOC 301 |
Social Problems (3) |
|
| SOC 310 |
Marriage and the Family (3) |
|
| SOC 318 |
Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3) |
|
| or ADMJ 349 |
Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3) |
|
| SOC 335 |
Sociology of Aging (3) |
|
| or GERON 300 |
Sociology of Aging (3) |
|
| SOC 343 |
Women and Social Action (3) |
|
| Total Units: |
|
21 |
The Social Work and Community Studies Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local SCC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives
to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of the social services, community development practice, and related public policy.
- identify, analyze, and help to construct strategies for social change through participation in the social justice work of an organization.
- analyze how communities attempt to overcome problems associated with inequality, cultural stigma, prejudice, and discrimination.
- analyze social service and community development organizational structures and their functions.
- identify and evaluate the various roles of a community worker.
- assess, compare, and develop core interventions and community resources.
- integrate personal sensitivity and awareness of the cultural diversity of clients, professionals, and communities.
- assess and apply knowledge of existing professional codes of ethics and laws related to the social services and community development.
The degree and certificate in Social Work and Community Studies are designed to prepare students to work in public, private, and nonprofit community service organizations such as social service, educational, correctional, mental health, community development and community health agencies, and programs. The A.A. degree may also serve as the first level of education in a career ladder leading to a BA in social work, community development, or sociology and then on to advanced study in a variety of graduate programs leading to masters and doctoral degrees.
Certificate of Achievement
Social Work and Community Studies Certificate
Social Work and Community Studies is an applied sociology program that provides a foundation for students to explore the social services, community development practices, and social justice efforts needed to address social inequities. Sociological theory and research principles will guide critical academic exploration and development, which will be applied to hands-on practicum field experience(s) under the supervision of faculty and professionals in the community. The A.A. degree and certificate in Social Work and Community Studies will offer additional broader employment options and career advancement opportunities. This program was formerly known as Community Studies.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2025
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| CSP 300 |
Introduction to Social Work and Human Services (3) |
3 |
| or SOC 380 |
Introduction to Social Work and Human Services (3) |
|
| CSP 301 |
Introduction to Casework in Social Services (3) |
3 |
| or SOC 382 |
Introduction to Casework in Social Services (3) |
|
| CSP 302 |
Introduction to Community Building and Change Making (3) |
3 |
| or SOC 375 |
Introduction to Community Building and Change Making (3) |
|
| SOC 321 |
Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3) |
3 |
| or SOC 482 |
Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States - Honors (3) |
|
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: |
3 |
| CSP 305 |
Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work (2 - 4) |
|
| or SOC 385 |
Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work (2 - 4) |
|
| A minimum of 6 units from the following: |
6 |
| ADMJ 304 |
Juvenile Delinquency (3) |
|
| ADMJ 340 |
Introduction to Correctional Services (3) |
|
| COMM 325 |
Intercultural Communication (3) |
|
| PSYC 370 |
Human Development: A Life Span (3) |
|
| or EDUC 300 |
Human Development: A Life Span (3) |
|
| PSYC 390 |
Psychology of Death and Dying (3) |
|
| PSYC 405 |
Substance Abuse: Effects on Body and Behavior (3) |
|
| or ADMJ 303 |
Substance Abuse: Effects on Body and Behavior (3) |
|
| SOC 301 |
Social Problems (3) |
|
| SOC 310 |
Marriage and the Family (3) |
|
| SOC 318 |
Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3) |
|
| or ADMJ 349 |
Introduction to Crime, Deviance, and Social Control (3) |
|
| SOC 335 |
Sociology of Aging (3) |
|
| or GERON 300 |
Sociology of Aging (3) |
|
| SOC 343 |
Women and Social Action (3) |
|
| Total Units: |
|
21 |
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of the social services, community development practice, and related public policy.
- identify, analyze, and help to construct strategies for social change through participation in the social justice work of an organization.
- analyze how communities attempt to overcome problems associated with inequality, cultural stigma, prejudice, and discrimination.
- analyze social service and community development organizational structures and their functions.
- identify and evaluate the various roles of a community worker.
- assess, compare, and develop core interventions and community resources.
- integrate personal sensitivity and awareness of the cultural diversity of clients, professionals, and communities.
- assess and apply knowledge of existing professional codes of ethics and laws related to the social services and community development.
The degree and certificate in Social Work and Community Studies are designed to prepare students to work in public, private, and nonprofit community service organizations such as social service, educational, correctional, mental health, community development and community health agencies, and programs. The A.A. degree may also serve as the first level of education in a career ladder leading to a BA in social work, community development, or sociology and then on to advanced study in a variety of graduate programs leading to masters and doctoral degrees.
Community Studies (CSP) Courses
CSP 299 Experimental Offering in Community Studies
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
CSP 300 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services
- Same As:SOC 380
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better; and LIBR 318 with a grade of "C" or better.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course provides an introductory overview of social welfare and the social institutions in the US that provide social services. This course presents an historical overview on the development social work and human services in the U.S. as well as an examination of current practice, including service delivery systems, their policies and procedures, and the tasks of culturally responsive social workers and human service workers within those settings.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- discuss and evaluate the historical evolution of social welfare and human services in the United States.
- explain and evaluate the current service delivery system environment in which social work and human service clients’ needs are addressed.
- demonstrate critical thinking in envisioning ways of collaborating, negotiating, and advocating in working with and within social welfare and human service agencies and institutions.
- identify and explain approaches to uphold the legal, ethical, and professional practice responsibilities of working with social work and human service organizations with attention to cultural humility and oppressed groups.
- explain and evaluate services provided by local public, private, and/or nonprofit social welfare agencies.
- assess careers and academic pathways in the field and create a professional development plan.
CSP 301 Introduction to Casework in Social Services
- Same As:SOC 382
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340; and LIBR 318 with grades of "C" or better.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course examines the socio-cultural context of the role of the case manager in contemporary American society. Explorations of the basic concepts of human behavior, exceptional and vulnerable populations, organizational structure and resource development, and case management principles are included in the curriculum. Credit may be awarded for either CSP 301 or SOC 382 but not both.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate sociological methods of inquiry and theoretical perspectives, including interactionist, social exchange, ecosystem, family systems, and comprehensive identity development theories.
- apply methods of inquiry and theoretical perspectives to basic concepts of human behavior and their relevance to case management goals and principles.
- evaluate cultural issues and how cultural subgroups function in American society.
- analyze organizational structure and its application to resource development, roles and responsibilities of the case manager, inter-agency planning, networking, and risk evaluation.
- appraise and discover methods of case management with client populations, including an introduction to diagnostic tools, varied communication strategies, types of planning, outcome evaluations, and termination strategies.
CSP 302 Introduction to Community Building and Change Making
- Same As:SOC 375
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340; and LIBR 318 with grades of "C" or better.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course draws from a sociological perspective to explore social problems, community building, and the basic principles and practices of community development and social change. Students will analyze successful models of community-based problem-solving interventions and practices. Credit may be awarded for either CSP 302 or SOC 375 but not both.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- articulate and apply core principles of the sociological perspective to the study of social problems and community development.
- assess, analyze, and apply sociological and community development theory, research methods, and practice.
- articulate and evaluate some of the most important community building strategies, their histories, and the controversies surrounding each.
- articulate and assess local urban issues and communicate their own community building choices and commitments.
CSP 305 Practicum in Sociology, Community Studies, and Community Health Work
- Same As:SOC 385
- Units:2 - 4
- Hours:18 hours LEC; 54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340; and LIBR 318 with grades of "C" or better.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course allows students to sociologically explore an internship work experience. Students will identify and secure an instructor-approved internship and will use the sociological perspective to analyze the organizational structures and processes of the workplace. Students will learn techniques to address common problems within social service and community-based organizations. Students will be required to fulfill 18 hours of lecture (online or face-to-face formats) and 54 hours of instructor-approved paid or volunteer work for two units; the student will receive one additional unit for each segment of 54 hours of instructor-approved work.
This course may be taken four times for a maximum of 16 units as long as there are new or expanded learning opportunities on the job. Credit may be awarded for either CSP 305 or SOC 385 but not both.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- articulate and apply core principles of the sociological perspective to the study of the workplace.
- assess, analyze, and apply sociological theory and research methods to work experiences in the social services and community-based organizations.
- evaluate and recommend communication strategies for working in diverse organizations.
- evaluate and assess how social stratification can impact the experiences of clients and workers within community based and social service oriented workplaces.
- evaluate and assess our ability to impact community based and social service oriented workplaces.
CSP 499 Experimental Offering in Community Studies
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
