Social Work A.A. and A.S.

Overview

Be part of the solution.

Start your studies with the Social Work Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree before transferring to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Guaranteed transfer

Guarantee your successful transfer to complete your bachelor’s degree at a Tennessee public university with the help of Tennessee Transfer Pathways (TTPs). Complete all the courses listed on the Social Work AA or AS degree TTP at Nashville State, and all courses are guaranteed to count toward your university major.

Talk to an advisor, see the NSCC Catalog, and visit www.tntransferpathway.org for more TTP information. View TTP video

Promote social and economic justice.

Create strategies to solve social issues. Social workers help individuals, families, and communities build their capacity to improve their lives and solve their problems.

What social workers do:

Help clients cope with everyday life problems.
Assist with issues caused by poverty, neglect, abuse, domestic violence, mental health and substance abuse.
Diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues (clinical social workers).

Careers

Social work takes place in a wide range of settings including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and non-profit agencies.

Preparation for a variety of careers can begin with your degree in social work:

Adoption Specialist
Attorney
Budget Analyst
Cardiovascular Social Worker
Chief Executive Officer
Children’s Service Worker
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Probation Officer
Counselor
Director of Events
Director of Government Relations
Executive Director
Family Advocacy Representative
Family Preservation Services
Forensic Case Monitor
Foster Care Therapist
Guidance Counselor
HIV Mental Health Coordinator
Hospital Social Worker
Legislative Aide
Mental Health Counselor
Pediatric Social Worker
Professor
Program Director
Psychiatric Social Worker
Public Health Manager
Research Analyst
School Social Worker
Therapist

Alumni Testimony

Simone Cawl 
A.S. in Social Work, Nashville State Community College, 2016 
B.S.W. in Social Work, Middle Tennessee State University, 2018 
starting M.S.W. in Social Work, M.T.S.U. in Fall 2018

In her own words…

When I first started college, I knew that I wanted to help people in some type of way. Once I looked at the degree summary for Nashville State Social Work program, I knew that would be how I could do it. Nashville State built my academic success and prepared me for the future. Receiving my Associate's degree at Nashville State was a stepping stone for what was next to come. The program gave me a chance to volunteer into my community, learn how I could help others, and prepare me for my next degree of Bachelor’s in Social Work.

Working with professor Keller at Nashville State was great. She was my first teacher starting my social work career, and I learned a lot from her. More than anything, I appreciate her support and the time that she took out for me. Anything that I needed or any questions that I have ever had, I could always go to her for guidance. Because she is also a social worker, she understands and has already been through everything that was expected to come.

On May 5th, 2018, I will be graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s of Social Work. Next, I will be moving on to receiving my Master’s in Social Work at Middle Tennessee State University. I will be attending their advanced standing program, which means I will be getting my Master's degree in social work within 30 hours. Once I complete my Master's degree, I do plan to receive my LMSW (Licensed Master Social Work). At MTSU I became an intern for Monroe Harding, which is a private foster care agency. Once I graduate, I will be working for them as an Independent Living Specialist. Monroe Harding Independent Living Program is dedicated for foster care children, between the ages of 18 and 21, who have aged out of the system.

My short-term goal is to continue my education, and collaborate with resources and agencies in Nashville. My long-term goal is to have an organization of my own. In the future, I see myself as an executive or CEO of a non-profit organization. I would like to help build an organization that empowers youth to give them the opportunities that they might not have. I want to challenge youth and help them live to the best of their abilities. I want them to know that no matter where you come from, you can be anything you ever want to be.

To potential NSCC Social Work students, I would like you to know that this path is not an easy task. You will hear that a lot. You will be drilled about self-care, and I hope that you will take it seriously. Social Work students want to care for others, but I want to make sure that you know to care for yourselves too. As Social Workers, we wish to save the world. I believe that if I change one person's life, I have done my job. Social work has opened my eyes to the world that is around us. There is a need somewhere from someone that has not been met. We must fill that need for that person or they will go without. So be that person that feels that need and be passionate about what you do.

Thank you, Nashville State.

Social Work A.A. and A.S.

Overview

Be part of the solution.

Guaranteed transfer

Advising Sheets

Social Work A.A. & A.S. Degree

Promote social and economic justice.

Careers

Alumni Testimony

Contact

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