two people under an umbrella

What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

63.4% of Perimeter College students receive financial assistance.

How long will it take?

The typical pathway requires 60 semester hours — 42 hours in core curriculum and 18 hours in pathway courses.

Where will I take classes?
Alpharetta, Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody, Newton, Online

All required classes to earn a degree can be completed online.

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

Fall Semester (starts in August) — Due by August 1
Spring Semester (starts in January) — Due by December 1
Summer Semester (starts in late May) — Due by May 1

Social Work Pathway, A.S.

What Is Social Work?

Social workers are trained professionals responsible for helping people with personal and social challenges affecting their lives. Social workers help clients with disabilities, health crises and family conflicts, delinquency, substance abuse, unemployment and others. At the advanced level, students become familiar with community partnerships and resource development. Social work is a field for those with a passion for social justice, an interest in social policy and a love of working with people from all walks of life.

Why Study Social Work?

Studying social work strengthens students’ ability to think critically about the world around them, to better understand the role of social structure in our lives and to learn to put theory into practice. Students will take coursework in research methods, social theory, communications and social welfare policy.

A note on pathways: A pathway is an advising guide to help students prepare for their intended bachelor's degree major. By following the course of study outlined in the appropriate Associate of Arts or Associate of Science pathway, students will have the necessary prerequisite courses to continue in their chosen disciplines. A pathway is not a major and will not be represented on the diploma.

Students should consult with advisers to confirm availability of online courses and requirements or additional costs that may be associated with courses. Students should check with advisers about which campuses offer the courses they need. Typically, core courses required for pathways can be taken at most locations and online, while pathway-specific courses may require attendance at a particular location.
Pathway Details

The Social Work pathway requires 42 hours of Core Curriculum and 18 hours of courses appropriate to the pathway. For up-to-date curriculum requirements, please visit the catalog.

As part of Georgia State University, Perimeter College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) to award associate degrees. Successful completion of a pathway at Perimeter College leads to an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Georgia State University.

Description

Careers

Most social workers continue their education through the bachelor’s degree level. Licensure in many states requires a degree at the master’s level. Social work as a career field is growing rapidly. The employment outlook for social workers is expected to increase by 19 percent during the decade ending in 2022, according to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Social workers find employment in a variety of interesting workplaces, including:

  • Clinics
  • Courts
  • Hospitals
  • Military installations
  • Nursing homes
  • Police departments/corrections
  • Private businesses
  • Government and other public agencies
  • Drug rehabilitation programs
  • Schools

For potential job and salary information, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Contacts

Admissions and Curriculum Inquiries

Admissions
For help with applying or admissions, please review our website, visit a campus office, or contact us at 404-413-2500.

John C. Redmond, Department Chair of Cultural and Behavioral Science
[email protected]
770-274-5402

Alicia Braswell, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
770-274-5588

Alpharetta Campus

Adam Stone, Associate Department Chair of Social Science
[email protected]
678-240-6231

Contessa Paige,Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
678-240-6037

Clarkston Campus

George Vargis, Associate Department Chair of History and Political Science
[email protected]
678-891-2402

Marc Zayac, Department Associate Chair of Social Science
[email protected]
678-891-3289

Mary Brown, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
678-891-3368

Decatur Campus

Karen Wheel-Carter, Associate Department Chair of Social Science/Business
[email protected]
678-891-3401

Donna McLean, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
678-891-2613

Dunwoody Campus

John C. Redmond, Department Chair of Cultural and Behavioral Science
[email protected]
770-274-5402

Alicia Braswell
[email protected]
770-274-5588

Newton Campus

Karen Wheel-Carter, Associate Department Chair of Social Science/Business
[email protected]
678-891-3401

 

Online

Ursula Thomas, Associate Department Chair of Cultural and Behavioral Science
[email protected]
770-274-5408

Perimeter College Logo140 Decatur Street SE
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared here provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For official details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.