Empower Individuals, Families, and Communities
Do you want to help people and make a real difference in their lives? If so, the Social Work Transfer Major at Iowa Lakes Community College is a great place to start. This program prepares you for jobs in social work, counseling, and other areas where helping others is the main focus.
You’ll earn a 64-credit Associate in Arts (AA) degree that can easily transfer to Iowa’s public universities—like the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa—or other four-year colleges. After you transfer, you can work toward a bachelor’s degree in social work or a similar field.
In this program, you’ll take classes in psychology, sociology, government, and social work. These subjects help you understand how people think, how society works, and how you can support others in need.
What You’ll Learn:
- Intro to Psychology & Sociology: Learn how people behave and how they interact in groups.
- Intro to Social Work: Discover what social workers do and the values they follow.
- Practicum: Get hands-on experience by working with people in real-world settings.
Start your path to a rewarding career that helps people live better lives!
Make a Meaningful Impact
Social work professionals are in high demand U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook – Social Work Careers. Ready to get started? Connect with an enrollment coach and start making a difference today!
Find Your It!
Make a Difference—Prepare for a Career in Social Work and Human Services
Empower Individuals, Families, and Communities
A career in social work means making a real difference in the lives of others. Whether you’re helping individuals navigate challenges, supporting families, or building stronger communities, the Social Work Transfer Major at Iowa Lakes Community College is the ideal place to begin.
A Degree with Purpose
Earn a 64-credit Associate in Arts (AA) degree designed for seamless transfer to Iowa’s public universities—such as the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa—or other four-year institutions. Your coursework lays the groundwork for continued studies in social work or related fields, leading to meaningful careers in counseling, social services, and more.
What You’ll Learn
Gain a solid foundation through courses in psychology, sociology, government, and social work. You’ll explore how people think and interact, understand the structures of society, and develop skills to support those in need. A practicum experience offers hands-on learning in real-world settings, preparing you for the impact-driven career ahead.
Program Details
Length
4 terms
Degree
Associate in Arts (64 credits)
Campus
All Campuses & Online
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
BIO 163 – Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology
Structure and function of the human body with emphasis on cells, tissues and all major organ systems. Anatomy and physiology are integrated at the cellular level and at the organ/system level. Lecture and laboratory.
BIO 157 – Human Biology
This course is designed for students who are not majoring in a science or health related field. Human Biology is an introductory course that presents the structure and function of the human body along with it’s chemistry, organization, and continuity. Students will study general concepts of life demonstrated by the major body systems with applications to health, disease, nutrition, and wellness. Students will also study the basics of genetics, evolution, and the origins of life.
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET, COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
SDV 103 – Successful Learning
Students master the academic and personal skills needed to succeed in higher education and in life. Content will cover academic, communication and life management skills. Goal setting, time management, note taking, test taking and how to be a lifelong learner will also be covered.
SOC 110 – Intro to Sociology†
A survey course applying basic sociological concepts, theories, and methods to examine society, culture, cultural institutions, cultural diversity, and cultural stability and change.
Choose BIO 163 or BIO 157
HUMANITIES: 3 CREDITS
ELECTIVES: 3 CREDITS
Term 2
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
ENG 106 – Composition II
Continuation of ENG 105 with emphasis on research and documentation as well as literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I
MAT 156 – Statistics
This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and producer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are introduced to technology as it applies to introductory statistical methods.
Prerequisites: appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210
MAT 157 – Statistics
This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and producer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are also introduced to software as it applies to introductory statistical methods.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210
PSY 111 – Intro to Psychology†
An introduction to the scientific study of behavior; a brief history of psychology as a science, and topics fundamental to human behavior including developmental issues, sensory abilities, cognitive performance, social and emotional factors in behavior, and abnormal behavior and therapies.
Choose MAT 156 or MAT 157
ELECTIVES: 3 CREDITS
Term 3
SOC 160 – Introduction to Social Work
This introductory course in social welfare systems and social work practice surveys the historical development of the social work profession in conjunction with the development of social welfare services in the United States; social welfare system responses to a variety of current social problems; generalist social work as a distinct profession; and specific settings and methods of social work practice.
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
SPC 112 – Public Speaking
This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is placed on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery, and audience analysis.
SPC 122 – Interpersonal Communications
Examines how humans communicate in one-on-one situations through personal and professional relationships.
Choose SPC 101, SPC 112 or SPC 122
HUMANITIES: 3 CREDITS
ELECTIVES: 6 CREDITS
Term 4
POL 111 – American National Government†
Review of basic fundamentals of government including federalism, the political process, the presidency, the congress and the judicial system.
WBL 203 – Practicum/Field Experience: Human Services
This course is offered under the guidance of an instructor and employer mentor/supervisor. This course provides students an opportunity to learn in a work setting while obtaining practical experience in Human Services careers. Students will participate in job training, and will complete assignments to develop workplace communication skills, gain an understanding of industry and organizational structures, and learn problem-solving skills in a work environment.
HUMANITIES: 3 CREDITS
SCIENCE: 4 CREDITS
ELECTIVES: 6 CREDITS
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
By obtaining an Associate in Arts (AA) degree from Iowa Lakes, you will learn the following:1
Communications:
- Students are able to communicate clearly, both written and oral using the correct medium.
- Students are able to support ideas with appropriate and adequate information.
Sciences:
- Demonstrate safe laboratory practices.
- Apply scientific inquiry/scientific method to answer questions about the natural world.
Mathematics:
- Apply mathematical methods to solve real world problems.
- Evaluate the validity of mathematical solutions.
Social Sciences:
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills in written and oral communication.
- Students will critique the diversity of human experience, individually and collectively.
Humanities:
- Respond critically using established aesthetic principles or criteria, or an ethical judgement of specific examples as it relates to the discipline.
- Express the principles of the discipline within the global community by using the language, syntax, and cultural context of the discipline appropriately.
Computers:
- Integrate the technology necessary in the workplace environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge in utilizing software application tools.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Associate in Arts degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Transfer data to Iowa Regent Universities
First Year University GPA
Note: This is the average of transfer with associates and transfer, no associates
2.94
Average Retention One Year After Transferring to a Regent University
86%
Average University Graduation Rates Three Years After Entry to a Regent University
58%
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Tiffany A. Nolta Academic Advisor 712-362-6833 | tnolta@iowalakes.edu |