California’s best associate degrees in social work and human services are concentrated at community colleges, where tuition runs roughly $2,500–$3,000 per year for in-state students. These programs take about two years to complete, cover case management, counseling, and social policy fundamentals, and can transfer into BSW programs at CSU schools (and some private universities).
California has tens of thousands of social workers statewide, and the communities they serve are growing faster than the workforce can keep up. Human services agencies across the state are short-staffed, and the people who fill entry-level positions matter. They’re the ones answering crisis lines, coordinating foster care placements, connecting families to food assistance, and sitting with people in some of the hardest moments of their lives.
An associate degree in social work or human services won’t get you licensed, but it gets you in the room. It can also be the most financially realistic way into a social work career in California, where the pull to help is real, but tuition barriers are equally real. This curated list covers the strongest programs across California, from Sacramento to San Diego, evaluated for curriculum depth, transfer pathways, affordability, and student support.
What You’ll Find on This List
This isn’t an exhaustive directory. It’s an editor’s selection of associate programs that stand out for specific reasons, programs that go beyond checking boxes and actually prepare students for the work ahead. Here’s what the programs on this list have in common:
- Geographic reach. Approximately 25–35 programs spanning NorCal, the Central Valley, Southern California, and the Bay Area — so there’s likely something within commuting distance.
- Affordability. Based on public tuition data for California community colleges, average tuition for social work and human services associate degrees runs roughly $2,500–$3,000 per year for full-time in-state students. Many schools on this list offer grants and scholarships that can cover most or all of that cost.
- Flexible scheduling. Most programs can be completed in two years full-time, with part-time options for working students and parents. Many include online or hybrid coursework.
- Practical curriculum. Programs here cover the fundamentals — case management, counseling techniques, ethics, social policy — with some offering specialty tracks in child welfare, mental health and substance abuse, and addiction studies.
- Student support infrastructure. Most campuses have dedicated services for veterans, LGBTQ+ students, first-generation immigrants, and non-traditional learners. Several offer on-campus childcare.
Two Paths After Graduation
Students who complete an associate degree in social work or human services typically move in one of two directions. Neither is wrong — they just lead to different places in the field.
Path 1: Transfer to a BSW Program
Transferring to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s in social work (BSW) is the most common path for students who want to eventually pursue licensure. Many classes taken at the associate level count toward the BSW, which means transfer students can often finish in two additional years rather than four. That makes the community college route one of the most cost-effective ways into a social work career.
Transfer policies differ between institutions, but most programs on this list are California Community Colleges with existing articulation agreements with CSU campuses and some private universities. Many offer dedicated transfer degrees:
- Associate in Arts for Transfer (AAT). Broad-based social work education covering history, economics, psychology, and sociology alongside core social work skills — designed to articulate with CSU programs.
- Associate in Science for Transfer (AST). More technical in focus, with stronger emphasis on career-ready skills and quantitative coursework.
If you’re planning to transfer, connect with your school’s transfer center early. Under SB 1440, students who earn an AAT or AST are guaranteed admission to the CSU system (though not to a specific campus or major). Even programs that don’t offer a formal transfer degree may still provide significant articulated credit.
Path 2: Enter the Workforce Directly
An associate degree is considered an entry-level credential by most employers, but entry-level roles in social services are not minor. They’re often the first point of contact for people in crisis, and the work requires real skill.
With an associate degree in social work or human services, graduates typically move into roles like:
- Case aide or case management assistant
- Behavioral health technician or support staff
- Program assistant or coordinator (entry-level)
- Residential or group home worker
- Homeless outreach worker
- Volunteer services coordinator
In these positions, you’ll help clients navigate housing programs, childcare, income assistance, and mental health referrals. You’ll support senior social workers, help plan and coordinate services, and often be the consistent presence a client relies on. It’s demanding work — and it matters.
Considering Other Options?
If affordability is your primary concern, our list of the most affordable associate degree programs in social work and human services breaks down costs by school and includes financial aid resources. You can also browse the full directory of associate programs in California for a wider view of what’s available statewide.
What to Look for in a Human Services Degree Program
Not all associate programs in social work and human services are built the same. Some are designed primarily as transfer ladders. Others are built for workforce entry. A few do both well. When evaluating a program, consider these factors:
- Fieldwork or practicum component. Hands-on experience separates programs that teach theory from those that teach practice. Look for programs with supervised fieldwork as a graduation requirement.
- Specialization options. If you already know your focus area — addiction counseling, child welfare, mental health — look for programs with dedicated tracks or certificate add-ons.
- Transfer agreements. If a BSW is in your future, confirm which CSU campuses your community college has articulation agreements with, and whether the degree qualifies for priority or guaranteed admission.
- Student support services. For working students, parents, and first-generation college students, on-campus resources like childcare, basic needs programs, and counseling can make the difference between finishing and dropping out.
Our Editor’s Picks for Associate Degrees in Social Work and Human Services in California
The programs listed below were selected based on curriculum quality, transfer outcomes, student resources, and regional access. Each entry includes degree type, delivery format, estimated tuition, and what makes the program stand out.
American River College
Human Services Program
Sacramento, CA
Website
AA in Human Services (On-campus with some online classes available)
Also offers:
- AA in chemical dependency studies.
- Certificates in human services and chemical dependency studies.
- AAT and AST in social justice studies with an emphasis in Chicano, ethnic, or women, gender, and LGBTQ studies.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,795
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $23,670
- Many ARC students transfer to public and private four-year universities in and out of the state.
- Financial aid programs like the Los Rios Promise (free tuition for a year for qualifying students) and Los Rios Foundation scholarships can make this an extremely affordable option.
ARC’s human services program prepares students to take on roles in human service agencies of all kinds. While courses like Ethical Issues and Client’s Rights introduce students to the principles of the field, the curriculum also includes classes on skills like individual counseling and group therapy. In their last semester, students get the chance to practice their new knowledge through a human services internship. With degrees and certificates available in multiple social-service-related topics, you can customize your schedule to fit your goals.
Bakersfield College
Behavioral Sciences Department
Bakersfield, CA
Website
AA in Human Services (On-campus with some online classes available)
Also offers:
- AAT in social justice.
- Certificate in human service job skills.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,860
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $19,120
- BC’s dual enrollment program allows current high school students to take college classes before graduation.
- Through the Kern Promise Program, qualifying transfer students are guaranteed admission to CSU Bakersfield. However, all students can visit the school’s Transfer Center for guidance, workshops, and other resources.
While BC’s human service associate degree program teaches students about the theories and techniques behind social service, the broadly-focused curriculum is great for students who aren’t quite ready to specialize. Courses in sociology and psychology provide a foundation of knowledge that can be taken just about anywhere. However, students also take classes on the experiences of diverse groups and the psychological development of people from birth to death. Through a 216-hour fieldwork experience, students get to see these principles in action and hone their skills under the supervision of working professionals.
Cañada College
Redwood City, CA
Website
AAT in Social Work and Human Services (On-campus)
Also offers:
- AAT in child and adolescent development.
- AAT in law, public policy, and society.
- AA in ethnic studies.
- AA in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in social and behavioral sciences.
- Certificates in inclusion support and youth and after school.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,724
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $18,116
- This program is designed for students planning to transfer into the CSU system. Those who earn an AAT or AST from Cañada College are guaranteed admission to a CSU campus as a junior.
- Cañada College prides itself on its inclusive campus full of clubs, collectives, and spaces where students of all kinds can find support and community.
Situated on a 131-acre campus about halfway between San Francisco and San Jose, Cañada College is a great choice for students looking for an accessible human service degree in the Bay Area. While the core curriculum includes everything from a social work fieldwork experience to classes on statistics and psychology, where this program really shines is its electives. Students can choose from courses on children and families, abnormal psychology, race in society, and more. However, if you’re eyeing a career in advocacy, an AAT in social work isn’t your only option at Cañada. The school is home to many other programs that equip students to help underserved communities in different ways.
Cerritos College
Humanities/ Social Sciences Division
Norwalk, CA
Website
AA in Liberal Arts With an Emphasis in Social and Behavioral Sciences (On-campus, online, and hybrid classes available)
Also offers:
- AA in Chicano studies.
- AA in women’s in gender studies.
- Mental health worker AA program.
- Certificates in Chicano studies, LGBT studies, mental health work, and women’s and gender studies.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,746
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $22,473
- With scholarships offered through the Cerritos College Foundation and a $46-per-unit price, Cerritos College offers one of the most affordable programs in Los Angeles County.
- Named a 2023 Equity Champion of Higher Education, Cerritos College has programs dedicated to helping different types of students like veterans and first-generation immigrants.
Cerritos College’s social and behavioral sciences programs offer degree options for all types of students. Through the social and behavioral sciences degree program, students learn how to approach today’s biggest social issues through a critical lens. The Chicano and women’s and gender studies programs offer similarly research-focused experience to students who want to apply their passions to more specific areas. However, the mental health worker degree program is built for students who want a more hands-on education. Classes cover topics like psychosocial rehabilitation, abnormal psychology, and the development of healthy therapeutic relationships. This program also includes a fieldwork experience that helps future social workers develop career-ready skills. Like other California Community Colleges, many Cerritos courses qualify for transfer credits at CSU schools, but with five campuses nearby, students here don’t have to travel far.
Cerro Coso Community College
CC Online Campus
Ridgecrest, CA
Website
AS in Human Services (Online or hybrid)
Also offers:
- AA in liberal arts with an emphasis in social and behavioral sciences.
- Certificates in human services and addiction counseling.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,870
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $21,438
- Cerro Coso’s Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) gives students access to book vouchers, counselors, and other resources that make a degree more attainable.
- This is one of the few 100% online associate degree programs (except for the 126-hour fieldwork experience) in the state.
Working and otherwise busy students should look into Cerro Coso’s online human services program. Required classes like Case Management, Computer Literacy, and Introduction to Social Work and Human Services help students develop practical career skills. While this program doesn’t offer any degree specialties, electives like Child Development and Psychology of Substance Abuse help students apply their skills to specific areas of social work. These courses are a mix of live and pre-recorded lectures meaning students get a balance of convenience, support, and interaction.
City College of San Francisco
Behavioral Sciences Department
San Francisco, CA
Website
AAT in Social Work (On-campus, online, and hybrid classes available)
Also offers:
- AA in cannabis studies.
- ADT in Asian American studies.
- AA in critical Middle East/Southwest and North Africa studies.
- AA in critical Pacific Island and Oceania studies.
- AA in Latin American and Latino/a studies.
- AA in LGBTQI studies
- AS in liberal arts and sciences with an emphasis in social and behavioral sciences.
- ADT in social justice studies.
- Certificates in most of these areas plus sexual health education.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $3,627
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $27,375
- The Free City program provides free tuition to San Francisco residents.
- At the Dr. Betty Shabazz Family Resource Center, student parents have access to free childcare, a child-friendly computer lab, and referrals to other family resources.
With transfer agreements with CSU, some online classes, and a number of free student resources, City College of San Francisco offers one of the most accessible social work programs in the Bay Area. The core curriculum introduces students to human service techniques and includes classes on psychology, sociology, critical analysis, and behavioral science statistics. With electives covering topics like child development, addiction, and large-scale social issues, students can take their education in just about any direction. However, City College also offers degrees in multiple areas of social justice including a unique cannabis studies program that takes a scientific approach to an emerging and often misunderstood field.
College of San Mateo
Addiction Studies Program
San Mateo, CA
Website
AA in Addiction Studies (On-campus and online)
Also offers:
- AA in ethnic studies.
- AA interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in intercultural studies, contemporary issues, or science and society.
- Certificates in addiction studies, case management, co-occurring disorders, Pacific Islands and Oceania studies, and pre-counseling psychology.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,752
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $19,776
- CSM offers free groceries, meals, personal care products, financial planning, and tax preparation to students.
- Like other California Community Colleges, CSM offers free tuition to qualifying students. However, this program is unique because there are no credit hour requirements.
Human service degrees aren’t rare at California Community Colleges, but specializations like the addiction studies program at CSM are. Because of the highly-focused curriculum, students have room in their schedules to dive deep into their calling. For instance, the Co-Occurring Disorders course covers the intricate relationship between mental health and substance abuse. In classes like Case Management and Intervention, Treatment, and Recovery, students learn evidence-based techniques for helping people suffering from addiction and their loved ones. And with a two-part field studies seminar and classes on ethics, this program is rooted in preparing students for their careers. This program is also part of CSM’s University Transfer Program. In some cases, students can transfer 60 to 70 units to a CSU school, a UC school, or an independent university.
College of the Sequoias
Social Sciences Division
Visalia, CA
Website
AS in Human Services (Social Work) (On-campus and online classes available)
Also offers:
- AA in liberal arts with an emphasis in social behavioral sciences.
- AAT in social justice studies with an emphasis in Chicana/o studies.
- Certificates in human services (social work) and issues in family violence.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,792
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $17,221
- COS participates in the California College Promise Grant program to provide need-based tuition assistance.
- COS also has campuses in Hanford and Tulare.
With its skills-based curriculum, the human services program at COS is designed for students looking to jump right into their careers. Over the course of about 34 credit hours, students learn about client interviewing, assessment, running group sessions, and other skills entry-level professionals need to know. From there, they can choose two of 13 electives like Issues in Family Violence or Human Sexuality that prepare them to work in different types of agencies. In each class, students are asked to complete a case vignette in which they identify services, interventions, and ethical principles that might come up in different scenarios. This combined with a fieldwork experience bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.
College of the Siskiyous
Career and Technical Education Program
Weed, CA
Website
AA in Alcohol and Drug/Human Studies (On-campus, online, and hybrid classes available)
Also offers:
- AA in social science.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $3,258
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $23,059
- This program is approved by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) meaning it prepares students for CCAPP certification.
- Located on a beautiful 250-acre campus at the foot of Mount Shasta, COS is one of the few California Community Colleges in the northern part of the state.
While COS’s human studies program is focused on addiction treatment, it’s designed with multiple types of students in mind. Those who want to enter entry-level recovery support positions can walk away with a firm grasp of the psychophysiological aspects of addiction, evidence-based treatments, and how to serve different populations. By working closely with school counselors, students who want to transfer to four-year universities can figure out which CSU school, UC school, or private college is their best option.
Columbia College
Social and Behavioral Sciences Program
Sonora, CA
Website
AAT in Social Work and Human Services (On-campus, online, and hybrid classes available)
Also offers:
- AAT in sociology.
- AA in behavioral science.
- Certificates in social work and human services and beginning social work.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,915
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $14,616
- Columbia’s small class sizes allow for mentorships and one-on-one support.
- With a child care center, basic needs program, and a two-year free tuition initiative for qualifying students, Columbia College is one of central California’s most welcoming campuses.
Columbia College takes the stance that sociology is all about the human experience and the history, institutions, and injustices that shape it. Social work is the field responsible for addressing those issues. For that reason, they’ve developed a social work associate program that covers them all. Economics courses introduce students to policies that create haves and have-nots. Statistics courses teach future professionals how to gather, interpret, and present data about the populations they serve. These classes bolster a core curriculum that teaches fundamental social service techniques and allows students to practice them through a fieldwork experience. As an AAT, this program is designed to help students expand their knowledge by transferring to a CSU school with a similar major.
Contra Costa College
Health and Human Services Department
San Pablo, CA
Website
AA in Health and Human Services (On-campus, online, and hybrid)
Also offers:
- AA in La Raza studies.
- AAT in social justice with an emphasis in Latino and Chicano studies.
- AA in social and behavioral sciences.
- AST in public health education.
- Certificates in substance abuse case management, psychosocial rehabilitation, peer support services, dual diagnosis screening, and dual diagnosis specialization.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,624
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $18,080
- All health and human services classes are offered late in the afternoon or at night — perfect for working students.
- At a price just above the state average for similar programs, Contra Costa’s human services program is one of the most affordable in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Whether you want to transfer to a four-year university in the Bay Area or jump right into the region’s diverse social service workforce, Contra Costa College’s AA in health and human services program can get you started. Core classes cover fundamentals like case management, ethics, and counseling. However, students can get a more in-depth education through electives and certificate programs focused on dual diagnosis, psychosocial rehabilitation, and peer support services (a type of mental health recovery counseling that focuses on overall well-being). Though not required, Contra Costa’s fieldwork program is unique because it has multiple options for students in different specialties. Qualifying San Pablo locals can enroll in this program at 50% of the total cost thanks to the school’s partnership with the San Pablo Economic Development Corporation.
Cosumnes River College
Health and Human Services Division
Sacramento, CA
Website
AA in Human Services, General (On-campus and online classes available)
Also offers:
- AA in chemical dependency studies.
- AA in social science.
- AAT in social justice studies with an emphasis in race and ethnicity or women, gender, and LGBTQ.
- Certificates in chemical dependency studies and human services.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,795
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $23,670
- According to the CRC website, most students qualify for the Los Rios Promise, a financial aid program that covers up two years of tuition. They also offer over 50 scholarships and Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC) classes.
- CRC has a robust transfer program. It has transfer admission guarantees with six UC schools, a partnership with the UCLA College of Letters and Science, and helps students transition to CSU and HBCUs.
The human services program at CRC focuses on preparing students to enter the workforce. Along with teaching skills like interviewing and counseling, the curriculum also includes classes like Employment Skills in Human Services that center on the legal and ethical sides of the field. But what sets this program apart is the faculty’s commitment to keeping it up-to-date and relevant. The Topics in Human Services course changes each semester and covers issues not fully taught in other courses. And in the Independent Studies class, students get to work on individual and group projects focused on their interests.
Cuesta College
Addiction Studies, Social Work, and Human Services Department
San Luis Obispa, CA
Website
AA in Human Services (On-campus and online classes available)
Also offers:
- AAT in social work/human services.
- AAT in law, public policy, and society.
- AAT in social justice studies.
- AA in addiction treatment studies.
- AA in liberal arts with an emphasis in social and behavioral sciences.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,682
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $19,187
- While students can transfer to many four-year universities, more than a quarter of transfer students at nearby California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) are from Cuesta College. Cal Poly’s bachelor’s sociology program offers a concentration in social services.
- Through the Cuesta College Corps program, students can earn money for college while working with community-based organizations focused on K-12 education, food insecurity, and climate action.
Students in Cuesta College’s AA in human services program have three concentrations to choose from: addiction studies, parenting education and family coaching, and paraprofessional counseling. Each track introduces students to techniques they’ll use to serve their chosen client base as well as theories they can use to develop their skills throughout their careers. While the AA program is for students who want to start working after graduation, the AAT program prepares students to transfer to a four-year university. AAT students take some of the same classes, but they also study sociology, statistics, and other fundamental subjects that count for lower-division credit at CSU schools. With social justice, addiction studies, and public policy degrees to choose from, there’s something for future advocates of all kinds at Cuesta College.
Cuyamaca College
Behavioral and Social Sciences Pathway
El Cajon, CA
Website
AA in Social Work (On-campus and online classes)
Also offers:
- AA in ethnic studies.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,680
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $20,920
- The Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise (two years of free tuition and some fees) is open to all full-time in-state students.
- Located in the suburbs of San Diego, Cuyamaca is close to many four-year universities and potential employers.
Cuyamaca College’s broad approach to social work education helps students discover their calling. In the Social Work Fields of Service class, they learn about different types of social work and the role each professional plays. Other courses help them develop the critical thinking and practical skills they need to help clients through poverty, mental health issues, discrimination, and other life-changing issues. To tie it all together, students are asked to volunteer at a local service agency and see first-hand how working professionals make differences in people’s lives and their communities.
Folsom Lake College
Social Work/Human Services Program
Folsom, CA
Website
AA in Social Work/Human Services, General (On-campus, online, and hybrid classes available)
Also offers:
- AAT in social work/human services, general.
- AA in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in social and behavioral sciences.
- Human service specialist and human service paraprofessional certificates.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,795
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $23,670
- Folsom Lake’s transfer counseling team helps students continue their education at UC, CSU, private, and out-of-state schools.
- Along with offering support services to its diverse students, FLC joins other schools in the Los Rios Community College District for events that celebrate them and their traditions.
Whether you enroll in FLC’s AA or AAT social work program, you’ll get a multidisciplinary education in the human experience. Along with taking classes on vital social work skills like case management and interviewing, students can also take cross-cultural psychology, economics, and statistics. And with an impressive list of electives, they get the opportunity to explore specialties like forensic social work, child welfare, and social justice advocacy. This well-rounded program can help you figure out what path is right for you.
Fresno City College
Psychology, Sociology, and Human Services Department
Fresno, CA
Website
AS in Human Services (On-campus, online, and hybrid classes available)
Also offers:
- AAT in social work and human services.
- AA in African American, American Indian, American Sign Language, Asian American, Chicano-Latino, and women’s studies.
- AAT in public health.
- AAT in social justice studies (general and Chicano-Latino studies options).
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,662
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $19,366
- With student service programs like the Ram Food Pantry, a botanical garden, and plenty of on-campus clubs, Fresno City College would be a great choice for students who want to get involved in campus life.
- Many first-time college students can have their enrollment fees waived each year. Fresno City also awards scholarships ranging from $100 to $1,500.
Fresno City College is one the few associate social work programs on this list to offer multiple degree specializations. The first is the alcohol and drug abuse counseling option. This pathway introduces students to addiction intervention strategies and the laws and ethics involved. Electives like Abuse Within the Family and Abnormal Psychology dive deeper into social and psychological factors behind substance abuse. The second specialization option is pre-social work. On this more broadly-focused path, students learn about strategies and theories they can use in any kind of agency. Both programs include a fieldwork experience. However, students who plan on earning a bachelor’s in social work may also want to investigate the AAT program which includes classes designed specifically to meet CSU curriculum standards.
Long Beach City College
Social Work Department
Long Beach, CA
Website
AA in Social Work (On-campus, online, and hybrid classes available)
Also offers:
- AST in public health science.
- AAT in social justice studies.
- AA in human services addiction studies.
- Certificates for family violence specialists and aides, assistants, and caregivers.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $3,112
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $23,692
- LBCC participates in the California College Promise Grant Program (fees waived for eligible students) and awards more than 700 scholarships every year.
- The social work program is part of LBCC’s Career Technical Education (CTE) initiative. Many faculty members have years of field experience and work closely with industry partners to keep the curriculum relevant to the social service sector.
Made up of nine core classes, Long Beach City College’s associate social work program is one of the most comprehensive in the state. As students explore specialities like victimology and gerontology, they learn specific techniques used by professionals in various types of agencies. However, with classes like Conflict Resolution and Stress, Change, and Managing Roles, students also learn skills they can use to help just about any community. As part of the school’s CTE initiative, this program can prepare students to enter the field immediately after graduation or continue their education at a four-year university.
Madera Community College
People and Society Pathway
Madera, CA
Website
AAT in Social Work and Human Services (On-campus)
Also offers:
- AA in social science.
- AS in criminology with an emphasis in corrections.
- Certificate in human services.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,668
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $21,866
- Students transferring to UC Davis, Irvine, Merced, Riverside, Santa Barbara, or Santa Cruz can apply to the UC Transfer Admission Guarantee program.
- MCC has its own nationally-accredited preschool — the Child Development Center. Children of students and faculty receive priority registration.
Students who want to transfer to a four-year college from Madera Community College have a lot of options. While the school has transfer agreements with six UC campuses, it also provides a curriculum designed to meet credit requirements at all UC and CSU schools, as well. For Madera’s social work students, that means taking classes like Intro to Social Welfare and Fundamentals of Interviewing and Counseling to develop a fundamental yet highly flexible skillset. Through the school’s dedicated Transfer Center, students can get in contact with representatives from different schools, attend workshops, and meet with counselors so they’re fully prepared for their next step.
Mendocino College
Human Services Department
Ukiah, CA
Website
Human Services Paraprofessional AS (On-campus with some online classes available)
Also offers:
- AS in alcohol and other drug studies.
- AAT in social justice studies with a general or ethnic studies concentration.
- Human services paraprofessional and human service worker certificates.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,846
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $18,772
- With campuses in Ukiah, Lakeport, Willis, and Fort Bragg, Mendocino College strives to serve students all over north central California.
- California residents enrolling in full-time classes can qualify for two years of free tuition.
With multiple social welfare programs, Mendocino College offers a well-rounded education for anyone hoping to enter the human services workforce. Students in the paraprofessional AS program take classes focused on specific skills like counseling, interviewing, and case management. There are also two fieldwork options: one for generalists and another dedicated to substance abuse intervention. These core classes total about 28 semester units meaning students have room to explore topics like psychology, justice administration, and social justice. But this program isn’t just for people who want to jump right into a new career — counselors can help students design a transfer-ready schedule.
Modesto Junior College
School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Modesto, CA
Website
AA in Human Services (On-campus)
Also offers:
- AA in chemical dependency counseling.
- Certificates in human services and dependency counseling.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,668
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $14,616
- Along with two main degree options, students can choose from a number of specializations and certificates.
- MJC works closely with the Stanislaus County Community Services Agency to host the Foster and Kinship Care Education Program — a training and support program for the caregivers of children in out-of-home placements.
No matter what your goals are after graduation, Modesto Junior College’s human services program is diverse enough to help you meet them. While the core curriculum teaches students valuable skills like assessment, discharge planning, and service coordination that can be used in all types of agencies, the most outstanding part about this program is its multiple certificate and specialization options. Choices include gerontology, chemical dependency counseling, and psychosocial rehabilitation (a unique path focused on mental health counseling). The chemical dependency program is accredited by the California Association for Drug and Alcohol Educators. With this foundation, students can go on to seek professional certification, earn advanced degrees, or become well-informed practitioners.
Moreno Valley College
School of Business, Health, and Human Services
Moreno Valley, CA
Website
AS in Social Work, Human Services, and Counseling Practices (On-campus with some online classes available)
Also offers:
- AA in social and behavioral studies.
- Certificates in behavioral therapy, multicultural and advocacy resources, social justice systems, military social work, employment support, drug and alcohol studies, and child welfare and family studies.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,840
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $25,141
- Some of MVC’s student support resources include on-campus child care, its Pride Center, and Basic Needs program for everything from food and clothing to mental and physical health support. Case managers can help students connect to the right on- and off-campus programs.
- Each school at MVC has its own success team. These faculty members help students design schedules, go over career options, and more.
Moreno Valley College offers one of the most comprehensive associate social work programs in the state. Generalist classes introduce students to the foundational skills and theories behind social work. However, through seven certificate and specialization programs, they can learn how to use those principles to serve specific populations. For instance, the child and family welfare program includes classes on domestic violence counseling and supporting families with children with special needs. And in the justice studies program, students learn how to help everyone from at-risk youth to currently incarcerated adults. Each path includes a fieldwork experience and many also have a class dedicated to exploring career options.
Oxnard College
Sociology and Human Services Department
Oxnard, CA
Website
AAT in Sociology with Human Services Option (On-campus with some online classes)
Also offers:
- AA and AAT in Chicana/o studies.
- AS in addictive disorder studies.
- AST in health education.
- AAT in social justice studies.
- AAT in law, public policy, and society.
- Certificate in addictive disorder studies.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,800
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $17,125
- Oxnard’s sociology club brings students together for documentaries and discussions, fundraisers, cultural celebrations, and initiatives that foster equity in the community.
- At the on-campus Child Development Center, students’ children don’t just receive class-time care. They get an enriching creativity-oriented education.
The human services program at Oxnard College is a great choice for students who want to learn sociological theories along with concrete social service skills. After taking introductory sociology and human service classes, students take courses about topics like gender and sexuality and race relations in the US. Outside of these required classes, students can also take electives in a wide range of specialties like child welfare, forensic social work, and serving Chicana/o communities. And with a fieldwork experience and an active sociology club, students get the chance to put their passion to work.
Palomar College
Behavioral Science Department
San Marcos, CA
Website
AA in Social Work and Human Services (On-campus and some online classes)
Also offers:
- AA in social work and human services.
- AA in gender and women’s studies.
- AAT in social justice with concentrations in Chicana and Chicano studies, women, gender, and sexuality, and American Indian studies.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,706
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $23,299
- In addition to getting up to two years of free tuition, students who qualify for the Palomar Promise may also receive textbook assistance and career and college guidance.
- Palomar College’s arboretum, art gallery, planetarium, and active student culture make it an excellent choice for students who want to get involved.
Housed in the school’s Behavioral Science department, Palomar College’s social work program is built around science and evidence-based practices. Like other programs, the core curriculum teaches students about human service skills, but it also includes classes on behavioral science statistics, psychology, and sociology. As students progress, they can take classes about different types of social work, more advanced skills, and how they can use other disciplines to inform their future careers. For instance, the Physiology and Pharmacology of Psychoactive drugs introduces students to the medical side of addiction and substance abuse intervention. This uniquely interdisciplinary approach could be great for all kinds of students, but it may be particularly helpful for students considering careers in research or clinical social work.
Rio Hondo College
Human Services/Drug Studies Department
Whittier, CA
Website
AS in Drug Studies (On-campus with some online classes)
Also offers:
- Drug studies certificate.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,805
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $21,839
- Many of the classes in this program are eligible for transfer to a CSU school.
- Accredited by the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Educators, this program can be a stepping stone to becoming a Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor.
Rio Hondo College’s human services program is laser-focused on addiction meaning students get an in-depth education about an increasingly complicated topic. Even in the introductory class, students learn about multiple perspectives on substance abuse, the clinical and social sides of it, and how the field has developed. More advanced classes focus on serving different populations and entire families affected by addiction However, this program isn’t all about theory. The curriculum also includes classes on case management, counseling, and other practical skills used everywhere in human services. Rio Hondo helps students bridge the gap between the classroom and their careers through a drug studies internship and seminar class where they discuss ethical issues and hone their skill sets.
Santa Rosa Junior College
Counseling Department
Santa Rosa, CA
Website
AA in Social Work and Human Services (On-campus with some online classes)
Also offers:
- AA in Native American studies.
- AA in Latin American studies.
- AAT in social justice studies.
- Certificates in addiction studies, advocacy, corrections, and juvenile justice.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,636
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $19,939
- The SRJC for Free initiative helps students pay for college regardless of financial need. It’s open to California residents enrolled in 12 or more semester units
- SRJC has resources for all types of students: veterans, immigrants, members of the LGBTQ community, and students in recovery.
SRJC’s social work and human services program offers two areas of emphasis. The first is addiction studies. This in-depth pathway features classes on families and addiction, co-occurring disorders, and pharmacology. The second option is the advocacy pathway. This highly flexible path includes classes on enacting social change as well as electives in fields like criminal justice, children and families, and human sexuality. Both programs cover fundamental social work skills and ethics while also allowing students to complete an internship at a local agency.
Southwestern College
Behavioral Sciences Department
Chula Vista, CA
Website
AA or AAT in Social Work and Human Services (On-campus with some online classes available)
Also offers:
- AA in African American studies.
- AA in Asian American studies.
- AA in gender studies.
- AA in Mexican American studies.
- Certificate in family and child services,
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,686
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $21,523
- SWC is home to a number of impressive student resources like a nationally-accredited child development center, botanical garden, aquatic and wellness center, and a robust health services program.
- Through the SWC Foundation, students can apply for scholarships and grants, including a Cares Emergency Grant for food, housing, and other basic needs.
Whether you want to transfer to a four-year university or just get an introduction to your new calling, the social work program at Southwestern College is designed for you. The generalist curriculum includes classes on basic skills and different types of social work as well as courses on economics, sociology, and statistics. To fill out their schedules, students can choose from electives like Administration of Justice or Developmental Psychology to take a more in-depth look into specific social work specialties. Many classes qualify for transfer credit at CSU schools. If you’re not sure which direction to take, the Career and Transfer Center can help you plan for a transfer, decide between related degrees, and explore your career options.Â
Ventura College
Behavioral Sciences Department
Ventura, CA
Website
AA or AAT in Social Work and Human Services (On-campus with some online classes available)
Also offers:
- AA in Chicana/o studies.
- AA in bilingual/cross-cultural studies.
- AS or AA in general studies with an emphasis in social and behavioral sciences.
- Certificates in community health and human services.
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time In-state Students: $2,800
Total Estimated Tuition for Full-time Out-of-state Students: $17,125
- Through the Ventura College Promise, emergency grants, and no-cost-textbook courses, Ventura College strives to remove common barriers to earning a degree.
- The school’s University Transfer Center helps students plan to continue their education at CSU, UC, independent, and out-of-state schools.
Ventura College’s human services program is perfect for students who want to pivot into a more specialized program later. The generalist curriculum covers basic intervention techniques, social policies and procedures, and how cultural context affects everything a social worker does. However, the program also includes a number of statistics, sociology, and psychology classes so students can pursue other careers related to social work. And while the school’s Transfer Center can help students plan for a four-year degree, they also offer an AAT program for students who want to attend a CSU school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with an associate degree in social work or human services in California?
With an associate degree, you can work in entry-level roles at social service agencies, nonprofits, residential programs, and government offices. Common positions include case aide, behavioral health support staff, residential counselor, and homeless outreach worker. An associate degree can also serve as the first step toward a BSW, which opens the door to more advanced roles and eventual licensure.
How long does it take to earn an associate degree in human services in California?
Most associate degree programs take two years to complete as a full-time student. Part-time students typically take three to four years. Many California Community Colleges offer evening, online, and hybrid options that allow working students to move at their own pace without stopping work entirely.
Can an associate degree in social work transfer to a four-year university in California?
Yes. Many programs on this list are specifically designed as transfer pathways. California Community Colleges have articulation agreements with CSU schools and some private universities. Under SB 1440, students who earn an Associate in Arts for Transfer (AAT) or Associate in Science for Transfer (AST) are guaranteed admission to the CSU system (though not to a specific campus or major). Always confirm transfer agreements directly with your school’s transfer center.
How much does an associate degree in social work cost in California?
Based on public tuition data for California community colleges, in-state, full-time students typically pay roughly $2,500–$3,000 per year for social work and human services programs. Out-of-state tuition varies significantly by school. Many schools also offer promise programs, fee waivers, and emergency grants that can reduce costs further.
Is a human services degree the same as a social work degree?
Not exactly, but they overlap significantly at the associate level. Social work degrees tend to emphasize the theory, ethics, and practice frameworks of the social work profession. Human services degrees are often more broadly applied, covering skills used across nonprofits, government agencies, healthcare settings, and community organizations. Both can lead to similar entry-level roles, and both can transfer into BSW programs at CSU schools.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Affordable entry point — Associate programs at California Community Colleges typically run roughly $2,500–$3,000 per year in tuition for in-state students, making them one of the most cost-accessible paths into social work.
- ✓Two clear paths forward — Graduates can transfer into a BSW program (often completing in just two more years) or enter the workforce directly in entry-level social service roles.
- ✓Social work and human services overlap — At the associate level, both degree types cover similar skills and can qualify graduates for the same entry-level positions and transfer pathways.
- ✓Transfer degrees matter — AAT and AST programs guarantee admission to the CSU system under SB 1440 (though not to a specific campus or major), making them the strongest option for students planning to continue their education.
- ✓Fieldwork sets programs apart — The strongest programs include a supervised practicum or fieldwork requirement — look for this when comparing your options.
Every child welfare case, every family in crisis, every community in need — they’re waiting for someone ready to step in. Your first step starts here.
