Program Overview

Interested in making a meaningful impact in society? The Social Work program at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø (CWI) prepares you for a fulfilling career dedicated to service and advocacy. This Associate of Arts degree program not only meets the general education requirements for Idaho public institutions but also provides a comprehensive understanding of generalist social work practice. Whether your focus is addiction, crisis intervention, child services, or mental health care, this program equips you with the knowledge and skills to affect positive change.

CWI's program emphasizes practical experience through service learning and internships, allowing you to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. You will develop professional networks, gain hands-on experience with populations facing barriers, and build a strong foundation for further education in social work. The program’s personalized transfer-readiness support ensures a smooth transition to Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs, making it an ideal choice for aspiring social workers.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Arts

Cost

$9,695

Additional cost may apply.

Time to Complete

2 years

Primary Locations

Ada County Center

Social worker talking to patient in office

Learning Opportunities

  • Hands-On Experience with Populations Facing Barriers: Work directly with diverse groups, gaining practical skills and empathy.
  • Professional Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with community agencies for potential job opportunities and career advancement.
  • Preparation for Advanced Studies: Receive support and guidance for transferring to BSW programs with established relationships with Idaho institutions.
  • Community Engagement & Advocacy: Participate in events highlighting social issues and supporting populations facing barriers.
  • Development of Communication & Advocacy Skills: Enhance your ability to advocate effectively and educate others on social issues.

Areas of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Social Work – Associate of Arts Degree
2 Years

AA

Cost:
$9,695

Let's Get Started

Social Worker interacting with a preschool child

Career Opportunities

1063

Annual Openings*

$
35.10

Hourly Median Wage*

$
73,008

Annual Median Salary

18.28
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization’s budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

88

Annual Openings*

$
32.65

Hourly Median Wage*

$
67,912

Annual Median Salary

9.09
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

79

Annual Openings*

$
27.45

Hourly Median Wage*

$
57,096

Annual Median Salary

11.75
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

58

Annual Openings*

$
23.46

Hourly Median Wage*

$
48,796

Annual Median Salary

18.22
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

52

Annual Openings*

$
32.42

Hourly Median Wage*

$
67,433

Annual Median Salary

20.45
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.

51

Annual Openings*

$
25.67

Hourly Median Wage*

$
53,393

Annual Median Salary

2.58
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

All counselors not listed separately.

39

Annual Openings*

$
21.53

Hourly Median Wage*

$
44,782

Annual Median Salary

23.29
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

All social workers not listed separately.

34

Annual Openings*

$
26.24

Hourly Median Wage*

$
54,579

Annual Median Salary

9.71
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

20

Annual Openings*

$
33.35

Hourly Median Wage*

$
69,368

Annual Median Salary

33.96
%

Growth (2025 – 2035)*

*Data sourced from Lightcastâ„¢ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.

Admissions

Step 1

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

New Student Checklist

Let's Get Started

Let's Get Started

News

Group of 11 people stand and kneel in front of sign that says Family Advocates | Green back drop behind image

Through a service-learning partnership, CWI students donated 460 hours to Family Advocates, supporting children, families, and community-based programs.

Read more about CWI Students Strengthen Families Through Service-Learning Partnership
A student poses for a portrait.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø graduate Ash Shipley shares her story of loss and perseverance — and how, with a deep calling to support the Deaf community and the support of her instructors, she...

Read more about From Dream to Graduate: Overcoming Tragedy, Ash Shipley Finds Success
Denim Day | Wednesday, April 15 | Wear Denim

Denim Day seeks to raise awareness of sexual abuse and show support for survivors.

Read more about Denim Day
Humphrey the Hawks with SCORE Big Scholarship recipient, Madigan Grigsby, and President Gordon Jones

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø took over Memorial Stadium in a BOLD way Thursday night during CWI Night at the Hawks raising more than $1,000 for scholarships.

Read more about SCORE Big Hits It Out of the Park
2022 Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø graduate, Craig Petersen

Speak Up! Ink Up!, a charity event hosted by 2022 Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø graduate, Craig Petersen, raises nearly $11,500 for Idaho foster children.

Read more about Fostering Change
Hilary Cob, Social Work faculty and Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø's Faculty of Distinction for January 2022

Congratulations to Social Work faculty, Hilary Cobb, named Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍøâ€™s Faculty of Distinction for January 2022.

Read more about Cobb Named Faculty of Distinction for January
Social work students partner with Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections.

Social work students have been busy this year working in partnership with the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections.

Read more about Social Work Students Partner with Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections
Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø students, Hailey Stephensky, left, Carly Edwards, Natasha Lima-Rivas, and Annie Colombatto

Social Work students complete service-learning hours at the YMCA THRIVE Center for neurodiverse individuals and their families.

Read more about CWI Students Volunteer at South Meridian YMCA

Request More Information

Interested in learning more about this program or getting started? Fill out the information below to be contacted by a member of our team.

Loading...

Connect With Us

Ready to get started? Our team looks forward to assisting you!

One Stop Student Services

Locations

Program QR Code

URL: /academics/academic-transfer/social-work<br>