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Pre-Social Work, A.A.

Potomac State College

A social worker interacts with a family in their living room.

The online Associate of Arts in Pre-Social Work from WVU Potomac State College offers you a step toward completion of a baccalaureate degree in social work. You will gain a strong foundation in social work, communication, and sociology that will empower you to successfully complete the baccalaureate degree and make an impact while serving your community.

Cost:

$268 / Cost per credit hour *

Courses and Credits:

21 Courses / 60 Credits

Duration:

Two years (full time) / 8-week terms

Dates:

Next Start: January 12, 2026 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer

Learning Format:

Online asynchronous

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Program Overview

Begin Your Journey in Social Work

The online Associate of Arts in Pre-Social Work from WVU Potomac State College provides a strong foundation in social work, sociology, and psychology—preparing you to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you plan to continue your education or enter the workforce, this flexible program is your first step toward a rewarding career in human services.

  • Foundational Curriculum: Study core subjects in social work, sociology, and psychology while customizing your education with electives that match your goals.
  • Transfer-Ready: Seamlessly transition into WVU’s Bachelor of Social Work program—on-campus or online—or transfer credits to other four-year institutions.
  • Real-World Relevance: Learn to apply ethical principles, engage with diverse populations, and advocate for social and economic justice.
  • Career Preparation: Build the skills needed for roles in family services, community outreach, and human development.
  • Flexible & Accessible: Complete 60 credit hours online, with the option to apply previously earned credits and electives toward a future minor.

Curriculum

As a student in this program, you will complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of required and elective courses. You may use credits earned at other institutions and the electives can also be used toward a minor of your choice.

This program is a great stepping-stone to a degree through the WVU School of Social Work where you can pursue a bachelor's degree either on-campus in Morgantown or online. Additionally, the program's coursework can also be transferred to degree programs at other four-year institutions.


Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the A.A. degree, you will be able to:

  • Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly.
  • Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
  • Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.
  • Engage diversity and difference in practice.
  • Advance human rights and social and economic justice.
  • Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
  • Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
  • Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services.

View the courses that meet each GEF requirement.
NOTE: Some major requirements will fulfill specific GEF requirements. Please see the curriculum requirements listed below for details on which GEFs you will need to select.

General Education Foundations
  • F1: Composition & Rhetoric
    • ENGL 101 & ENGL 102 / or ENGL 103 Introduction to Composition and Rhetoric and Composition, Rhetoric, and Research / Accelerated Academic Writing, 3-6 credit hours
  • F2A/F2B: Science & Technology, 4-6 credit hours
  • F3: Math & Quantitative Reasoning, 3-4 credit hours
  • F4: Society & Connections, 3 credit hours
  • F5: Human Inquiry and the Past, 3 credit hours
  • F6: The Arts & Creativity, 3 credit hours
  • F7: Global Studies & Diversity, 3 credit hours
  • F8: Focus (may be satisfied by completion of a minor, double major, or dual degree), 9 credit hours
Total Hours: 31-37

Please note that not all of the GEF courses are offered at all campuses. Students should consult with their advisor or academic department regarding the GEF course offerings available at their campus.

Curriculum Requirements
  • GEF Elective Requirements (2, 6 and 8), 12 credits
  • WVUE 191: First Year Seminar, 1 credit hour
  • ENGL 101 & ENGL 102: Introduction to Composition & Rhetoric / Composition, Rhetoric, & Research (GEF 1), 6 credit hours
The following courses require a minimum GPA of 2.0: 
  • Select one of the following:
    • MATH 121: Intro Concepts Of Mathematics, 3 credit hours
    • STAT 111: Understanding Statistics, 3 credit hours
  • POLS 220: State and Local Government (GEF 4), 3 credit hours
  • PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology, 3 credit hours
  • SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology, 3 credit hours
  • SOC 221: Families and Society (GEF 8), 3 credit hours
  • SOWK 147: Human Diversity (GEF 7 - minimum grade of C-), 3 credit hours
  • SOWK 151: Introduction to Social Work (minimum grade of C-), 3 credit hours
  • PSYC 200-level Elective, 3 credit hours
  • SOC or ANTH or CRIM 200-level Elective, 3 credit hours
  • Minority Content Course (Select one of the following):  
    • ENGL 154: African American Literature, 3 credit hours
    • ENGL 254: African American Literature, 3 credit hours
    • ENGL 285: Images of Women in Literature, 3 credit hours
    • HIST 250: Topics in Appalachian Studies, 3 credit hours
    • HIST 250: West Virginia, 3 credit hours
    • PSYC 232: Sex Roles and Behavior, 3 credit hours
    • PSYC 345: Adulthood and Aging, 3 credit hours
    • SOC 235: Race and Ethnic Relations, 3 credit hours
    • WGST 170: Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies, 3 credit hours
  • Elective, 11 credit hours
Total Hours: 60

Year One, Fall Semester
  • ENGL 101 (GEF 1), 3 credit hours
  • MATH 12 or STAT 111 (GEF 3), 3 credit hours
  • SOWK 151 (GEF 5), 3 credit hours
  • WVUE 191, 1 credit hour
  • GEF 6, 3 credit hours
  • Elective, 2 credit hours
Total: 15 credit hours

Year One, Spring Semester
  • ENGL 102 (GEF 1), 3 credit hours
  • SOC 101, 3 credit hours
  • SOWK 147 (GEF 7), 3 credit hours
  • GEF 2, 3 credit hours
  • Elective, 3 credit hours
Total: 15 credit hours

Year Two, Fall Semester
  • POLS 222 (GEF 4), 3 credit hours
  • PSYC 101, 3 credit hours
  • SOC or ANTH or CRIM 200-level Elective, 3 credit hours
  • GEF 2, 3 credit hours
  • Elective, 3 credit hours
Total: 15 credit hours

Year Two, Spring Semester
  • SOC 221 (GEF 8), 3 credit hours
  • PSYC 200-level Elective, 3 credit hours
  • Minority Content Course , 3 credit hours
  • GEF 8, 3 credit hours
  • Elective, 3 credit hours
Total: 15 credit hours

Grand Total: 60 credit hours

Connect With Us

Katie Nicholas WVU Potomac State College

304-788-6857 Katelyn.Nicholas@mail.wvu.edu

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Admissions Process and How to Apply

Potomac State has a rolling admissions policy, which means that you should receive a decision within a few weeks after your application and required materials are received. We recommend that you apply as early as possible.

To apply to WVU's Potomac State College:

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

The University provides a comprehensive approach to helping you finance your education. Learn more on the WVU Financial Aid Website and the Potomac State College Website.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Visit the  Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Students are encouraged to:
  • File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
  • Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.

Careers and Employment

This associate degree program is a great foundation for further education in social work, as some positions may require additional schooling or experience. While there is opportunity to advance your studies after completing this program, there are many roles in the field of social work where associate degree holders are valued.

Career Paths

  • Foster Care
  • Adoption
  • Justice System
  • Public Assistance
  • Day Care Services
  • School Social Services
  • Veteran Services
  • Social Services in a Medical Field or Mental Health Hospital
  • Drug and Alcohol Programs
  • Recreational Services (e.g., Boy Scouts)
  • Rehabilitation Centers
  • State and Local Government Agencies
  • Nursing Homes
  • Research
  • Social Action
  • Fundraising
  • YWCA

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Get in Touch

The WVU Online team is here for you during your online learning journey. We can help you navigate the curriculum of your program of interest, understand the application process, and keep you posted on upcoming events and deadlines.

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