This is your opportunity to explore issues of diversity, oppression and privilege and to examine advocacy and intervention strategies to engage in social change.
The BA program in community advocacy and social policy focuses on advocacy strategies through an in-depth exploration, analysis and comparison of social service systems and policies from an empowerment perspective.
The program's emphasis is on examining the needs of individuals, families and communities that have been historically under-served. Policy analysis and social change are critical themes in developing an advocacy knowledge base as are the equally important themes of prevention and social well-being. Students complete courses in two core areas: diversity and oppressed populations and social issues and interventions.
This degree prepares students to pursue graduate education. While the Bachelor of Arts in community advocacy and social policy program is fully accredited regionally under the North Central Regional Higher Education Association, it is not accredited through the Council of Social Work Education because this degree is not a BSW degree. Therefore, the Bachelor of Arts in community advocacy and social policy degree would not fulfill a professional licensing requirement that requires a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program.
At A Glance
Community Advocacy and Social Policy, BA
- Offered by: Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
- Location: Downtown, West, Online
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
Graduates are prepared for employment in the social services arena, such as performing basic case management (benefit processing or certification); staffing hotlines or warmlines; referral, recruitment and volunteer coordinator positions; and prevention and education. In addition, advocate positions are part of many organizations and areas, such as hospitals and the behavioral health system. This degree program also prepares students to pursue graduate education.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Social and Human Service Assistants | 16.4% | $33,120 |
| Health Educators | 14.5% | $53,940 |
| Community Health Workers | 18.1% | $38,370 |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | 13.2% | $41,570 |
| Counselors, All Other | 14.3% | $43,370 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | 23.4% | $48,790 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | 18% | $64,100 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation
What are ASU's Online Programs?
ASU Online offers programs like Community Advocacy and Social Policy in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
More information on the program is available directly from ASU Online.