Baltimore County, Md. (August 11, 2025) — This fall, Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) will launch a new Associate of Arts in Social Work, becoming one of only two community colleges in Maryland to offer this stand-alone degree.
Designed with transfer in mind, the program offers seamless pathways to Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degrees at Salisbury University and University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). Students who begin their studies at CCBC can complete the first two years of their degree at a fraction of the cost of a four-year university while preparing for a smooth academic transition.
Offered on campus and fully online, the program includes a Behavioral Health Counselor Trainee certificate, qualifying students for alcohol and drug trainee status from the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. This credential prepares graduates for entry-level counseling positions, providing a valuable foundation for working with clients affected by substance use disorders.
This degree replaces less-specialized transfer routes, offering a focused curriculum that positions students for both advanced study and early career opportunities. Graduates who transfer and complete their BSW may enter the workforce sooner—utilizing their alcohol and drug counselor credentials—and earn an average salary of $64,019 in Maryland, according to labor market data presented on Lightcast.
At CCBC, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality academic pathways that also make financial sense for our students,” said CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis. “By beginning their social work studies here, students can complete the first two years of their degree at a fraction of the cost of a four-year university. This not only reduces student debt but also allows them to transfer seamlessly to Salisbury University or UMBC fully prepared to succeed in their bachelor’s program.
Since 1957, CCBC has opened the doors to accessible, affordable, high-quality education empowering generations of area residents to transform their lives and the lives of others. Each year, over 50,000 students enroll at the college’s main campuses, extension centers and online to make their starts, earn degrees, launch and build careers. CCBC offers the region’s most expansive selection of degree, certificate and workplace certification programs that prepare students for transfer, job entry and career advancement in such industries as business, education, health care, information technology, cybersecurity, construction, and transportation. Designated as the “Best Community College” among the Maryland Daily Record’s 2024 Reader Rankings, CCBC is also nationally recognized as a leader in innovative learning strategies and among the nation’s top associate degree producers.
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