Mental Health/Social Work
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Mental Health/Social Work

Earn your Mental Health & Social Work Associate Degree at OCC to start a meaningful career

Start a meaningful career helping people. The Mental Health and Social Work program prepares you to transfer to university programs offering a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) and jumpstart your career in various human service agencies.

You can also obtain a certificate in Addiction Studies. These 7 courses count toward the educational requirement needed to earn your Michigan Certified Addiction and Drug Counselor license.

Our program follows the Educational Policy Standards of the Counsel of Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE provides the framework for the national standards of social work education. 

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An In-Demand Job in a Growing Field

Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

  • Family and Children
  • Healthcare
  • Mental health and substance abuse

*Bureau of Labor Statistics

Job Market Outlook

Mental Health & Social Work Career Paths

Graduates are prepared to apply for these positions in the social service field. These positions may include the following:

  • Social Work/Psychiatric Technician
  • Social Service Assistant
  • Case Manager
  • Youth Outreach Specialist
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Peer Recovery Coach
  • Foster Care Specialist

Develop your skills in a supportive environment

Oakland Community College’s social work program is designed with you in mind:

  • Small class sizes
  • Experienced faculty
  • Professional networking
  • The opportunity to develop relationships with like-minded students
  • Hands-on experience and internships
  • Knowledge of the NASW Code of Ethics
Students learn through a combination of classroom work and fieldwork, spending 135 hours in human services agencies such as mental health centers, social service agencies, substance abuse counseling sites, and other facilities.
Did you know?

Transferring to a Four-Year University

The Mental Health/Social Work program at Oakland Community College has strong articulation agreements with many Michigan universities, including the following:

  • Oakland University
  • Eastern Michigan University
  • Wayne State University
  • Madonna University

Graduates of the Mental Health and Social Work program who gain admission into these BSW programs are allowed to transfer between 71 to 73 credits from Oakland Community College. On average this can save students $20,000.

Degree Program

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Mental Health/Social Work (MHS) is designed to prepare students for transfer into partnering university programs and entry level employment in a range of social service careers.

Associate Degree Information & Course List
Associate Degree Outcomes & Program Plan

Certificate in Addiction Studies

This certificate provides students with the knowledge and skills to work in the field of substance abuse and addiction while earning the Michigan Certified Addiction and Drug Counselor license. You will obtain the 300 educational hours required by the Michigan Certification Board of Addiction Professionals (MCBAP).

Certificate Degree Information & Course List
Certificate Outcomes & Program Plan

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Experienced Faculty

Our faculty brings real-world experience to the classroom which allows students to connect complex theories to real-life practice.

Our full-time and adjunct faculty have actively worked in the social work field, many for over 20 years, in a variety of industries:

  • Schools
  • Corrections
  • Law enforcement
  • Hospitals
  • Government
  • Private practice
  • Hospice
  • International social work
  • Non-profit
  • Community services organizations.

Information Sessions

Mental Health faculty hold virtual and in-person events throughout the year for prospective students to attend.


Eligibility Information

Depending on agency requirements, a criminal background check may be required to participate in the internship course (MHS 2600). If any student has questions or concerns, they may make an appointment with the Program Coordinator prior to enrolling in the program.

Get Started Today!

Ready to begin your studies? Get started now:

  • Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our online application.
  • On the application select the degree program ‘Mental Health/Social Work’.
  • Existing OCC students can update their academic program using the Change of Program Form.

I am interested in the Social Work/Mental Health Program

For more information about OCC's Social Work/Mental Health program complete the form below

Reason for inquiry*