[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]An online associate in social work degree helps students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to enter the social work field, and to eventually earn a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-social-work/”]bachelor’s in social work degree[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a degree in the traditional, on-campus format can be tough, but earning a degree online provides plenty of flexibility, even for the busiest students. Individuals earning online degrees in social work prepare for careers helping others in a variety of settings, all on their own schedule. This article ranks the best online associate in social work degree programs available today.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Associate in Social Work Programs Online[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What’s the difference between human services and social work?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Human services and social work are closely related fields, and many people often confuse the two. Social work professionals tend to focus on solving problems at the individual level, through things like therapy, counseling, and connecting clients with resources and services. Human services professionals tend to focus on the bigger picture, planning and organizing programs, organizing community services, and performing administrative roles. Both help populations of people in related yet different ways, and the fields compliment each other.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Moreover, associate degrees in social work are not particularly common; many students earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-human-services/”]associate degree in human services[/hen-ui-link] before transferring into a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/online-bachelors-social-work/”]bachelor’s in social work degree program[/hen-ui-link]. [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How long does it take to complete an associate degree in social work?[/hen-ui-heading]