Resources

MSW Application

• How do I apply?

  Applications to the MSW program are accepted and reviewed once a year. Applications must be submitted online by Jan. 15. Paper applications will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed until all application materials have been submitted.

  All applicants to the UAA MSW program must complete an online application for admission, which includes a non-refundable $75.00 fee. Apply online at the UAA Office of Admissions website by clicking "Apply Here."

  The application includes the following documents:

  Professional Resume

  The resume will be uploaded to the online application. At a minimum, the resume should include: 

  • Work Experience: ​Prior employment history​​ with ​name and location of the organization, title / position​ held​, ​duties performed, and dates of employment​;
  • Volunteer Experience/Community Involvement: List prior ​​volunteer experience with name and location of the organization, tasks performed, and dates of service;
  • Awards / Honors: ​ ​Highlight relevant activities and honors, such as academic awards and scholarships, membership in organizations, leadership positions, and work-related awards or honors. Provide dates of award or involvement.​

  Personal Statement

  Provide a separate response to each of the three questions below, and please number your response to each question. Submit the personal statement as a single electronic document titled “Personal Statement” and include your name. The personal statement should be typed, double-spaced, and should be no longer than three (3) pages. Responses will be reviewed for evidence of understanding the field of social work, evidence of social work values, critical thinking, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Please respond to each of the following questions individually and number your response to each question:

  1. Social work is a profession committed to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion and to advancing human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice. Knowing this, share how your personal, volunteer, community involvement, education, and/or professional experiences led you to choose social work.
  2. Describe how an MSW degree from UAA will help you to meet your personal and professional goals. Please specifically address your future career plans and reason for choosing UAA.
  3. Recount an ethical issue you have had in your personal, professional, or volunteer experience. Discuss your decision-making process and the factors that contributed to the ultimate outcome. Please protect confidentiality and do not reveal the names of people, communities, or organizations.

  Writing Sample

  Submit the writing sample as a single electronic document titled “Writing Statement” and include your name. Responses will be reviewed for evidence of understanding the field of social work, evidence of social work values, critical thinking, providing support for your arguments with evidence from your lived experience and/or from outside sources of information, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. For the writing sample, please respond to the following:

  Two issues (among many) that presently concern social workers and the profession of social work are income inequality and systemic oppression. Choose ONE of the issues and 1) describe your understanding of the issue and 2) discuss how social workers can work within society to address the issue.

  • Please support your arguments with evidence from your lived experience and/or from outside sources of information.
  • Outside sources of information are not required, but if you use outside sources of information, then in-text citations are required using the APA author-date citation system. Each work cited must be included in a reference list provided at the end of the writing sample. The reference list is not included in the two-page limit of the writing sample.
  • The writing sample should be typed, double-spaced, and should be no longer than two (2) pages (excluding the reference list). 

  Three (3) Professional Letters of Reference

  Three professional reference forms will be submitted through the online application. Do not send letters of reference directly to the School of Social Work.

  • Please select professional references from your work, educational, and volunteer experiences who can best speak to your qualities that make you suitable for a career as a social worker. Please do not use relatives or friends as references.
  • A UAA School of Social Work Letter of reference form will be electronically emailed to each of the references you provide. Your references should complete the form and electronically return it as instructed in the email.
  • Applicants with a BSW who are applying for advanced standing: One of the three professional references must be provided by a BSW faculty member who can address the applicant’s readiness for advanced standing, such as the applicant's BSW seminar instructor, BSW program coordinator, the BSW field coordinator, or the student’s academic advisor.
  • Applicants transferring from another MSW program: One of the three letters of reference must be from the MSW program director/coordinator or MSW advisor stating that you are currently in good standing in the MSW program from which you are transferring, and that you have completed all courses in the generalist curriculum including field education.

  Transcripts

  Provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended reflecting completion of all baccalaureate or master degrees as well as any transcripts with graduate credit. All requested transcripts must be official and securely transmitted directly to UAA by the issuing institution. Students do not need to request transcripts from any University of Alaska Campus.

  Transcripts can be sent directly from the issuing institution to UAA Admissions through a secure electronic transcript service by providing the following email address when requesting your transcript: application-documents@uaa.alaska.edu. Send printed transcripts to: UAA Office of Admissions, Enrollment Services Center, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508

  Review

  Review your complete MSW application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all materials required for a complete application are uploaded in the online application portal. The MSW program reserves the right to request additional materials and/or interviews pertaining to program admission. Please note that the UAA MSW program does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.

  After submitting your MSW application:

  • You will receive an email confirming submission of your application and notification of any incomplete documents.
  • Notify the School of Social Work if your name, address, email, or phone number changes.
  • Notify the School of Social Work if you decide to withdraw your application.
• How will I know if I'm accepted into the program?

  Applicants to the UAA MSW program will receive a written notice of the admission decision from both the UAA School of Social Work and the UAA Office of Admissions. The School of Social Work will notify applicants of the program admission decision in writing by April 1. Admitted applicants will be asked to complete and return an Intent to Enroll form to the School of Social Work in order to confirm their seat in the MSW program. Students admitted to the full-time program will be required to provide field education placement information with the Intent to Enroll form. The deadline to return the enrollment and field form will be listed in the program letter. 

  The School of Social Work will maintain a wait list. If seats become available in the MSW program, applicants will then be selected from the waitlist to fill those seats prior to the start of summer semester.

  Provisional Admission Status: Applicants accepted into the MSW program who are enrolled in the last semester of their undergraduate program or who have not completed the three prerequisite courses will be given a provisional admission. Provisions must be completed prior to the first day of classes of the fall semester of the admission year. If the provisions are not completed by that date, then the student will be removed from degree seeking status.

Admissions Criteria

• What are the criteria for admission to the MSW program?
  • An earned baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by a recognized regional accrediting association.
  • 3.00 cumulative undergraduate GPA (The MSW Admissions Committee may make exceptions, taking into account special circumstances based on a review of the entire application)
  • Two prerequisite courses (completed with a grade of “C” or better): (Note: This is a policy change that went into effect for the 2018-2019 catalog year. Students who applied in January 2018 or earlier were required to complete a prerequisite in lifespan development in addition to human biology and applied statistics).
    •  Human biology (UAA courses that satisfy this requirement include: BIOL A100; BIOL A102; BIOL A111 or BIOL A112; BIOL A113 or BIOL A114)
    • Statistics (UAA courses that satisfy this requirement include: STAT A200, STAT A253, PSY A260, SOC A462
• What are the criteria for admission to the MSW program with advanced placement?

  All applicants must meet the following criteria for advanced placement without exception. Applicants who do not meet the criteria for Advanced Placement may apply to the full MSW program.

  Bachelor of Social Work degree completed within the past five years from a baccalaureate social work

  • Bachelor of Social Work degree completed within the past five years from a baccalaureate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services, or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors.
  •  3.00 cumulative undergraduate GPA
  •  3.50 GPA in BSW program core courses (course work in human behavior, policy, research, practice, and practicum)
  • Grade of “A” or equivalent in each field placement course
  • Two prerequisite courses (completed with a grade of “C” or better): (Note: This is a policy change that went into effect for the 2018-2019 catalog year. Students who applied in January 2018 or earlier were required to complete a prerequisite in lifespan development in addition to human biology and applied statistics).
    •  Human biology (UAA courses that satisfy this requirement include: BIOL A100; BIOL A102; BIOL A111 or BIOL A112; BIOL A113 or BIOL A114)
    • Statistics (UAA courses that satisfy this requirement include: STAT A200, STAT A253, PSY A260, SOC A462)

Important Information

• Can I transfer credits?
  Up to nine (9) semester credits earned at a regionally accredited institution and not previously used to obtain any other degree may be transferred to UAA and counted toward degree completion. Transfer credits involving a previously earned graduate degree may be affected by additional university policies.
• What if I'm transferring from an MSW program?

  Transfer applicants currently enrolled in a CSWE accredited MSW program are considered on a limited basis. Applicants currently enrolled in an MSW program who would like to transfer to the UAA MSW program must have completed the full generalist curriculum, including coursework and practicum. To be considered, applicants must be currently enrolled in a CSWE accredited MSW program, must be in good standing, and must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Per UAA Graduate School Policy, all graduate degree requirements must be completed within 7 years.

  If admitted to the UAA MSW program, applicants will be admitted into the advanced generalist curriculum of the UAA MSW program, which is 34 credits and includes 6 credits of electives.

  Procedure for applying as an MSW transfer student:

  • Submit the full UAA MSW program application by January 15. On the application, choose that you are applying for advanced standing.
  • One of the three letters of reference must be from the MSW program director / coordinator or MSW advisor stating that you are currently in good standing in the MSW program from which you are transferring, and that you have completed all courses in the generalist curriculum including field education.
  • Transfer students might be asked to submit syllabi for courses taken in the previous program for review by the MSW Program Coordinator, who will review for course equivalency. Admitted students may be required to take additional generalist coursework at UAA as a condition of admission. 
• What are the admissions decisions?

  The UAA MSW Admissions Committee, which is composed of faculty of the UAA School of Social Work and members of the professional social work community, reviews all applications to the MSW program. Only complete applications will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. The Committee determines admission based on a combination of factors, including:

  • Undergraduate grade point average. While a minimum GPA of 3.0 is desired, exceptions may be made taking into account special circumstances based on a review of the entire application packet, particularly if the grade point average in the last 60 credits is above 3.0.
  • Assessment of the applicant's understanding of and commitment to social work and their capacity for the profession as evidenced by the applicant's resume, letters of reference, personal statement, and writing sample.
  • Letters of reference.
  • Demonstration of critical thinking and writing ability based on the personal statement and writing sample.
  • Diversity considerations.

  Types of Admissions Decisions

  Admitted: All admissions requirements are met and the applicant is selected for admission to the MSW program.

  An Intent to Enroll form is enclosed with the UAA School of Social Work notice of admission, and applicants must return this form to the School of Social Work by the date specified in the letter in order to confirm their seat in the MSW program. Students admitted to the full-time program will be required to provide field education placement information with the Intent to Enroll form.

  Admitted with Provisions: Applicants who show potential for success in the MSW program but do not meet all the admission requirements may be provisionally admitted. For example, applicants who are enrolled in the last semester of their undergraduate program or who have not completed the two prerequisite courses will be given a provisional admission. Provisions must be completed by the date specified in the letter of admission. If the provisions are not met within the specified deadlines, the student may be removed from graduate degree-seeking status. 

  An Intent to Enroll form is enclosed with the UAA School of Social Work notice of provisional admission, and applicants must return this form to the School of Social Work by the date specified in the letter in order to confirm their seat in the MSW program. Students admitted provisionally to the full-time program will be required to provide field education placement information with the Intent to Enroll form.

  Waitlisted for Admission: Each year we receive more qualified applicants than space available. A small number of applicants may be selected for a waitlist. If space becomes available before May 1, applicants will be removed from the waitlist and offered admission. If space does not become available, then applicants on the waitlist must reapply to be considered for admission in subsequent years.

  Denied Admission: Unfortunately, each year we receive more applications than space available, so we must deny admission to applicants. Applicants who are denied admission may reapply in subsequent years.

  Deferring Admission: Applicants who are admitted or admitted with provisions to the MSW program may request to defer admission to the MSW program for one year. The MSW Admissions Committee reviews all requests for deferral of admission. Applicants may submit a request for a one year deferral of admission by completing the following steps:

  • Submit the Intent to Enroll Form to the School of Social Work by the date specified indicating a request to defer admission for one year. Enclose a written request for deferral that is addressed to the MSW Admissions Committee. The written request should describe the reasons for requesting a one year deferral.
  • If a deferral is granted, applicants must complete and submit the UAA Graduate School Change Application for Graduate Admission by May 1. MSW program approval is required for this form.
• What happens in the event of non-attendance and re-application?

  Admitted applicants who cannot attend should indicate their decision on the Intent to Enroll form that is sent with the letter of admission. The Intent to Enroll form should be returned to the School of Social Work by the date specified in the letter of recommendation.  

  Admitted applicants who fail to submit the intent to enroll form and who do not enroll in the required summer semester MSW course by the end of the add/drop period for summer semester will be removed from the MSW program. Accepted applicants removed for non-attendance who wish to pursue the MSW degree must reapply for admission.

• What is practicum placement?

  The UAA MSW practicum education program provides students with a rich opportunity to apply knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes developed in the classroom to the demonstration of generalist and advanced generalist competencies in real-world agency settings while working directly with and on behalf of a variety of client groups in Alaska, including clients and constituencies in rural and urban communities. 

  MSW students complete two practicum placements: one in the generalist curriculum and one in the advanced generalist curriculum. The MSW Practicum Coordinator assists students with the practicum placement process. Both practicum placements are a year-long, and they are completed during the fall and spring semesters. Students are required to complete a total of 480 hours in each practicum, which is approximately 16 hours a week in the practicum placement for a total of 30 weeks (two semesters). While in the practicum, students are also enrolled in a practicum seminar, where they integrate MSW didactic course content with practicum learning experiences.

  Please note that the UAA MSW program does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience.

• What if I'm interested in the dual degree of Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health?

  The Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH) dual degree provides academic training in order to maximize the impact of both public health and social work practices. This dual degree develops expertise at the nexus of public health and social work. The goal of this program is to train leaders who have the skills and competencies to address many of the social and public health problems facing the state of Alaska, this nation and the world.

  Admissions Requirements

  Students must apply separately and meet the admission requirements of both the MSW and MPH programs. 

• What are the technology requirements?
  UAA MSW Students must be able to access the internet, navigate web pages, check and respond to email, and attach files to email. Students need access to word processing software (such as Microsoft Word), presentation software (such as Microsoft PowerPoint), and media playing software (YouTube, Windows Media Player, etc.) as courses often use these programs to complete assignments. Many courses use web conferencing, such as Blackboard Collaborate, for the synchronous class meetings. To participate in the UAA MSW program, students will need a web camera, speakers, and a microphone (or a headset with a built-in microphone).
• What if I have a felony conviction?

  The School of Social Work MSW Admissions Committee will, in their discretion, deny an applicant for admission if the committee finds that the applicant's history of a felony or misdemeanor convictions make the applicant unfit for social work practice. The committee will consider the number and recency of any convictions and the relationship those convictions may have on practice.

  Not withstanding the above, a person who has been convicted of a felony crime against a person described in AS 11.41 within the ten years before the date of application is unfit for admission to the MSW program and will be denied.

• Notice of Nondiscrimination
  The University of Alaska is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educational institution. The University of Alaska does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, parenthood, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, or other legally protected status. The University's commitment to nondiscrimination, including against sex discrimination, applies to students, employees, and applicants for admission and employment. Contact information, applicable laws, and complaint procedures are included on UA's statement of nondiscrimination.