The purpose of social work is to assist individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and society as a whole in improving the quality of life. Toward this client-centered commitment, the BSW program enables students to attain the knowledge, skills, and values on which professional practice as a social work generalist is based. Students are well prepared for entry-level, client-centered, generalist social work practice.

Please use the links below to find out more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program at UAA or contact Kathi Trawver, BSW Program Coordinator, at ktrawver@uaa.alaska.edu or (907) 786-6915.

Overview of the Program	Mission & Goals	Admission Requirements (pre-major status)	Requirements for Full Admission
Field Practicum	Departmental Honors	Academic Progress	Course Content Currency Requirement
Graduation Requirement	Minors	Faculty	How to Apply for Admission

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OVERVIEW OF THE BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM

The educational purpose of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at the University of Alaska Anchorage is to prepare graduates for beginning professional social work practice. Preparation for professional practice builds on a broad-based liberal arts education accomplished through completion of General Education and major degree requirements. Social work is a profession committed to assisting individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and society as a whole in the improvement of the quality of life through the amelioration of social problems, equitable distribution of social resources, and client empowerment.

Within an overall emphasis on consumer-centered planned change, the Bachelor of Social Work degree program at University of Alaska Anchorage is guided by the following principles:

• Social work practice is based on selective use of knowledge in planned efforts with human systems and social problems.

• Social work practice recognizes human diversity as a strength.

• Social work practice is based on professional values and ethics.

• Social work practice is based on professional relationships.

• Social work practice is based on reciprocal role performance.

• Social work practice is based on a strengths perspective.

Social work education engages the student in carefully planned experiences to achieve the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for beginning professional practice. These experiences take place in the classroom, laboratory, volunteer experience, small seminars, and selected field work practicum placements. The practicum placement is an essential component for completion of the professional degree for the BSW.

The Bachelor of Social Work degree program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). BSW program admission and curriculum requirements are consistent with BSW licensing requirements for the State of Alaska.

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MISSION AND GOALS

The mission of the UAA BSW Program is to prepare generalist social workers who enhance human well-being and promote social and economic justice for people of all backgrounds, particularly those in Alaska. Alaska’s unique and rich multicultural populations, geographic remoteness, and frontier status allow the real potential for skilled social work professionals to make a profound impact on social and economic injustice in our state.

Based upon the mission established for the BSW program, the program goals are to prepare Generalist Social Work practitioners who are:

• Competent in multiple entry-level practice roles across client systems, particularly within the state of Alaska.

• Committed to the enhancement of human well-being.

• Committed to the promotion of social and economic justice for people of all backgrounds, particularly those in Alaska.

• Guided by the values and ethical standards of the social work profession.

• Prepared to enhance the quality of service delivery systems.

• Knowledgeable, skillful, and sensitive with people from diverse backgrounds.

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