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 improvement of social problems, equitable distribution of social
resources, and client empowerment. The educational purpose of the BSW program at the
UAA 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. Within an overall
emphasis on consumer-centered planned change, the BSW degree program at UAA 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.
- Professional relationships.
- Reciprocal role performance.
- A strengths perspective.
Our program engages students 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.
