Bachelor of Social Work program
Let's connect!
To find out more about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program, contact BSW Program Coordinator Kathi Trawver at krtrawver@alaska.edu or 907-786-6915. To schedule a meeting with one of our advisors, contact our office at 907-786-6900.
Helpful Information
Program Overview
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.
Mission & Goals
The Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) prepares students for professional social work practice. The mission of the UAA BSW program is to prepare generalist social workers who enhance human well-being, engage in decolonizing and anti-oppressive practice, and promote social, economic, and environmental justice for all Alaskans. Students learn to collaborate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities to advocate for social justice and equity and promote optimal functioning and well-being.
The BSW has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1978.
Based upon this mission, our 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 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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the purpose of social work and how will a BSW degree prepare me for this profession?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.
- Can I apply for full admission to the BSW program if I have not completed all of the
required courses by the application deadline?Yes, most students do not have all of the required courses completed at the time of application. In this event, you may be admitted conditionally and will be required to complete those courses with a C or better prior to the fall semester that your practicum will begin. We highly recommend meeting with your advisor at least once a semester. This will ensure that you know where you stand in the program.