Program Overview

UAF Department of Social Work

The University of Alaska Fairbanks' Department of Social Work offers a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited degree to prepare students to work in communities throughout Alaska using a real-world learning model. The Social Work degree program has foundations in the liberal arts, emphasizing behavioral sciences, and incorporates Native Alaskan learning philosophies.

UAF Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW)

The UAF Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) is theory-minded and practice-oriented. Students complete the program through distance education, and an online-hybrid model is available for a select number of students currently working in Behavioral Health. Students complete all their coursework synchronously, utilizing a web-based platform to check in with professors and peers. In the hybrid model, students primarily study online and use audio conferencing tools but also meet in Fairbanks occasionally for intensive classroom learning.

Program Requirements

Regardless of the program delivery method chosen, all students complete 400-hours of supervised field education that will prepare them to work with various populations after graduation.

Fee Changes

• Removal of the $2,000 Out of State Practicum Fee.
• Implementation of a $300 Practicum Fee, as follows:
  • A fee of $150, applied in fall semesters through the SWK 461 course.
  • A fee of $150, applied in spring semesters through the SWK 464 course.
• Increase of the Social Work Course Fee from $25 to $35, applied to all courses with a SWK designation.

Professions in Social Work

Graduates in social work qualify for beginning practice positions in child welfare, mental health, services for the aged, family agencies, youth programs, health services, Native corporations, and other social agencies.

Career Opportunities

• Child welfare
• Mental health
• Services for the aged
• Family agencies
• Youth programs
• Health services
• Native corporations
• Other social agencies

Department of Social Work

The Department of Social Work strives to make its program accessible and flexible for a variety of learners. As part of their senior year coursework, students are given the opportunity to work with individuals, groups, and communities in a social service agency and complete a 400-hour practicum.

Community Connections

The department creates a community of critical thinkers dedicated to becoming competent, culturally sensitive professionals engaged in lifelong learning.

Academic Advising

The University of Alaska Fairbanks provides comprehensive academic advising to guide students through their degree program. Advising services include:

• UAF Academic Advising Center for first-year students
• CLA Undergraduate Comprehensive Advising for students with more than 24 credits
• CLA Undergraduate Department/Program Advising for declared majors/minors
• CLA Graduate Advising for graduate students
• Advising for non-degree seeking students

Advising Services

• UAF Academic Advising Center: Designed for first-year students, this service helps lay a strong academic foundation.
• CLA Undergraduate Comprehensive Advising: Provides help with registration, petitions, major changes, and navigating college-related questions.
• CLA Undergraduate Department/Program Advising: Offers specialized guidance for upper-division-level course selection within the major, internships, practicums, and capstone projects.
• CLA Graduate Advising: Guides graduate students in developing and completing their degree program.
• Non-Degree Seeking Students: Advising is available for students who are not pursuing a degree but want to take a class and need help with course selection and academic planning.