Department of Social Work - College of Liberal Arts - University of Alaska Fairbanks

Social Work Students study in the library

UAF Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) is theory-minded and practice-oriented.

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 real world learning model. The Social Work degree program has foundations in the liberal arts, emphasizing behavioral sciences, and incorporates Native Alaskan learning philosophies.

Students complete the program through distance education and we have an online-hybrid model avalable for a select number of students currently working in Behavior 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. Regardless of the program delivery method chosen, all students complete 400-hours of supervised field education that will prepare them to work with diverse populations after graduation.

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Find community connections

We create a community of critical thinkers dedicated to becoming competent, culturally sensitive professionals engaged in lifelong learning.

Choose your classroom

We strive to make our 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.

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.

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