UAF Department of Social Work
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 available 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 various populations after graduation.
Each state has its own unique requirements for licensure or certification. If seeking a professional license or certificate in a state other than Alaska, please see the state listings on this page.
Fee Changes for the Social Work Department
These changes will go into effect as of the Spring 2025 academic semester. You will see these changes reflected in our Student Handbook, Field Manual, and online by the Spring 2025 semester.- 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
POSITION OPENING - HIRING NOW
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Social Work Department is seeking to hire a Clinical Assistant Professor/Field Director to add to our growing program. UAF is a Land, Sea, and Space Grant university and an international center for research, education, and the arts, emphasizing the circumpolar North, and its varied peoples. We have a strong team of dedicated educators who are committed to creating a community of critical thinkers who are dedicated to becoming competent, culturally grounded, and environmentally conscious professionals engaged in lifelong learning and research which honors various ways of knowing. We seek candidates of all backgrounds who embrace these values and the broader mission of public higher education. Come teach and be inspired in a welcoming, accredited online social work program.
Hear from our students!
Department Social Work Contact Information
Email: uaf-socialwork@alaska.edu
Phone: 907-474-7240
Fax: 907-474-6085
Physical address:
1747 South Chandalar Drive
Gruening Building, Room 601 D
Fairbanks, AK 99775
Mailing address:
UAF Department of Social Work
PO Box 756270
Fairbanks, AK 99775
Retchenda George-Bettisworth, LMSW, DSW
Clinical Professor of Social Work
Email: rbgeorgebettisworth@alaska.edu
Phone: 907-474-7025
Carol Renfro
Office: Gruening Building, Room 601D
Email: uaf-socialwork@alaska.edu
Phone: 907-474-7240
Fax: 907-474-6085
At times, navigating your way through college can be tricky. Throughout your academic
journey, you’ll need guidance from different advisors to stay on the path to success.
Visit our advising page to ensure you're reaching out to the right advisor at each stage of your journey.
Here is a brief outline of some of the different types of advising available to you.
UAF Academic Advising Center (First-Year Students: 0–30 credits)
Designed for first-year students, this service helps you lay a strong academic foundation,
equipping you with the resources and guidance needed to succeed in your degree program.
CLA Undergraduate Comprehensive Advising (Students with 30+ credits)
Once you’ve completed 30 credits, you’ll work with one of our CLA undergraduate advisors
for help with registration, petitions, major changes, and navigating college-related
questions.
CLA Undergraduate Department/Program Advising (Declared Majors/Minors)
In addition to your CLA undergraduate comprehensive advising, once you’ve declared
a major or minor, faculty advisors within your department supplement specialized guidance,
helping with upper-division-level course selection within the major, internships,
practicums, and capstone projects.
CLA Graduate Advising
Graduate students do not meet with CLA Undergraduate Comprehensive Advisors. Graduate
students will appoint an advisory committee. The graduate advisory committee guides
the student in developing and completing their degree program. CLA has designated
department graduate coordinators who will guide you through this process.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Advising is also available for students who are not pursuing a degree but just want
to take a class and want help with course selection and academic planning. This happens
through UAF Admissions.
Please visit our advising page for more information and contact details.