2 CSWE-Accredited BSW Programs in Alaska
Students considering BSW programs in Alaska will find their choices are limited but outstanding. The state has two CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs: University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF).
The small number of programs doesn’t limit your career potential. Alaska’s social workers earn impressive salaries. Healthcare social workers take home a median salary of $72,540, while child, family, and school social workers earn about $60,880 yearly. Social workers in all specializations make a mean annual wage of $64,360. The state board of social work recognizes graduates from these programs. You can work in city hospitals or village clinics that small aircraft can only reach.
Social work jobs in Alaska come with unique opportunities. UAA earned recognition as Alaska’s best school for social work students getting bachelor’s degrees in 2023. Both schools provide quality education and require at least 400 supervised field hours.
University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)
The University of Alaska Anchorage is the anchor for social work education in the state. Students get detailed preparation to become future social workers in a variety of Alaska’s communities.
Program overview
The UAA Bachelor of Social Work program, 45 years old, has managed to keep continuous accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since its inception. The program prepares generalist social workers who work together with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. These professionals promote equity and social justice throughout Alaska’s diverse geographic and cultural landscapes.
UAA’s BSW program gives structured support, instruction, and advising to prepare you for entry-level professional social work careers or graduate school. Students benefit from a centered approach with planned experiences. They develop knowledge, skills, and values through classroom learning, laboratory work, volunteer experiences, small seminars, and field work practicum placements.
The program’s results speak volumes—approximately 90% of UAA School of Social Work alumni land jobs or get accepted into Master of Social Work programs by graduation. Graduates qualify for positions that open doors to advancement and leadership roles in many settings throughout Alaska.
Curriculum and specializations
The BSW curriculum at UAA builds on a broad-based liberal arts education through General Education requirements and major-specific coursework. Professional foundation courses include:
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Social Work Practice Methods (working with individuals, families, groups)
- Social Welfare Policy and Services
- Research Methods for Social Work
- Social Work Ethics and Values
- Field Education
Students need 120 credits to graduate, with 39 credits at the upper-division level. The program uses a two-phase structure. Students apply to the major first, then separately to the professional phase during fall semester before their intended graduation year.
Students must keep a minimum 2.5 GPA to apply for the professional phase. They need to complete prerequisite courses with grades of C or better and show commitment to social work values and ethics. Professional phase acceptance makes students eligible for practicum placement—hands-on experience in community agencies that proves vital.
Tuition and financial aid
Undergraduate tuition at UAA remains affordable compared to many other states for 2024-2025. Alaska residents pay about $8,310 for 30 credits, while non-residents pay around $24,930. Students should budget for mandatory fees of $1,406 and roughly $1,400 annually for books and supplies.
Several funding options make BSW education more available:
- Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS): Merit-based awards for Alaska high school graduates
- Alaska Education Grant (AEG): Need-based grants for Alaska residents
- UA Scholars Award: Full tuition awards for top Alaska high school graduates
- Social Work-Specific Funding: Scholarships through the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and tribal organizations
UAA’s social work department offers two specific scholarships. Fully admitted BSW students with a 2.0 GPA can receive a minimum $500 award. The Thorsness Family Scholarship provides $1,000 for educational expenses. Most UAA scholarship applications close on December 6th for the next academic year.
Online and flexible learning options
Alaska’s big geography makes UAA’s flexible learning options vital for students across the state. Starting Fall 2022, non-resident students taking 100% online classes pay the lower resident tuition rate. This change makes the program more affordable for out-of-state learners.
Students can choose between “Set Time” and “No Set Time” online offerings based on their schedule and learning preferences. UAA’s dual mission approach delivers flexible, affordable online learning options across its campuses in Anchorage, Homer/Soldotna, Kodiak, MatSu, and Valdez.
BSW students benefit from distance options that work well for professionals, military families, and rural residents through flexible scheduling and creative field placements. Students throughout Alaska’s diverse communities can access quality social work education whatever their location.
University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)
UAF received its CSWE accreditation in 1985 and offers Alaska’s second accredited BSW program. The university’s social work program stands out because it puts rural communities and indigenous populations first.
UAF program overview
UAF’s social work program prepares you to be a generalist practitioner in Alaska’s unique environment. You’ll learn to promote health and well-being at every level – from working with individuals to entire communities. The program builds critical thinking skills and cultural awareness that help you understand rural Alaska’s unique challenges.
The program’s commitment to developing “culturally grounded and environmentally conscious professionals” makes it unique. Alaska Native perspectives are woven throughout the curriculum to help you respect and understand different ways of knowing. This approach works well if you plan to work in remote communities or with indigenous populations.
Students complete a 400-hour supervised field practicum over two semesters. This hands-on experience under licensed social workers’ guidance prepares you to start working right after graduation.
Curriculum and specializations
You’ll need 120 credits to complete your social work bachelor’s degree at UAF. The major requirements include these foundational courses:
- Introduction to Social Work
- Ethics, Values and Social Work Practice
- Social Welfare History and Policies
- Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- Research Methods in Social Work
- Rural Social Work
- Social Work Practice courses
It also lets you choose two courses from special problem areas such as:
- Substance Use Disorder Counseling
- Women’s Issues in Social Welfare
- Child Abuse and Neglect
- Services for an Aging Society
- Trauma and Wellness
- Military Families
Rural social work practice gets special attention in the curriculum—a vital specialization given Alaska’s geography. The program teaches you to engage with diversity, advance human rights, and promote social justice.
Tuition and financial aid
Alaska residents will pay $298 per credit while non-residents pay $898 per credit for the 2025-2026 academic year. This means your annual costs for 30 credits would be about $11,190 as a resident and $29,190 as a non-resident.
The online Bachelor of Social Work program costs around $45,300 in total. This covers your tuition, fees, and educational expenses. You’ll also need to pay a UA Infrastructure Fee of $19 per credit and a UAF Bookstore Bundle Fee of $20 per credit, though you can opt out of the bundle.
You can access all UA system financial aid options, including the Alaska Performance Scholarship, Alaska Education Grant, and UA Scholars Award. Senior citizens who qualify for full Social Security benefits might get tuition waivers.
Online and flexible learning options
UAF’s BSW program is one of the state’s most flexible options. You can take all your classes online with live web sessions, making the program available to students everywhere.
The university uses a special cohort model that works great if you have social services experience. Rural students can build support networks while managing their work and studies. Classes blend western education with traditional Alaska Native learning approaches, and often include lessons from Alaska Native Elders.
The program started with audio conferences but now runs mostly on web platforms. The hybrid cohort model combines intensive face-to-face sessions at semester starts and ends with online learning.
Here’s a great benefit—online students pay in-state tuition rates whatever their location. This makes the program attractive if you’re an out-of-state student interested in Alaska-focused social work education.
Online BSW options
Alaska residents in remote areas face geographical challenges when they pursue higher education. The good news is that both CSWE-accredited BSW programs in Alaska have flexible distance learning options. These options make social work education available to students whatever their location.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks lets you earn your BSW degree completely online from any location. Their distance classes use web-based platforms that mirror real-life practice in bush Alaska. This setup matches the actual conditions social workers experience while serving remote communities. Students in the hybrid cohort model attend classes in Fairbanks at the start and end of each semester. They complete the rest of their coursework online.
UAF’s online program comes with a big financial plus – you pay in-state tuition rates whatever your location. Out-of-state students interested in Alaska-focused social work education will find this substantially more affordable. The total cost of UAF’s online bachelor’s in social work program stands at approximately $45,300.
Students can choose from many online and hybrid options throughout the University of Alaska system. These flexible study arrangements work well for:
- Working professionals who juggle careers and education
- Military families who move during their studies
- Rural residents who can’t access campus-based programs
Success in these online programs requires specific technology:
- Reliable internet connection (minimum 5 Mbps recommended)
- Computer equipped with webcam and microphone
- Access to required software applications
Students without proper equipment can get technical support from universities. Some may qualify for equipment loans.
Field education is a key part of any BSW program. Distance learners might worry about completing their required 400 hours of supervised field experience. The universities have worked out good solutions. Students can do their field placement in their home community under approved licensed social workers. Field education offices work with agencies all over Alaska. This gives students quality experiences whatever their location.
Online courses often feature assignments that fit village communities’ unique needs. Students learn material that directly applies to their local community’s challenges and opportunities.
Distance education follows the same curriculum content, structure, and accreditation standards as campus-based programs. Students get the same quality education and credentials as on-campus learners, plus added flexibility.
Students doing practicums outside Alaska pay an additional fee of $200, plus site visit costs. This helps maintain proper supervision and quality control for out-of-state practical training.
The Alaska Board of Social Work knows these complete online options work well. They help train qualified social workers whatever their physical location. This addresses the need for social work jobs in Alaska in both urban and rural areas.
BSW Curriculum
Alaska’s two CSWE-accredited BSW programs offer a well-laid-out curriculum that combines theory with hands-on skills. Students learn to tackle unique challenges faced by Alaska’s communities of all sizes.
Students need 120 total credits to earn their bachelor’s in social work from UAA or UAF. Full-time students usually complete this experience in four years, though part-time students take longer. The program splits into 60 credits of professional social work courses and the rest covering general university and liberal arts subjects.
Both schools follow a step-by-step approach to professional training. Students start with basic courses like Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare History. They then move to mid-level courses about human behavior, ethics, and research methods. Advanced practice courses and field work round out their education.
The professional curriculum includes these essential courses:
- Human Behavior in the Social Environment (I & II)
- Social Work Practice Methods (working with individuals, families, groups)
- Social Welfare Policy and Services
- Research Methods for Social Work
- Ethics and Values in Social Work
- Field Education (minimum 400 supervised hours)
Alaska’s BSW programs stand out because they equip students to work in the state’s unique environment. Students learn about rural practice, cultural responsiveness, and indigenous viewpoints throughout their studies. UAF students must pick two specialty courses from areas such as:
- Substance Use Disorder Counseling
- Women’s Issues in Social Welfare
- Child Abuse and Neglect
- Services for an Aging Society
- Trauma and Wellness
- Military Families
Students also take essential liberal arts courses. UAA’s requirements include cultural anthropology, biology, ethics, psychology, and sociology. These subjects help students understand human behavior and social systems better.
Academic standards remain high throughout the program. UAF students must earn at least a C- in each course. UAA requires a minimum C grade in all social work courses and students must maintain a 2.50 GPA.
The field education serves as the final stepping stone in both programs. Students spend at least 400 hours practicing in approved community settings[164]. This hands-on training lets them apply their classroom knowledge to ground settings under professional guidance.
Many students find jobs through their practicum connections after graduation. Graduates can apply to become licensed baccalaureate social workers (LBSW) with the alaska board of social work. This license opens up numerous social work opportunities in alaska’s public and private sectors.
These programs meet national accreditation standards while addressing Alaska’s specific needs. Graduates can start their careers right away or continue their education in graduate-level social work programs.
Field Education Requirements in Alaska
Field education is very important for professional social work training in Alaska’s BSW programs. Social work educators consider it their “signature pedagogy” because these hands-on experiences connect classroom theory with ground practice.
BSW degree students at UAA or UAF must complete a minimum of 400 supervised field practicum hours. Students typically spend 15-16 hours each week at a social service agency during their senior year, which spans two semesters. Qualified social workers supervise students who apply their classroom knowledge to authentic practice situations.
The placement process follows a structured sequence:
- Students submit applications to the Field Education Coordinator
- Coordinators meet with students to discuss interests and learning needs
- Students interview at potential placement sites
- Upon mutual agreement, placements are confirmed
- Students develop detailed learning agreements with field instructors
Field practicum is different from job training or apprenticeship. Students experience a guided educational process that focuses on personal and professional growth. Selected agencies provide opportunities to practice social work directly with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Both institutions’ students take part in field seminars with their practicum experiences. These seminars help students reflect, support peers, and blend classroom learning with field experiences. Students also submit integration reflection narratives and detailed timesheets about their practicum activities.
Alaska’s BSW programs offer several placement models. Most students choose a concurrent placement model and complete 200 hours per semester. Some students might qualify for block placements or employment-based practicum arrangements. Distance learners complete field placements in their home communities under approved licensed social workers’ supervision.
Students need additional clearances before starting their placement. These might include background checks, fingerprinting, barrier crime screening, or medical clearances including immunization records. Students should ask about these requirements during interviews since getting clearances takes 4-6 weeks.
Field education offices build mutually beneficial alliances with agencies across the state. Quality experiences are available whatever your location. Placement sites range from urban hospitals in Anchorage to remote village clinics that small aircraft can only reach. This geographic variety prepares graduates to work in Alaska’s unique settings.
Students receive evaluations through various methods: mid-semester reports, end-of-semester evaluations, integration reflection narratives, and ongoing supervision. These evaluations track student progress toward core competencies set by the Council on Social Work Education.
Students must complete field requirements to graduate and get licensure through the Alaska board of social work. Faculty liaisons support everyone involved by maintaining communication between students, field instructors, and the university. This integrated approach equips students for professional practice in Alaska’s distinctive social service world.
Career Outlook for BSW Social Workers in Alaska
Social workers in Alaska enjoy exceptional career prospects and competitive pay. The state’s unique landscape and population create special opportunities for BSW graduates who want to enter the field.
Alaska’s social workers earn some of the highest salaries nationwide. These impressive figures reflect the state’s higher living costs and extra pay for professionals who serve remote communities. Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows varying salaries by specialization:
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers: $60,880 median annual salary
- Healthcare Social Workers: $72,540 median annual salary
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: $58,960 median annual salary
- Social Workers, All Other: $60,880 median annual salary
The average social worker in Alaska makes about $65,000 yearly, while top earners reach $75,000. BSW graduates often start with salaries that exceed national averages.
The job market looks promising throughout Alaska. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development expects social work positions to grow 13% by 2028. The state projects roughly 40 job openings each year from 2020 to 2030, spread across different specialties.
This steady growth stems from several key factors. Alaska’s senior population will likely double by 2030. The state also faces ongoing challenges in mental health, substance abuse treatment, and child welfare. These issues create regular job openings, especially in rural and indigenous communities.
BSW graduates can find work in many settings:
- State of Alaska Positions: The Office of Children’s Services and Division of Behavioral Health regularly hire BSW graduates as case managers and direct service providers. These roles stay open even during hiring freezes, which shows how important they are.
- Tribal Organizations: Alaska Native tribal health organizations look for BSW graduates who understand cultural contexts.
- Healthcare Settings: Hospitals and community health centers need social workers for discharge planning, patient advocacy, and care coordination.
- Behavioral Health Agencies: Community mental health centers throughout Alaska seek BSW-level practitioners to handle case management and crisis intervention.
Many employers sweeten the deal with housing allowances, travel stipends, and loan forgiveness programs to attract qualified social workers to underserved areas. These perks help balance Alaska’s higher living costs and make social work careers financially rewarding across the state.
BSW graduates who want to practice clinically can pursue a Master’s degree. This advanced degree opens up more career paths and higher earning potential, usually between $110,000-$165,000 for experienced clinical social workers.
Alaska Social Work Licensure Pathway
The experience of becoming a licensed professional after graduating with a BSW follows a well-laid-out path under the Alaska Board of Social Work Examiners’ supervision. The board oversees three different licensure levels for social work practitioners across the state.
Your BSW from UAA or UAF makes you eligible to pursue the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) credential. This entry-level license lets you perform counseling, evaluation, prevention, and intervention services. You need to submit an application that shows:
- A bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Three professional references (including current/previous employers)
- Successful completion of the ASWB Bachelor’s level examination
The Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW) pathway requires these qualifications if you pursue a master’s degree:
- A master’s or doctoral degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Three professional references (same requirements as LBSW)
- Passing score on the ASWB Master’s level examination
Social workers can advance to the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) level with more experience. The requirements are:
- Master’s or doctoral degree in social work
- Two years of continuous full-time employment or 3,000 hours of part-time experience completed within ten years
- 100 hours of direct supervision (no more than 50 hours in group settings)
- Supervision by an LCSW, licensed psychologist, or psychiatrist
- Successful completion of the ASWB Clinical examination
You can submit application forms online or by mail to the licensing office. License fees vary by level. Recent data shows application fees at $60 with additional license fees of $300 for LMSW applicants. LCSW applications cost $360 in total. The process takes at least six weeks, and it might take longer if professional fitness items need investigation.
Alaska offers a “licensure by credentials” option for out-of-state social workers. You’re eligible if you have:
- A current social work license in good standing from another state
- Passed the required ASWB exam within two years OR
- Documentation of 1,500 hours of work experience plus 45 hours of continuing education within five years
Licensed social workers must complete 45 continuing education hours every two years to renew their license. This requirement has sections for six hours on substance abuse, three on professional ethics, and six in cross-cultural education (with three specifically related to Alaska Natives).
This comprehensive licensure pathway will give a solid foundation to ensure qualified professionals fill all social work positions in Alaska while meeting the state’s high standards.
Next Steps
Looking to earn your BSW degree in Alaska? The path to admission needs proper planning and preparation.
Both UAA and UAF programs have a two-step application process. Students must first apply to the university and then submit a separate application for the professional phase of the social work program. UAA students usually submit their professional phase applications in October of the academic year before their planned graduation. Getting into the university doesn’t automatically guarantee acceptance into the professional component.
UAA’s professional phase application must include:
- Signed School of Social Work application for admission
- Written admissions statement
- Student practicum interest sheet
The UAA School of Social Work reviews applications once fall semester grades are in, and sends notifications before December 31st. Acceptance into the professional phase lets you start practicum placement, a vital step toward getting licensed with the alaska board of social work.
Program advisors are a great way to get guidance during your application process. Both universities provide advising services to help students navigate prerequisites, deadlines, and program requirements. Programs often host information sessions, virtual tours, and chances to meet current students and faculty.
Most UAA scholarships have a December 6th deadline for the next academic year. About 86% of social work students at Alaska universities currently receive some type of financial assistance.
A BSW degree opens doors to social work jobs in alaska or graduate studies. The growing need for qualified social workers makes this an excellent time to join the field, especially when you have opportunities in rural communities and specialized practice areas.
Final Thoughts
Alaska has just two CSWE-accredited BSW programs, but UAA and UAF deliver exceptional education for aspiring social workers. These programs understand Alaska’s unique geographical and cultural landscape. They prepare you for practice in a variety of settings – from urban centers to remote villages that you can only reach by air.
Social work in Alaska comes with impressive financial benefits. Healthcare social workers earn median salaries of $72,540, while child, family, and school social workers make around $60,880 annually. Your career investment will pay off well. On top of that, the projected 13% growth in social work positions by 2028 shows strong job prospects across the state.
UAA and UAF show their commitment by offering flexible learning options. You can choose traditional campus-based education or fully online programming based on your location or personal circumstances. These institutions maintain high academic standards while meeting your needs. You can even arrange practicum experiences in your home community.
The detailed curriculum at both schools will give you essential knowledge and skills for generalist practice. You’ll study human behavior, social welfare policy, research methods, and ethics. Combined with 400 hours of supervised field experience, you’ll be ready to enter the workforce immediately. The focus on rural practice and cultural responsiveness prepares you especially well for Alaska’s unique social work challenges.
Graduates can pursue licensure as a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) through the Alaska Board of Social Work Examiners. This credential helps you land entry-level positions in settings of all types. You can advance to higher licensure levels with additional education and experience.
Starting your journey as an Alaska social worker takes careful planning. You need both university acceptance and a separate application to the BSW program’s professional phase. Early connections with program advisors help you direct prerequisites and deadlines effectively. The path demands dedication, but the chance to make real differences in Alaska’s communities makes this experience worthwhile.