Alaska MSW Programs
Schools with MSW Programs
Social Work Licensure
Alaska Social Worker Careers with an MSW Degree
Alaska Social Work Licensure
Quick Navigation
- BSW Programs Overview in Alaska
- Comparing Alaska’s BSW Programs
- Admission Requirements & Application Process
- Curriculum & Specializations
- Tuition Costs & Financial Aid
- Online & Flexible Learning Options
- Career Outlook & Salary Data
- Alaska’s Unique Indigenous Focus
- Path to Social Work Licensure in Alaska
- How to Choose the Right BSW Program
- Frequently Asked Questions
Alaska’s BSW programs prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce or advanced standing in MSW programs, with graduates earning competitive salaries that reflect the state’s higher cost of living. According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, social workers in Alaska earn varying median salaries depending on their specialization, with healthcare social workers earning $72,540 and child, family, and school social workers earning $60,880 annually.
Quick Answer:
Alaska has two CSWE-accredited BSW programs: University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). UA Southeast does not offer a standalone BSW. These programs combine traditional social work education with unique Arctic and Alaska Native cultural competencies, preparing graduates for careers in various specializations. Online and hybrid options are available through the UA system, with programs requiring 120 credit hours over four years.
BSW Programs Overview in Alaska
The University of Alaska system provides BSW education through two distinct campuses: UAA in Anchorage and UAF in Fairbanks. Both programs maintain CSWE accreditation, ensuring graduates meet national standards for professional practice and are eligible for advanced standing in MSW programs nationwide.
Alaska’s geographic vastness and cultural diversity shape these programs significantly. Students gain expertise working with Alaska Native populations, understanding rural service delivery challenges, and addressing issues unique to Arctic communities. This specialized knowledge makes Alaska BSW graduates particularly valuable in tribal organizations, rural healthcare systems, and state agencies.
Both programs emphasize hands-on learning through extensive field education. Students complete at least 400 hours of supervised field education, often in settings ranging from urban hospitals in Anchorage to remote village clinics accessible only by small aircraft. This diverse exposure prepares graduates for the realities of Alaskan social work practice.
Comparing Alaska’s BSW Programs
Understanding the differences between Alaska’s two BSW programs helps prospective students make informed decisions aligned with their career goals and life circumstances. Each university offers distinct advantages in terms of location, delivery format, and specialization options.
| University | Location | Format Options | Total Credits | Annual Tuition (2024-25) | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | Fairbanks | On-campus, Online and hybrid options through the UA system | 120 | $8,550 (30 credits × $285/credit) | Rural Alaska emphasis, Alaska Native studies integration |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | Anchorage | On-campus, Part-time options | 120 | $8,310 (30 credits × $277/credit) | Urban practice focus, Medical social work opportunities |
Note: Tuition calculations based on current UA per-credit rates for lower division courses. Upper division courses and fees may vary. See university websites for complete cost breakdowns.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers flexible delivery options including online and hybrid formats through the UA system, making UAF particularly attractive to working adults, military families, and students in remote locations who need scheduling flexibility. For specific modality details, consult the UAF catalog and UA Distance Learning portal.
Meanwhile, UAA’s Anchorage location provides unparalleled access to Alaska’s largest city and its diverse social service agencies. Students here benefit from urban field placements in hospitals, mental health facilities, and state government offices, gaining experience with Alaska’s most complex social issues.
Admission Requirements & Application Process
Gaining admission to Alaska’s BSW programs requires careful planning and preparation. Prerequisites and deadlines vary by campus, so prospective students should consult each program’s specific requirements through their respective catalog pages: UAA catalog and UAF catalog.
General Admission Guidelines
Common Academic Prerequisites:
- Minimum GPA: Typically 2.5-3.0 cumulative (varies by campus)
- Common Prerequisite Courses: Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, College-level English Composition, Statistics or Research Methods
- Credit Hours Completed: Usually minimum 30 semester credits for upper-division admission
- Campus-Specific Requirements: Check individual program pages for additional requirements
Application Components Typically Include:
- Personal Statement: Essay addressing motivation for social work, relevant experiences, and career goals
- References: Professional or academic references familiar with applicant’s potential for social work
- Background Check: Criminal background check and child protective services clearance required before field placement
- Application Deadlines: Vary by campus and semester – check specific program websites for current deadlines
Both universities use holistic review processes, considering life experience alongside academic credentials. Veterans, returning adult students, and individuals with relevant volunteer or work experience often receive special consideration, recognizing that diverse perspectives strengthen the social work profession.
Curriculum & Specializations
Alaska’s BSW curriculum balances foundational social work knowledge with specialized competencies essential for practice in the state’s unique context. The 120-credit program typically spans four years for full-time students, though part-time options extend this timeline.
Core Social Work Curriculum (60 credits)
The professional foundation includes courses preparing students for generalist practice:
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment I & II: Understanding individual and family development within environmental contexts
- Social Work Practice Methods I, II, & III: Micro, mezzo, and macro intervention strategies
- Social Welfare Policy and Services: Analysis of social policies and their impact on vulnerable populations
- Research Methods for Social Work: Evidence-based practice and program evaluation skills
- Social Work Ethics and Values: Professional ethics with emphasis on cultural competence
- Field Education: At least 400 hours of supervised field education in approved settings
Alaska-Specific Concentrations
What distinguishes Alaska’s BSW programs is their integration of state-specific content throughout the curriculum:
Alaska Native and Indigenous Practice: Students develop competencies for working with Alaska’s diverse Native populations, including understanding of tribal sovereignty, traditional healing practices, and culturally responsive interventions. This specialization prepares graduates for positions with tribal organizations and Native corporations.
Rural and Remote Practice: Coursework addresses the unique challenges of service delivery in Alaska’s remote communities, including telehealth strategies, resource coordination across vast distances, and crisis intervention when backup is hours away by plane.
Behavioral Health Integration: Given Alaska’s high rates of substance abuse and mental health challenges, programs emphasize integrated behavioral health approaches, trauma-informed care, and suicide prevention strategies specific to Arctic populations.
Tuition Costs & Financial Aid
Understanding the financial investment required for a BSW degree helps students plan effectively and graduate with minimal debt. Alaska residents benefit from some of the nation’s most affordable public university tuition rates. The following figures are based on 2024-2025 academic year rates.
| Cost Category | UAA (per year) | UAF (per year) | Calculation Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition (30 credits) | $8,310 | $8,550 | 30 credits × per-credit rate |
| Out-of-State Tuition (30 credits) | $24,930 | $25,650 | 30 credits × non-resident rate |
| Mandatory Fees (estimate) | $1,406 | $1,428 | Varies by campus and enrollment |
| Books & Supplies | $1,400 | $1,400 | Estimated average |
Source: University of Alaska system per-credit tuition tables for 2024-2025 academic year. Actual costs may vary based on course level, fees, and individual circumstances. Visit UA tuition information for current rates.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Multiple funding sources help make BSW education accessible. Current award amounts and eligibility requirements should be verified through official sources:
Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS): Merit-based award for Alaska high school graduates. Award amounts vary based on achievement level. Visit ACPE website for current award levels and requirements.
Alaska Education Grant (AEG): Need-based grant for Alaska residents. Award amounts determined annually based on funding availability. Check Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education for current information.
UA Scholars Award: Full tuition award for top Alaska high school graduates attending UA campuses. Eligibility and award details available through UA Financial Aid offices.
Social Work-Specific Funding: Various organizations offer scholarships for social work students. The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and tribal organizations provide funding for students committed to serving Alaska communities. Contact individual organizations for application details.
Federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and subsidized loans, remains available through standard FAFSA application. Veterans can utilize GI Bill benefits at both UA campuses.
Online & Flexible Learning Options
Alaska’s vast geography makes flexible learning essential for many students. The University of Alaska system offers online and hybrid options through various programs. Students should consult the UA Distance Learning portal and individual campus catalogs for specific online course availability and program requirements.
Distance learning options accommodate working professionals, military families, and rural residents through flexible scheduling and creative field placement arrangements. Students complete the same 120 credits as traditional students but enjoy flexibility in scheduling and location.
Technology Requirements for Online Learning: Reliable internet connection (minimum 5 Mbps recommended), computer with webcam and microphone, and access to required software. Universities provide technical support and may offer equipment loans for qualifying students.
Field Placement for Distance Students: Distance learners complete at least 400 hours of supervised field education in their home communities under supervision of approved licensed social workers. Field education offices maintain partnerships with agencies statewide, ensuring quality experiences regardless of location.
Career Outlook & Salary Data
Alaska’s social workers enjoy strong employment prospects and competitive compensation reflecting the state’s unique challenges and higher cost of living. According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, social worker salaries in Alaska vary by specialization:
2024 Alaska Social Worker Median Annual Salaries by Specialization
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers (21-1021): $60,880 median annual salary
- Healthcare Social Workers (21-1022): $72,540 median annual salary
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers (21-1023): $58,960 median annual salary
- Social Workers, All Other (21-1029): $60,880 median annual salary
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. These figures represent statewide medians. Actual salaries vary based on experience, location within Alaska, and employer. Visit BLS Alaska wage data for complete information.
BSW holders typically start at entry-level positions with salaries below these medians, advancing with experience and additional credentials. Many Alaska employers offer additional benefits including housing allowances, travel stipends, and loan forgiveness programs to attract qualified social workers.
Primary Employment Settings
BSW graduates find employment across diverse Alaska organizations:
State of Alaska Positions: The Division of Family and Youth Services, Office of Children’s Services, and Division of Behavioral Health consistently hire BSW graduates for case management and direct service roles. State positions offer comprehensive benefits and career advancement opportunities.
Tribal Organizations: Alaska Native tribal health organizations, including the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and regional Native corporations, actively recruit BSW graduates understanding cultural contexts. These positions often include housing assistance and educational benefits.
Healthcare Settings: Alaska’s hospitals and community health centers employ healthcare social workers for discharge planning, patient advocacy, and care coordination.
Behavioral Health Agencies: Community mental health centers throughout Alaska need BSW-level practitioners for case management, crisis intervention, and therapeutic support services.
Alaska’s Unique Indigenous Focus
Perhaps no other state’s BSW programs emphasize Indigenous practice as thoroughly as Alaska’s. With Alaska Natives comprising nearly 20% of the state’s population, cultural competence isn’t optional—it’s essential for effective practice.
Students learn to navigate complex cultural protocols, understand subsistence lifestyles, and respect traditional healing practices while providing contemporary social work services. Field placements in Native communities offer immersive experiences unavailable elsewhere in the United States.
The curriculum addresses historical trauma’s ongoing impact on Alaska Native communities, including boarding school experiences, cultural disruption, and contemporary challenges like climate change affecting traditional ways of life. Graduates emerge prepared to practice culturally humble, strengths-based social work honoring Indigenous knowledge systems.
This specialized training opens unique career paths. The Indian Health Service actively recruits Alaska-trained social workers for positions throughout the federal system. Similarly, tribal organizations nationwide value the cultural competence Alaska BSW graduates bring to Indigenous-serving positions.
Path to Social Work Licensure in Alaska
Alaska licenses Baccalaureate Social Workers (LBSW). Applicants need a CSWE-accredited BSW and must pass the ASWB Bachelor’s exam. This entry-level license allows BSW graduates to practice under their professional title and provides a foundation for career advancement.
After gaining experience, many BSW holders pursue advanced education. Alaska requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program for licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). BSW graduates often qualify for advanced standing MSW programs, completing their graduate degree in just one year.
The path to clinical licensure (Licensed Clinical Social Worker – LCSW) requires an MSW plus 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least two years. For complete and current licensing requirements, consult the Alaska Board of Social Work Examiners.
How to Choose the Right BSW Program
Selecting between Alaska’s two BSW programs requires careful consideration of personal circumstances, career goals, and learning preferences. Consider these factors when making your decision:
Geographic Considerations: If you’re place-bound due to family or work obligations, explore online and hybrid options through the UA system. On-campus programs provide richer networking opportunities and immediate access to faculty support.
Career Goals Alignment: Students interested in urban practice should consider UAA’s Anchorage program for its metropolitan field placement options. Those drawn to rural or Native community practice might prefer UAF’s emphasis on these populations.
Financial Factors: Compare total program costs including living expenses, not just tuition. Distance learning options may reduce relocation and commuting costs.
Support Services: Evaluate each program’s student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, and mental health resources. These services prove especially valuable for first-generation college students.
Timeline to Completion: Consider whether you need part-time options or accelerated pathways. Both programs offer flexibility for working professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete a BSW entirely online in Alaska?
The University of Alaska system offers online and hybrid options for BSW coursework through various delivery methods. Students should consult with UAF and UAA directly about specific online course availability and program completion options. Field education requirements (at least 400 hours) must be completed through approved supervised placements, which can be arranged in your local community.
How long does it take to complete a BSW in Alaska?
A traditional full-time student completes the 120-credit BSW program in four years. However, many students take longer due to part-time enrollment, prerequisite requirements, or life circumstances. Both universities offer flexibility, with some students completing degrees in three years through summer courses, while others extend over six years through part-time study.
What’s the difference between UAF and UAA’s BSW programs?
While both programs meet CSWE accreditation standards, they emphasize different practice areas. UAF focuses heavily on rural and Alaska Native practice, offering more distance learning flexibility. UAA emphasizes urban social work practice with strong connections to Anchorage’s healthcare and state government systems. Both prepare students equally well for licensure, graduate study, and professional practice.
Do I need a BSW to become a licensed social worker in Alaska?
For the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) credential in Alaska, you need a CSWE-accredited BSW degree and must pass the ASWB Bachelor’s exam. Some entry-level social service positions accept related bachelor’s degrees, but the BSW provides specialized preparation and the pathway to licensure. For clinical practice (LCSW), you’ll need an MSW degree plus supervised experience.
What financial aid is available specifically for Alaska BSW students?
Alaska residents can access state-specific aid including the Alaska Performance Scholarship, Alaska Education Grant, and UA Scholars Award. Award amounts vary annually based on funding and eligibility. Additionally, tribal organizations and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority offer scholarships. Visit ACPE and individual university financial aid offices for current information and application procedures.
Next Steps: Your BSW Journey in Alaska
Starting your BSW education in Alaska means joining a close-knit community of social work professionals committed to serving the state’s diverse populations. Whether you choose UAA’s urban-focused program or UAF’s rural-emphasis curriculum, both provide rigorous CSWE-accredited preparation for meaningful careers improving lives across the Last Frontier.
Contact admissions counselors at each university to discuss your specific situation and goals. Review current prerequisites, deadlines, and program requirements through the official university catalogs. Many programs offer information sessions, virtual tours, and opportunities to speak with current students and faculty.
The need for qualified social workers in Alaska continues growing, particularly in rural communities and specialized practice areas. Your BSW degree represents not just personal achievement but also a commitment to addressing critical social needs in one of America’s most unique states. With careful planning and dedication, you can join the next generation of Alaska’s licensed social work professionals, making a lasting difference in communities from the Arctic Ocean to the Inside Passage.
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Child, Family, and School Social Workers, Healthcare Social Workers, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, and Social Workers, All Other reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2025.
