Social Work Degrees in Alaska – AK

By Laura Wrede, allied health world contributing writer
Published: August, 30 2010

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Social workers work with individuals, families, groups, communities and society as a whole to improve the quality of life of individuals who need help. As a social worker, you will address social problems that include equitable distribution of all social resources, and seek to empower those who often feel disenfranchised. Many of your clients will be in a situation where they are powerless to help themselves, and that is where you step in. You become a problem solver.

The education and skills needed for this type of work range from a bachelor’s degree to a graduate degree. There are three levels of state licensing that have different educational requirements. The least of these is the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) that requires a Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW).

The BSW program is a four-year degree that will give you the basic tools to be an effective social worker. The programs are found in Alaska’s colleges, or you may find it more convenient to seek an online degree, or enroll in distance learning. A total of 120 credits are required for this degree, and 42 of these credits must be upper division work. There will also be a required field practicum equaling two courses of your degree program.