University of Alaska at Anchorage MSW Program
Program Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Tuition: $8,388
Acceptance Rate: 82%
GRE Required: No
1-year/Accelerated Option: Yes
Campus Visits Required: Yes
Field Hours: 960
CSWE Accredited: Yes (1978)
Application Deadline: January 15
See our ranking of the Top 10 Most Affordable Master of Social Work Online (MSW) Degrees.
Overview
Founded in 1954 as Anchorage Community College, the history of the University of Alaska at Anchorage dates back to before Alaska became a state. This school introduced bachelor’s programs in 1971, which led to it the school dividing itself into a community college and the Anchorage Senior College. In 1977, it adopted its current name. Knowing that the state is home to a large number of students who cannot complete traditional programs, the university offers a number of online programs. Its Online Master of Social Work is open to students living all across Alaska and students residing in other states.
Strengths
One of the only Online MSW programs in the nation that offers face-to-face experiences for students is this UAA program. Instead of just reading materials online and using a discussion board to talk about those topics, students log into the online system and actually sit in on a lecture that lasts for close to four hours. This lets them ask questions, share their own opinions and interact with other students in their classes and their teachers. UAA offers a dual degree program for MSW students that allows them to also earn a Master of Public Health degree.
Concentrations
MSW students can enroll in a generalist version of the program, which is open to all students. The university also offers a school social work specialization that it only open to students who meet some basic requirements. Students must either have an MSW from a college or university or be in good standing in the UAA MSW program. Students take some school counseling and social work classes like Social-Emotional Development, Assessment and Intervention, and Issues in Early Childhood Education. Those who complete this specialization meet some of the requirements for becoming a certified school social worker in Alaska.
Program Requirements
UAA holds an orientation session every year in August for incoming MSW students. This session is mandatory for all new students. The university also hosts intensive sessions at different points throughout the year that students must attend. While some sessions last for a single weekend, other sessions run for a full week. The program also features live classes that start at five pm and run until almost nine pm. These courses allow students to get the full classroom experience and both watch lectures and participate in discussions in real time. Full-time students take two years to finish the entire program, while part-time students spend four years working on their degrees. UAA also offers an advanced standing program that students can finish in a single year.
Admissions Requirements
Unlike other colleges that offer MSW programs with multiple start times each year, UAA requires that all students start its program in the fall. Students must submit their applications and all verifying documents by January 1. The university will review all applications received and make its final decision on each one within two months. It notifies students via mail or email of its decision. When a student submits the application, he or she must pay a $75 fee.
The application asks students to write essays in response to four questions. They can write up to four pages and upload their responses to the application. It also asks students to upload a copy of their most recent resumes and a writing sample of up to three pages in response to one of several given prompts. Though UAA does not ask for a GRE score, it does require three letters of recommendation and official transcripts.
Faculty
The faculty members employed by UAA have experience using the different forms of technology that help them connect with their students. Teachers use both Blackboard Learn and Blackboard Collaborate to post assignments, exams, and reading materials. Blackboard also allows students to log in and send emails to their teachers and post responses and comments on their class discussion boards. UAA professors use various telecommuting methods like Skype to talk with their students too.
Online Courses
The University of Alaska at Anchorage MSW program divides its curriculum into four different sequences. Students first complete the policy sequence, which is worth six credits. They then take three classes that are worth 10 credits to complete the research sequence. The program features a practice sequence that is worth 22 credits and a field education sequence that is worth between six and 12 credits. Students will take courses that include Introduction to Social Work Practice, Advanced Generalist Practice: Families & Groups, Advanced Generalist Practice: Organizations & Communities and Social Policy for Advanced Generalist Practice. UAA also asks that MSW students enrolled in the online program take a research seminar class.
Internships
Fieldwork is an important part of the UAA MSW program, but the university allows students to complete their fieldwork anywhere in Alaska or in another state. Students will do two practicums and spend at least 240 hours working in the field during each one. They will work under the supervision of an employer or supervisor in the field and under the guidance of a university adviser. Students will talk with their advisers about their experiences to ensure that they do the work required for credit. They will then do two practicums later on for an additional 480 hours. UAA offers a practicum option for advanced standing students that allows them to do 480 hours of work in the same location.
Contact
School of Social Work
Gordon Hartlieb Hall, Suite 106
3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 786-6900
Program Website
The University of Alaska at Anchorage gives students the chance to interact with their peers at the same time that they meet their professors through the sessions held on the campus at the beginning of the school year and at other points during the year. It is one of the only schools in the nation that offers a dual degree program that awards graduates both an MSW and a Master of Public Health. The University of Alaska at Anchorage Online MSW program provides students with a number of good opportunities.