Courses
SWK A106 Introduction to Social Welfare 3 Credits
Analyzes social inequality in the American social welfare system and traces government response to social inequality. Explores historical and persisting dilemmas-ethical, political, social, and economic-explicit and implicit in social welfare provisioning. Develops understanding of social welfare programs, problems, and solutions. The domains of welfare to be considered include health, education, employment, housing, and safety net programs.
Attributes: UAA Diversity & Inclusion GER, UAA Social Sciences GER.
SWK A151 Introduction to Social Work 3 Credits
Introduces the profession of social work and its fields of practice, roles, professional values and ethics, social work education, and guiding theories and perspectives from an anti-oppression framework. Highlights the profession's commitment to engaging diversity, economic justice, and advancing human rights of marginalized individuals and communities, with particular focus on Alaska.
SWK A243 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through Community Service Learning 3 Credits
Uses intersectionality as a framework for exploring multiple dimensions of difference and their relationship to oppression, privilege, and cultural humility. Applies concepts introduced in the class to students' interactions with clients of community-based partner organizations as part of a required 20-hour service learning component.
Attributes: UAA Diversity & Inclusion GER, UAA Alaska Native-Themed GER, UAA Social Sciences GER.
SWK A330 Social Work Practice with Individuals 4 Credits
Develops generalist social work knowledge and skills for practice with individuals. Includes both lectures and a relationship-building/interviewing skills labs that supports students' integration of professional values, commitment to anti-oppressive practice, and knowledge of the needs and resources of Alaska into the planned change process.
Prerequisites: SWK A151 with a minimum grade of C and SWK A243 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK A335 Human Behavior in the Social Environment 3 Credits
Examines the biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of human behavior across the lifespan. Integrates theory and diverse perspectives in the context of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities to guide anti-oppressive practice with client systems.
Prerequisites: PSY A150 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK A336 Writing for Social Work Practice 3 Credits
Develops and refines students' professional writing skills to advance their representation of social work practice and the people they serve in equitable, anti-oppressive, and strength-oriented ways. Emphasizes critical thinking and analysis in effective professional writing as required for generalist social work practice.
Prerequisites: WRTG A211 with a minimum grade of C or WRTG A212 with a minimum grade of C or WRTG A213 with a minimum grade of C or WRTG A214 with a minimum grade of C or WRTG A2W with a minimum grade of C.
SWK A340 Social Work Practice with Families and Groups 3 Credits
Develops generalist social work practice knowledge, values and skills in implementing the planned change process with families and groups. Applies the evidence-based practice process, guided by values, ethics, culture, research, theory, client preferences, and the needs of Alaskan families and groups.
Prerequisites: SWK A330 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK A345 Case Management in Social Work Practice 3 Credits
Enhances knowledge and skill development in delivering professional social work case management, care coordination, and discharge planning services to individuals and families. Emphasizes the planned change and evidence-based practice processes. Develops professional skills guided by social work values and ethics, cultural contexts, and the needs of Alaska.
Prerequisites: SWK A330 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK A346 Research for Social Work Practice 3 Credits
Introduces quantitative and qualitative research methods. Contributes to the development of skills to effectively consume empirical research to inform social work practice. Provides a foundation for evaluating and utilizing research findings to employ the evidence-based practice process, evaluate social work practice outcomes, and improve social work services and service delivery, with particular focus on the Alaska context.
SWK A363 Great Books in Social Work 3 Credits
Focuses on the directed reading of a social work text which has enduring significance for the profession, supplemented by other readings. The focal text and supplemental readings will vary with the instructor.
Prerequisites: WRTG A111 with a minimum grade of D or SWK A106 with a minimum grade of D.
SWK A401 Foundations: Child Welfare Practice I 3 Credits
Provides understanding of foundations of child welfare practice. Provides understanding of child welfare; Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA); Child in Need of Aid (CINA); historical trauma; trauma across the lifespan; child welfare ethics; cultural humility; bias and dimensions of diversity and difference; child welfare policy and legal authority; judicial and legal systems; prevention of child maltreatment; and family-centered professional orientation.
Registration Restrictions: Department approval
SWK A402 Theory and Intervention: Child Welfare Practice II 3 Credits
Provides an understanding of theory and intervention informing effective child welfare practice. Focuses on family theory; domestic violence; trauma-informed child welfare practice; mental health; substance use; health disparities; ecological systems theory; lifespan human development/developmental tasks; empowerment theory; child welfare practices and interventions; decision-making models; team-based practice; and community/resource collaboration.
Registration Restrictions: Department approval
Prerequisites: SWK A401 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK A403 Applied Practice and Professional Skills: Child Welfare Practice III 3 Credits
Provides an understanding of the applied practice and professional skills within child welfare practice. Focus is on professionalism; self-care/resilience; effective partnering and communication skills with high needs families; Child welfare assessment skills; building working relationships and case management.
Registration Restrictions: Department approval
Prerequisites: SWK A402 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK A409 Introduction to Child Welfare 3 Credits
Provides an in-depth overview of child welfare policies, public and private social services, and empirically supported child welfare practices within the context of the social work profession.
Prerequisites: EDEC A107 with a minimum grade of C or PSY A150 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK A410 Trauma in Childhood 3 Credits
Provides students with an understanding of the psychobiological, developmental and social implications of trauma exposure throughout childhood and adolescence. Introduces students to the principles of prevention, intervention and resiliency as related to childhood trauma.
Prerequisites: EDEC A107 with a minimum grade of D or PSY A365 with a minimum grade of D.
SWK A428 Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities 3 Credits
Develops generalist social work practice knowledge and skills in implementing the planned change process with organizations and communities. Utilizes evidence-based practice guided by values, ethics, culture, research, theory, client preferences and the needs of Alaska.
Prerequisites: SWK A340 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK A429 Trauma and Crisis Intervention in Social Work Practice 3 Credits
Presents the historical and theoretical basis of trauma and crisis intervention within the context of generalist social work practice. Prepares students to utilize empirically-supported approaches to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate services with individuals, families, and communities experiencing trauma and crisis. Examines historical trauma, systemic oppression, and ethical concerns for marginalized populations.
SWK A439 Social Welfare: Policies and Issues 3 Credits
Prepares students to analyze, formulate, and advocate for empirically-supported policies that advance social, racial, economic, and environmental justice. Collaborate with colleagues and clients to carry out effective policy action in equitable and anti-oppressive ways.
Special Note: Offered concurrent with the Alaska Legislature session.
Registration Restrictions: Completion of Tier 1 (basic college-level) GER courses
Prerequisites: SWK A106 with a minimum grade of C.
Attributes: UAA Integrative Capstone GER.
SWK A440 Social Work Practice in Mental Health and Addictions 3 Credits
Preparation for work in a variety of social service settings in which clients may be coping with problems related to mental disorders and/or addiction. A research based analysis of addictions and mental disorders as they are manifested independently and in combination; and the impact of those disorders upon clients involved in a variety of service systems such as child welfare, corrections, and domestic violence.
Registration Restrictions: Junior or senior standing. Consent of instructor.
SWK A473 Geriatric Social Work Practice 3 Credits
Covers the knowledge, skills and values needed for effective social work practice with older adults and their families. Students will have the opportunity to develop the capability for accurate multidimensional assessments and effective interventions with and on behalf of older adults and their families.
Registration Restrictions: Departmental approval
May Be Stacked With: SWK A673
SWK A490 Selected Topics in Social Work 1-3 Credits
Focuses on current topics related to social work services, diverse client groups and field of practice.
Special Note: May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits with a change in subtitle. Not available for credit to students who have completed SWK A690 with the same subtitle.
Registration Restrictions: Junior or senior level standing
May Be Stacked With: SWK A690
SWK A492 Interprofessional Child Welfare Integrative Seminar 2 Credits
Provides students a forum to integrate theory and coursework with a child welfare practicum experience through a collaborative and interprofessional practice lens. This seminar offers students interprofessional group-based development of professional ethics, critical thinking, knowledge, practice skills, and team-based child welfare service through discussion, case presentations, and peer support.
Special Note: This course is part of the OEC in Interprofessional Child Welfare.
Registration Restrictions: Department approval
SWK A495A Social Work Practicum I 3 Credits
Applies social work knowledge, skills, values, and ethics within an organization or community context. Emphasizes integration and demonstration of the generalist competencies and practice behaviors. Includes completion of 224 practicum hours in an approved setting under the supervision of social work faculty and a practicum instructor appointed by the university.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work
Prerequisites: SWK A428 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK A495B Social Work Practicum II 3 Credits
Applies social work knowledge, skills, values, and ethics within an organization and/or community context. Emphasizes continued integration and demonstration of the generalist competencies and practice behaviors. Includes completion of 224 practicum hours in an approved setting under the supervision of social work faculty and a practicum instructor appointed by the university.
Registration Restrictions: Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work
Prerequisites: SWK A495A with a minimum grade of C.
SWK A495C Child Welfare Practicum 1-8 Credits
Focuses on the interprofessional features of Alaskan child welfare practice through a program-approved practicum; address issues and challenges faced as intern child welfare practitioners; and increase insight into the dynamics of child welfare practice. Examines multiple career paths in child welfare within public, tribal, and/or nongovernmental contexts.
Special Note: Students complete a child welfare practicum of 250 hours.
Registration Restrictions: Department approval
SWK A498 Advanced Community-Based Research 3 Credits
Application of research skills to a social welfare problem in collaboration with a community partner under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Projects must demonstrate advanced scholarship grounded in the theory and professional standards of social work practice.
Prerequisites: SWK A346 with a minimum grade of D.
SWK A607 Social Welfare Policy and Services 3 Credits
Analyzes, formulates, and advocates for policies that advance social, racial, economic, and environmental justice. Explores approaches to developing and implementing collaborative, effective, equitable, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive policy practices.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and admission to the Master of Social Work
SWK A608 Advanced Policy Practice 3 Credits
Prepares practitioners for developing policies and shaping programs in a political economy to promote social, economic, and environmental justice. Examines contemporary social needs in a diverse and inequitable society. Emphasizes roles of research and evaluation in a policy process.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing, admission to the Master of Social Work, and successful completion of the generalist curriculum
SWK A620 Advanced Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health 3 Credits
Examines current research and practice for the promotion, prevention, and intervention of infant and early childhood mental health, emphasizing a relationship-focused approach in the context of families and communities. Topics include typical and atypical social-emotional development; risk, resiliency, and protective factors in the context of families and culture; and home and community-based intervention models. Introduces early screening, assessment, and legal and ethical parameters across disciplines.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing or instructor approval
Crosslisted With: PSY A620
SWK A624 Foundation Research Methods 3 Credits
Explores the strengths, weaknesses and challenges of quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis approaches. Provides a foundation for using research methods and findings to inform practice, engage in the evidence-based practice process, and evaluate programs and practice.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and admission to the Master of Social Work
SWK A628 Program Evaluation 3 Credits
Explores the principles and methods of conducting evaluation of health-related programs. Covers conducting community needs assessments, program evaluation development, evaluation types and designs, politics and ethics of conducting program evaluations, and how to effectively communicate the evaluation process and disseminate findings in meaningful and actionable ways.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and admission to the Master of Public Health or the Master of Social Work, or instructor approval. Master of Social Work students must have successfully completed the generalist curriculum
Crosslisted With: HS A628
SWK A629 Advanced Practice with Individuals 3 Credits
Develops clinical knowledge and skills to provide competent and effective services and interventions for individuals in Alaska. Focuses on the use of the planned change process through the application of theory and evidence-based practice knowledge.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing, admission to the Master of Social Work, and successful completion of the generalist curriculum
SWK A630 Practice with Individuals 3 Credits
Provides generalist social work practice knowledge and skills for implementing the planned change process with individuals. Utilizes evidence-based practice guided by values, ethics, culture, research, theory, client preferences and the needs of Alaska.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and admission to the Master of Social Work
Prerequisites: SWK A631 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment.
SWK A631 Introduction to Social Work Practice 3 Credits
Introduces generalist social work practice focusing on applying the planned change and evidence-based practice processes through a social justice framework. Emphasizes applying critical reflection, self-awareness, and self-regulation to manage the influence of bias, power, privilege, and values in working with clients and constituencies, acknowledging them as experts of their own lived experiences.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and admission to the Master of Social Work
SWK A632 Practice with Families and Groups 3 Credits
Develops generalist social work practice knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes in implementing the planned change process with families and groups. Applies the evidence-based practice process, which is guided by values, ethics, culture, research, theory, client preferences, and the needs of Alaskan families and groups.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and admission to the Master of Social Work
Prerequisites: SWK A631 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment.
SWK A633 Advanced Practice with Families and Groups 3 Credits
Focuses on the use of the planned change process through the application of theory and evidence-based practice knowledge to provide competent and effective clinical assessments and interventions for families and groups in Alaska.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing, admission to the Master of Social Work, and successful completion of the generalist curriculum
SWK A634 Transformational Leadership in Social Work Practice 3 Credits
Examines the practice of transformational leadership in social work practice with groups, organizations and communities in the process of innovation to address emerging or existing needs among at-risk and vulnerable populations. This course deepens the competencies of advanced generalist MSW students in innovation practice with groups, organizations and communities and prepares students to complete a capstone leadership project in SWK A635.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and admission to the Master of Social Work and successful completion of the generalist curriculum
SWK A635 Transformational Leadership Capstone 3 Credits
MSW students demonstrate Advanced Generalist (AG) autonomous practice, leadership, creativity, and innovation by developing and implementing a capstone leadership project in which they identify and respond to a complex, multidimensional practice issue of significant importance in Alaska. Students will demonstrate the advanced generalist competencies by providing social work leadership, advancing innovation within social service systems or organizations, and engaging in community collaboration. The course builds on the content in SWK A634 Transformational Leadership in Social Work Practice.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and admission to the Master of Social Work with advanced standing or successful completion of the generalist curriculum
Prerequisites: SWK A634 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK A635A Transformational Leadership Capstone Development 2 Credits
Supports students with conceptualizing and developing a capstone leadership project proposal that identifies and responds to a complex, multidimensional practice issue facing an organization, community, or population in Alaska. Students demonstrate the advanced generalist competencies by providing social work leadership, advancing innovation, and engaging in community collaboration.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing, admission to the Master of Social Work, and successful completion of the generalist curriculum
Prerequisites: SWK A637 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK A635B Transformational Leadership Capstone Implementation 2 Credits
Supports students with implementing a capstone leadership project proposal that identifies and responds to a complex, multidimensional practice issue facing an organization, community, or population in Alaska. Students demonstrate the advanced generalist competencies by providing social work leadership, advancing innovation, and engaging in community collaboration.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing, admission to the Master of Social Work, and successful completion of the generalist curriculum
Prerequisites: SWK A635A with a minimum grade of C.
SWK A636 Practice with Organizations and Communities 3 Credits
Provides generalist social work practice knowledge and skills in implementing the planned change process with organizations and communities. Utilizes evidence-based practice guided by anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice, values, ethics, culture, research, theory, client preferences and the needs of Alaska.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and admission to the Master of Social Work
Prerequisites: SWK A631 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment.
SWK A637 Transformational Leadership with Communities and Organizations 3 Credits
Develops the knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes to engage in transformational leadership practices in social work practice with organizations and communities. Applies principles of anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed macro social work practice in engaging, assessing, intervening, and evaluating practice with communities and organizations in Alaska.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing, admission to the Master of Social Work, and successful completion of the generalist curriculum
SWK A639 Advanced Generalist Intensive Practicum 6 Credits
Advanced generalist block practicum in which student performs as an advanced generalist social worker within an organization and/or community context. Emphasis is on integration and demonstration of the advanced generalist competencies and practice behaviors. The student completes 480 hours in an approved setting under the supervision of a MSW field instructor.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and admission to the Master of Social Work with concurrent enrollment in a MSW practice course
Prerequisites: SWK A629 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment.
SWK A642 Human Behavior in the Social Environment 3 Credits
Applies theoretical knowledge about human behavior across the lifespan, the ranges of social systems in which people live, and the ways social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being to guide anti-oppressive social work practice.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and admission to the Master of Social Work
SWK A643 Engaging Diversity through Justice and Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice 3 Credits
Examines the intersecting dimensions of human diversity as they relate to identity formation, human rights, and social, economic, environmental and racial justice through understanding oppression, privilege, and power across micro, mezzo and macro levels of social work practice. Applies critical consciousness to uplift diversity, promote social justice, and address privilege and oppression through social work practice.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and admission to the Master of Social Work
SWK A648 Motivational Interviewing 3 Credits
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an empirically-supported, person-centered, goal-oriented approach for facilitating change by exploring & resolving ambivalence. With background lectures on the theoretical and empirical bases of MI, class sessions emphasize demonstration and practice of MI skills and strategies for diverse behavioral applications (e.g., addictions, health promotion, chronic disease management).
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing
Crosslisted With: HS A648 and PSY A648
SWK A650 Child Welfare Skills: Introduction to the Alaska Practice Model 3 Credits
Examines public child welfare practice using the Alaska Office of Children's Services practice model in the identification, assessment, promotion of family protective factors, and intervention with unsafe and at-risk children. Focuses on client-centered case planning, interventions with families, and interprofessional collaboration with community providers and organizations.
Special Note: As undergraduate and graduate students receive the same two-week training, the differences in the courses are seen in the additional assignments for the graduate course, specifically requiring higher levels of content and information synthesis and deep rooting in expanded use and assessment of the evidence base informing effective practice.
Registration Restrictions: Department approval
May Be Stacked With: SWK A450
SWK A651 Advanced Social Work Practice in Substance Use Disorders 3 Credits
Provides students with knowledge and skills for advanced social work practice in the field of substance use disorders. Examines the concepts of substance misuse, substance use disorders (SUD), and addiction from different theoretical perspectives, trauma-informed approaches, and strengths-based harm reduction. Applies biopsychosocial, person-in-environment, lifespan, and social justice frameworks and emphasizes assessment, intervention planning, and intervention.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing
Prerequisites: SWK A632 with a minimum grade of C.
SWK A673 Geriatric Social Work Practice 3 Credits
Covers the knowledge, skills and values needed for effective social work practice with older adults and their families. Students will have the opportunity to develop the capability for accurate multidimensional assessments and effective interventions with and on behalf of older adults and their families.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing
May Be Stacked With: SWK A473
SWK A677 Multidisciplinary Seminar in Children's Mental Health 1 Credit
Provides an interdisciplinary approach to working with children and families in a variety of behavioral/mental health and educational settings.
Special Note: Course is one credit per semester over two sequential semesters.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing
Crosslisted With: EDSE A677 and PSY A677
SWK A683 Innovative Practices in Telehealth 3 Credits
Provides an overview of telehealth with an emphasis on telebehavioral health in Alaska. Includes topics on the history of telehealth and current legal, technical and logistical considerations to prepare leaders in the expanding field of telehealth. Includes hands-on experience with telehealth technology and clinical exercises.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing or instructor permission
Crosslisted With: HS A683
SWK A685 Social Work Services in Schools 3 Credits
Explores the multiple roles practiced by social workers who provide social work services in a school setting with special emphasis on practice with populations at risk and culturally diverse students and families.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing in social work or related discipline
SWK A690 Selected Topics in Social Work 1-3 Credits
Focus on current topics related to social work with various system levels (individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations), fields of practice and settings.
Special Note: May be repeated for credit with a different subtitle for a maximum of 9 credits. Not available for credit to students who have completed SWK A490 with the same subtitle.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing
May Be Stacked With: SWK A490
SWK A691 Children's Mental Health Systems of Care 3 Credits
Examines systems of care as a coordinated network of home, community, and school-based services and supports that are multidisciplinary and in partnership with children, youth and families. Addresses the cultural and linguistic needs of families in order to promote healthy development and meet the challenges of children and youth with mental and behavioral health needs.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing
Crosslisted With: EDSE A691 and PSY A691
SWK A695A Generalist Practicum I 3 Credits
Emphasizes integration and demonstration of the generalist competencies and practice behaviors. Covers part one of the generalist practicum sequence.
Special Note: The student completes 240 practicum hours in an approved setting under the supervision of social work faculty and a MSW practicum instructor.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and admission to the Master of Social Work
SWK A695B Generalist Practicum II 3 Credits
Emphasizes integration and demonstration of the generalist competencies and practice behaviors. Covers part two of the generalist practicum sequence.
Special Note: The student completes 240 practicum hours in an approved setting under the supervision of social work faculty and a MSW practicum instructor.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing and admission to the Master of Social Work
Prerequisites: SWK A695A with a minimum grade of C.
SWK A695C Advanced Generalist Practicum I 3 Credits
Emphasizes integration and demonstration of the advanced generalist competencies and practice behaviors. Covers part one of the advanced generalist practicum sequence.
Special Note: The student completes 240 hours in an approved setting under the supervision of a MSW practicum instructor.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing, admission to the Master of Social Work, and successful completion of the generalist curriculum
SWK A695D Advanced Generalist Practicum II 3 Credits
Emphasizes integration and demonstration of the advanced generalist competencies and practice behaviors. Covers part two of the advanced generalist practicum sequence.
Special Note: The student completes 240 hours in an approved setting under the supervision of a MSW practicum instructor.
Registration Restrictions: Graduate standing, admission to the Master of Social Work, and successful completion of the generalist curriculum
Prerequisites: SWK A695C with a minimum grade of C.