The Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) prepares students for working with children and families in the child welfare system who are directly impacted by the provisions of ICWA. This program is a cross-college and cross-department collaboration between the Department of Alaska Native Studies in the UAA College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Human Services in the UAA College of Health. Post-graduation opportunities include careers in child welfare, child protection agencies, and tribal organizations.
Admission Requirements
Graduation Requirements
- Complete the General University Requirements for Occupational Endorsement Certificates.
- Complete the following major requirements with a minimum grade of C:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AKNS A201 | Alaska Native Perspectives | 3 |
| AKNS A375 | Principles of Federal Indian Law and Policy | 3 |
| HUMS A254 | Finding My Way Home: Place Identity & Historical Trauma | 3 |
| HUMS A325 | Case Management in Complex Systems | 3 |
| Advisor approved elective 1 | 3 | |
| Total | 15 | |
- 1
Students will be encouraged to take a course in an Alaska Native language, but may choose a selected topics course. Students lacking job experience will be encouraged to take a selected topics course that provides a shadow experience of 16-24 hours in a community agency that deals with ICWA cases.
A minimum of 15 credits is required for the degree.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with an Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Indian Child Welfare Act will be able to:
- Demonstrate skills and knowledge necessary to promote culturally appropriate services to Alaskan families;
- Explore the role of caregivers in the case management process;
- Describe the concept of place identity and its importance.