Social workers help people overcome some of life's most difficult challenges, dealing with issues such as poverty, discrimination, abuse, addiction, disability, divorce and unemployment. They work with individuals, groups and communities, helping to prevent crises and counseling clients to cope more effectively with the stresses of everyday life. The practice of social work requires knowledge of human development and behavior, of social, economic and cultural institutions, and of the interaction of all these factors. Earn your degree in social work at UAF and prepare for rewarding careers empowering others. Our mission is to educate generalist social work practitioners to promote the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities, emphasizing the diversity and uniqueness of rural Alaska. The program includes an intensive 400-hour senior practicum that gives you the opportunity to engage in direct social work practice experiences under the supervision of a social worker in a social service agency.