The College of Health and Social Welfare comprises the School of Nursing, the Division of Health Sciences, the Justice Center, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Health Sciences, and the School of Social Work. The College offers a variety of certificate, undergraduate, and graduate degree options for students who are attracted to people-oriented careers. It also provides a special opportunity for cross-disciplinary studies as they relate to the human aspects of our culture, and helps to prepare graduates for the increasingly integrated approaches to service delivery demanded by society.

Professional programs housed within this college share a common interest in issues that impact the development, health, and well being of individuals and communities. The instructional, service and scholarship efforts of the faculty in the various curricula are enhanced and supported by collaborative research and service activities in the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, the Center for Human Development, Alaska Center for Rural Health, and the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies. Together, through multi-disciplinary approaches, the schools, departments, centers and institutes take direct action to address the needs and potentials of Alaska's peoples and communities.