The University of Alaska Anchorage provides curricula that offer its students the opportunity to acquire the intellectual skills, habits of mind and ethical sensibilities necessary to develop into individuals who make informed judgments and interpretations about their community and the broader world, who take full responsibility for their beliefs and actions, who recognize the connection between knowing and acting, and who commit themselves to lifelong learning. The UAA curricula emphasize that while the acquisition of knowledge is an end in itself, each UAA graduate must enter the world beyond the university fully equipped to live resiliently in a changing world and be willing to apply theories and methodologies to examine and resolve the problems of their own communities and those of an increasingly diverse and interdependent world.
The university does not prescribe specific courses for all students. It is the responsibility of each student to determine an appropriate program of courses within the framework of their academic program in consultation with an academic advisor (see Advising & Academic Support for further information). The requirements for each degree include completion of a minimum number of courses, resident credits, fulfillment of the General University Requirements and the General Education Requirements (GERs), and completion of program requirements.
Occupational Endorsements and Undergraduate Certificates
The university offers two types of certificates at the undergraduate level:
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Occupational endorsement certificates (OECs) are certificates requiring 29 or fewer credits to complete. These certificates provide the specialized knowledge and skills needed in specific employment sectors.
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Undergraduate certificates of 30 credits or more offer focused instruction in a concentrated area. They include an equivalent of at least 6 credits of related instruction at the collegiate level in communications, computation and human relations. These certificates provide knowledge and skill development in broad enough areas to prepare students for entry into a variety of career fields. They are particularly appropriate in scientific or technical areas such as health care, computer systems, transportation or industrial technology.
Both of these certificate types are noted on transcripts. Coursework used to complete each type may also apply to associate and baccalaureate degrees that the student may pursue.
Associate Degrees
UAA offers two types of associate degrees, both of which require the completion of 60 credits or more:
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The Associate of Arts (AA) degree combines broad studies in written communication, oral communication, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences and social sciences, with elective coursework selected by the student. The degree provides broad exposure to systems of thought and inquiry, allows exploration of a variety of disciplines and learning experiences, and provides a solid foundation for further study at the baccalaureate level. The AA degree is administered by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). The complete program description is found under the CAS section.
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Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees provide applied or specialized studies that are used to satisfy a student’s specific educational needs. Many AAS programs prepare students for work in a particular field of employment. Some AAS programs are designed to provide a foundation for a specific related baccalaureate degree. Students in AAS programs build knowledge and skills needed to carry out specific tasks while they develop abilities in the essential elements of communications, computation and human relations.
Baccalaureate Degrees
Baccalaureate, or bachelor’s, degrees consist of a minimum of 120 credits and comprise three interrelated parts:
- General Education Requirements, which provide students a broad overview of the liberal arts and sciences and create the foundation for further study in the major or program, lifelong learning and workplace preparedness. GERs are best taken early in a student's academic career.
- Major Requirements, which afford students intensive study in a specialized subject, program or professional area. The major prepares a student for employment and/or graduate-level course work.
- Elective Credits, which are the body of work to complete the 120 credits. These credits may be limited, as in the case of many professional programs, or open for the student's choice, allowing for students to investigate other areas of interest. Students may choose to declare a Minor (generally 18-24 credits from within the Elective credits) to pursue an additional area of study or qualification. A well-selected minor can strongly complement a student's major area of study.
UAA offers a number of Baccalaureate degrees, depending upon the field of study. The two primary types are as follows:
1. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees generally require additional course work in the liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences and offer greater flexibility in elective credits, with a focus upon broad-based achievement in preparation for graduate school, the corporate or business worlds, or education.
2. The Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees generally require additional course work in math and the natural sciences (with labs), with a focus upon discipline-specific technical classes pertaining to particular professions or preparation for advanced study.
If a program offers both a BS and a BA degree, the programs need to be distinct by a minimum of 12 credits.
UAA also offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), the Bachelor of Human Services (BHS), the Bachelor of Music (BM), and the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).
Baccalaureate degrees may also have specialized application and entrance requirements as well as specialized completion requirements. Students are strongly advised to speak with an advisor before declaring a major and signing up for classes.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificates
Post-baccalaureate certificate programs present a cohesive sequence of related courses designed to provide continuing education past the baccalaureate level. Upon completion of a certificate, students will have acquired an area of specialization or an interdisciplinary perspective, or will have completed requirements for professional certifications awarded by agencies outside the university. Post-baccalaureate certificates are designed with a majority of undergraduate coursework.
Minors
A minor is a component of a baccalaureate degree. A minor may only be issued simultaneously with a baccalaureate degree. A minor from UAA consists of a minimum of 18 credits, at least 6 of which must be upper division. Students must earn at least 3 credits in residence in each minor field. They must also earn a UAA cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.00 (C) in the minor. Students must follow minor requirements from the same catalog used for the baccalaureate program. Refer to each discipline for specific requirements. Students must declare minors no later than the deadline to submit an Application for Graduation.
Campus Key
Campus Key
| Category |
Offering |
| AI |
Program delivered through Anchorage |
| KO |
Program delivered through Kodiak |
| KP |
Program delivered through Kenai |
| MA |
Program delivered through Mat-Su |
| PW |
Program delivered through Prince William Sound |
College Key
Campus Key
| Category |
Offering |
| CAS |
College of Arts and Sciences |
| CBPP |
College of Business and Public Policy |
| COEng |
College of Engineering |
| COH |
College of Health |
| CTC |
Community & Technical College |
| HC |
University Honors College |
Occupational Endorsement Certificates
Undergraduate Certificates
Associate Degrees
Associate of Applied Science
| Program | Campus | College |
|---|
| Accounting | AI, KO, MA | CBPP |
| Air Traffic Control | AI | CTC |
| Apprenticeship Technologies | AI | CTC |
| Architectural and Engineering Technology (suspended) | AI | CTC |
| Automotive Technology | AI | CTC |
| Aviation Administration | AI | CTC |
| Aviation Maintenance Technology | AI | CTC |
| Business Computer Information Systems | AI | CBPP |
| Computer Electronics (suspended) | KP | CTC |
| Computer Information and Office Systems (suspended) | AI, KO, KP, MA | CTC |
| Computer and Networking Technology | AI, MA | CTC |
| Computer Systems Technology (suspended at KO) | KO, MA | CTC |
| Construction Management | AI | CTC |
| Culinary Arts | AI | CTC |
| Dental Assisting | AI | COH |
| Dental Hygiene (suspended) | AI | COH |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography | AI | COH |
| Diesel Power Technology | AI | CTC |
| Digital Art (suspended) | KP | CAS |
| Disability Services (suspended) | PW | COH |
| Early Childhood Development | AI | CAS |
| Fire and Emergency Services Technology | AI | COH |
| General Business | KO, KP, MA | CBPP |
| Geomatics | AI | COEng |
| Human Services | AI, MA | COH |
| Industrial Process Instrumentation | KP | CTC |
| Industrial Technology (suspended) | PW | CTC |
| Logistics and Supply Chain Operations | AI | CBPP |
| Medical Assisting | AI | COH |
| Medical Laboratory Technology | AI | COH |
| Nursing | AI | COH |
| Occupational Safety and Health | AI | CTC |
| Outdoor Leadership | PW | COH |
| Paralegal Studies | AI | COH |
| Paramedical Technology | KP, MA | COH |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | AI | COH |
| Process Technology | KP | CTC |
| Professional Piloting | AI | CTC |
| Radiologic Technology | AI | COH |
| Refrigeration and Heating Technology | MA | CTC |
| Small Business Administration | AI, MA | CBPP |
| Surgical Technology | AI | COH |
| Technology | KO | CTC |
| Welding and Nondestructive Testing Technology | AI | CTC |
Associate of Arts
Baccalaureate Degrees
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Fine Arts
| Program | Campus | College |
|---|
| Art | AI | CAS |
Bachelor of Human Services
Bachelor of Liberal Studies
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Social Work
Minors
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs
Specialty Programs
(No degree or certificate awarded)
Non-Academic Programs
Workforce Credentials
(Contact the associated college for more information)
| Program | Campus | College |
|---|
| Bridge to College and Careers | | CTC |
| Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) | | COH |
| Bridge to Independence through Career Readiness | | COH |
Programs Delivered at the Anchorage Campus
Occupational Endorsement Certificates
Undergraduate Certificates
Associate Degrees
Associate of Applied Science
Associate of Arts
Baccalaureate Degrees
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Fine Arts
| Program | Campus | College |
|---|
| Art | AI | CAS |
Bachelor of Human Services
Bachelor of Liberal Studies
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Social Work
Minors
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs
Specialty Programs
(No degree or certificate awarded)
Non-Academic Programs
Workforce Credentials
(Contact the associated college for more information)
| Program | Campus | College |
|---|
| Bridge to College and Careers | | CTC |
| Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) | | COH |
| Tapestry Postsecondary Transition Program | | COH |
