UAA
Alaska's University: Explore. Discover. Achieve.
📍 Anchorage, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #329 in United States
Quick Facts about UAA
- Type: Public
- Students: 11,206
- International: 2%
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $20,957 – $32,370/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
- Intakes: January, May, August
About UAA
Academics
UAA is structured into five main instructional and research units: the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Public Policy, Community and Technical College, College of Engineering, and College of Health. The university offers over 150 academic certificate and degree programs, with notable strengths in areas such as Alaska Native Studies, which explores the history, culture, and traditions of Alaska's indigenous peoples. Other unique programs include Arctic Engineering, focusing on infrastructure development in cold regions, and various health sciences programs. The teaching approach often incorporates flexibility to accommodate students who work or have families.
International Students
UAA's Office of International Students (ISS) provides comprehensive support services for prospective, incoming, and current F-1 and J-1 visa holders. These services guide students through the admission process, including transcript evaluation, English proficiency requirements, and financial documentation for I-20 issuance. While specific diversity statistics for international students alone are not readily available, the overall student population at UAA is diverse, with 43% identifying as minorities or people of color. The campus offers various student organizations, including an International Student Organization, to foster cultural integration and a vibrant campus life.
Campus & Location
UAA's campus is located in Anchorage, Alaska, a city that offers both urban conveniences and access to vast natural landscapes. The campus itself features facilities like a library, recreation center with a gym, swimming pool, and climbing wall, and a performing arts center. It is also connected to 250 miles of trails, providing opportunities for walking, biking, and enjoying mountain vistas and ocean views. Transportation options include the People Mover public bus system, which currently enrolled students and employees can ride for free with a U-Pass, and the Seawolf Shuttle for on-campus transit. Nearby attractions include Chugach State Park, with opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, and day trips to places like Girdwood and Portage Valley for glacier and outdoor adventures.
Career Outcomes
UAA graduates fill critical roles in various sectors, including healthcare, engineering, business, and education, contributing to Alaska's economy. The university supports local businesses through research collaborations and workforce development programs. Career Services are available to help students build employability skills and navigate employment opportunities, including on-campus work and internships. International students are permitted to undertake for-credit internships and may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation, allowing them to work in their field of study in the U.S. for at least one year. UAA also fosters a startup culture through initiatives like the UAA Business Plan and Big Idea Competition and the Upstart Alpha program, which connects students with early-stage entrepreneurial opportunities.
Information for International Students at UAA
UAA in Anchorage, United States welcomes international students, with 2% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 2% of students are international
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available (~$1120/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for UAA
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to UAA:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 71
- Duolingo minimum: 105
- GPA minimum: 2.5
- Application fee: $75
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: July 15 (Fall), November 15 (Spring), May 1 (Summer)
Programs at UAA (48 programs)
UAA offers 48 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (28)
- Computer Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program focuses on the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their practical implementation. Students gain skills in programming, algorithms, data structures, and software development.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Web Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst - Mechanical Engineering (BS) — 48 months · English · $10,500/yr · STEM
Students learn to design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems, covering topics such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Aerospace Engineer - Biological Sciences (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students explore the fundamental principles of life, from molecular biology to ecology. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience and field research.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Biologist, Research Scientist, Environmental Consultant, Healthcare Professional - Civil Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students in this program learn to design, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and buildings. The curriculum covers structural analysis, fluid mechanics, and environmental engineering.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager - Justice (BA) — 48 months · English
This program examines the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students analyze crime, justice policy, and ethical issues in the field.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Police Officer, Paralegal, Corrections Officer, Victim Advocate - English (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore literature, language, and writing through various historical periods and genres. The program develops strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Journalist, Teacher, Communications Specialist - History (BA) — 48 months · English
This program examines past events, societies, and cultures to understand their impact on the present. Students develop research, analytical, and interpretive skills through historical inquiry.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Museum Curator, Educator, Policy Analyst - Anthropology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore human diversity across cultures and through time, focusing on archaeology, cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, and linguistics. Fieldwork opportunities are often available.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Archaeologist, Cultural Resource Manager, Museum Professional, Researcher - Chemistry (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of chemical principles, reactions, and applications. Students gain extensive laboratory experience and learn analytical techniques.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Chemist, Laboratory Technician, Pharmacist (with further education), Materials Scientist - Accounting (BBA) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, and government. Students learn financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and managerial accounting principles.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Tax Preparer, Financial Analyst - Nursing (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares students for professional nursing practice in diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum integrates scientific knowledge with clinical skills and patient care.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
This program provides a broad understanding of human behavior, cognition, and emotion. Students learn research methods, statistical analysis, and various psychological theories.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Counselor, Social Worker, Research Assistant, Human Resources Specialist - Geological Sciences (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students study Earth's processes, materials, and history, including plate tectonics, mineralogy, and paleontology. The program often involves field trips and hands-on geological mapping.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Hydrologist, Geophysical Technician - Mathematics (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program provides a strong foundation in pure and applied mathematics. Students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through coursework in calculus, algebra, and statistics.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Mathematician, Statistician, Data Analyst, Actuary - Computer Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program focuses on the theoretical foundations of information and computation and their practical implementation. Students gain skills in programming, algorithms, data structures, and software development.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Web Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst - Mechanical Engineering (BS) — 48 months · English · $10,500/yr · STEM
Students learn to design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems, covering topics such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Aerospace Engineer - Biological Sciences (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students explore the fundamental principles of life, from molecular biology to ecology. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience and field research.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Biologist, Research Scientist, Environmental Consultant, Healthcare Professional - Civil Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students in this program learn to design, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and buildings. The curriculum covers structural analysis, fluid mechanics, and environmental engineering.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager - Justice (BA) — 48 months · English
This program examines the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students analyze crime, justice policy, and ethical issues in the field.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Police Officer, Paralegal, Corrections Officer, Victim Advocate - English (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore literature, language, and writing through various historical periods and genres. The program develops strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Journalist, Teacher, Communications Specialist - History (BA) — 48 months · English
This program examines past events, societies, and cultures to understand their impact on the present. Students develop research, analytical, and interpretive skills through historical inquiry.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Museum Curator, Educator, Policy Analyst - Anthropology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore human diversity across cultures and through time, focusing on archaeology, cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, and linguistics. Fieldwork opportunities are often available.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Archaeologist, Cultural Resource Manager, Museum Professional, Researcher - Chemistry (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of chemical principles, reactions, and applications. Students gain extensive laboratory experience and learn analytical techniques.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Chemist, Laboratory Technician, Pharmacist (with further education), Materials Scientist - Accounting (BBA) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, and government. Students learn financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and managerial accounting principles.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Tax Preparer, Financial Analyst - Nursing (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares students for professional nursing practice in diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum integrates scientific knowledge with clinical skills and patient care.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
This program provides a broad understanding of human behavior, cognition, and emotion. Students learn research methods, statistical analysis, and various psychological theories.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Counselor, Social Worker, Research Assistant, Human Resources Specialist - Geological Sciences (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students study Earth's processes, materials, and history, including plate tectonics, mineralogy, and paleontology. The program often involves field trips and hands-on geological mapping.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Hydrologist, Geophysical Technician - Mathematics (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program provides a strong foundation in pure and applied mathematics. Students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through coursework in calculus, algebra, and statistics.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Mathematician, Statistician, Data Analyst, Actuary
Master Programs (14)
- Clinical Psychology (MA) — 24 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. The curriculum includes advanced coursework in psychopathology, psychotherapy, and research methods.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Licensed Professional Counselor, Psychologist (with further licensure), Mental Health Clinician - Arctic and Northern Studies (MA) — 24 months · English
This interdisciplinary program focuses on the unique social, environmental, and political issues of the Arctic region. Students engage with topics such as indigenous cultures, climate change, and resource management.
Field: Area Studies
Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Researcher, Environmental Manager, Community Developer - Public Health (MPH) — 24 months · English · STEM
The Master of Public Health program prepares students to address complex public health challenges. The curriculum covers epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health policy.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, Health Educator, Program Manager - Business Administration (MBA) — 24 months · English
The MBA program develops leadership and management skills for a dynamic business environment. Students gain expertise in finance, marketing, operations, and strategic management.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Executive - Social Work (MSW) — 24 months · English
The Master of Social Work program prepares students for advanced social work practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities. It emphasizes ethical practice and social justice.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Child and Family Social Worker, Community Organizer, Healthcare Social Worker - Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program offers advanced study in various engineering disciplines, including civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Students conduct research and develop specialized technical skills.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Senior Engineer, Engineering Consultant, Research and Development Engineer - Education (MEd) — 24 months · English
This program offers advanced studies for educators seeking to enhance their teaching practices, leadership skills, or specialize in areas like curriculum development or educational technology.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Teacher, School Administrator, Curriculum Specialist, Educational Consultant - Clinical Psychology (MA) — 24 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. The curriculum includes advanced coursework in psychopathology, psychotherapy, and research methods.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Licensed Professional Counselor, Psychologist (with further licensure), Mental Health Clinician - Arctic and Northern Studies (MA) — 24 months · English
This interdisciplinary program focuses on the unique social, environmental, and political issues of the Arctic region. Students engage with topics such as indigenous cultures, climate change, and resource management.
Field: Area Studies
Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Researcher, Environmental Manager, Community Developer - Public Health (MPH) — 24 months · English · STEM
The Master of Public Health program prepares students to address complex public health challenges. The curriculum covers epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health policy.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, Health Educator, Program Manager - Business Administration (MBA) — 24 months · English
The MBA program develops leadership and management skills for a dynamic business environment. Students gain expertise in finance, marketing, operations, and strategic management.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Executive - Social Work (MSW) — 24 months · English
The Master of Social Work program prepares students for advanced social work practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities. It emphasizes ethical practice and social justice.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Child and Family Social Worker, Community Organizer, Healthcare Social Worker - Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program offers advanced study in various engineering disciplines, including civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Students conduct research and develop specialized technical skills.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Senior Engineer, Engineering Consultant, Research and Development Engineer - Education (MEd) — 24 months · English
This program offers advanced studies for educators seeking to enhance their teaching practices, leadership skills, or specialize in areas like curriculum development or educational technology.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Teacher, School Administrator, Curriculum Specialist, Educational Consultant
PhD Programs (6)
- Applied Environmental Science (PhD) — 60 months · English · $14,500/yr · STEM
Focuses on advanced research in environmental issues, applying scientific principles to solve real-world problems related to conservation, resource management, and climate change.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: Environmental Scientist, University Professor, Research Director, Policy Maker - Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) — 60 months · English · $14,000/yr
This doctoral program allows students to pursue advanced research across multiple disciplines, fostering innovative approaches to complex problems.
Field: Interdisciplinary
Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Policy Advisor, Consultant - Leadership (PhD) — 60 months · English · $13,500/yr
This program prepares individuals for advanced leadership roles in various sectors, focusing on organizational theory, strategic management, and ethical decision-making.
Field: Leadership
Career outcomes: Executive Leader, University Professor, Organizational Consultant, Policy Analyst - Applied Environmental Science (PhD) — 60 months · English · $14,500/yr · STEM
Focuses on advanced research in environmental issues, applying scientific principles to solve real-world problems related to conservation, resource management, and climate change.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: Environmental Scientist, University Professor, Research Director, Policy Maker - Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) — 60 months · English · $14,000/yr
This doctoral program allows students to pursue advanced research across multiple disciplines, fostering innovative approaches to complex problems.
Field: Interdisciplinary
Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Policy Advisor, Consultant - Leadership (PhD) — 60 months · English · $13,500/yr
This program prepares individuals for advanced leadership roles in various sectors, focusing on organizational theory, strategic management, and ethical decision-making.
Field: Leadership
Career outcomes: Executive Leader, University Professor, Organizational Consultant, Policy Analyst
Scholarships & Tuition at UAA
Annual tuition for international students: $20,957 – $32,370/year
✅ UAA offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of UAA
- National Ranking: #329 in United States
- Ranking tier: Research University
- Research output: High
Campus & Facilities at UAA
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Urban
- Average class size: 20
- Housing cost: ~$1120/month
Key Highlights
- Diverse academic programs
- Anchorage urban-outdoor blend
- Strong Alaska Native Studies
- Arctic Engineering expertise
- Supportive international student services
- Flexible learning options
Accreditation
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Notable Alumni
- Mark Begich
- Scott Gomez
- Jewel Kilcher
- Ethan Berkowitz
- Kira Buckland
Frequently Asked Questions about UAA
What is UAA?
UAA is a public university located in Anchorage, United States. It has approximately 11,206 students, with 2% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at UAA?
Tuition fees at UAA for international students range from $20,957 – $32,370/year. Student housing costs approximately $1120/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for UAA?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 71. Duolingo minimum: 105. GPA minimum: 2.5. Application fee: $75. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: July 15 (Fall), November 15 (Spring), May 1 (Summer).
What language are courses taught in at UAA?
Courses at UAA are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does UAA offer?
UAA offers 48 programs: 28 Bachelor's, 14 Master's, and 6 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is UAA ranked?
#329 in United States.
Does UAA offer scholarships?
Yes, UAA offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does UAA provide visa support?
Yes, UAA provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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