About the Graduate School
UAA Mission
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) transforms lives through teaching, research, community engagement and creative expression in a diverse and inclusive environment. Serving students, the state, and the communities of Southcentral Alaska, UAA is a comprehensive, open access, public university established on the ancestral lands of the Dena’ina, Ahtna, Alutiiq/Sugpiaq, and Eyak/dAXunhyuu Peoples.
Graduate Education
Graduate education is an integral part of the University of Alaska Anchorage offering students a dynamic step forward in their intellectual and career advancement. The Graduate School coordinates graduate education and is a multifaceted resource for students from assisting in exploration of a degree program to providing professional skill development. The dean of the Graduate School has responsibility for leadership and oversight of graduate programs and all graduate school functions.
The university offers graduate certificates, master’s degrees, accelerated master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Students may also pursue graduate studies at UAA that apply toward doctoral degrees offered in collaboration with other institutions. Some or all coursework and research may be completed at UAA while the doctoral degree is granted by another university.
Students’ academic preparation and likelihood of success in their graduate programs are carefully assessed and validated. Admission requirements provide an opportunity for students to document their credentials and demonstrate readiness for graduate studies.
Once admitted, students receive discipline-specific advising from mentors in their programs dedicated to their success. The Graduate School offers graduate student workshops, professional development, scholarships, and skill coaching to support a successful graduate school experience.
Students who have completed UAA graduate programs possess the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in furthering their education and to excel in their chosen professions. Whether the degree is required for advancement, personal and professional growth, or for other goals, students may expect the challenges and rewards of a high-quality graduate education.
Upon successful completion of their graduate programs, students will have participated in independent scholarship and demonstrated mastery of their disciplines. Program exit requirements allow students to express the knowledge they have acquired in formats ranging from culminating projects and capstone experiences to a published thesis. For expected student outcomes and program exit requirements, please see the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog.