Alaska Native Studies

Bachelor's Degree Program

Explore Alaska Native cultures and communities from an Indigenous perspective. This unique program will give you the tools to develop an Alaska Native approach to understanding Alaska Native issues.

If you’re interested in careers in law and politics, the bachelor’s in Alaska Native studies will help you to understand how Alaska Native people fit into the larger political picture, and ways they can exercise their rights for the benefit of Native communities in the future. Our faculty have expertise in key Native issues such as culture, identity and traditional knowledge and places; tribal sovereignty; traditional fishing, hunting and gathering; and international law.

You can earn your bachelor’s degree in Alaska Native studies at our Troth Yeddha' campus in Fairbanks, Alaska, or via distance in the community where you live.

Concentrations in the Alaska Native Studies Program

Focus your Alaska Native studies degree in an area that interests you. We offer three concentrations for this program:

  • Indigenous peoples in law, governance and politics
  • Alaska Native knowledge, cultural resources and expression
  • Alaska Native peoples: health, wellness and environment
  • Multidisciplinary

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Quick Facts

Degree type:

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  • Offered as a major and minor

Availability:

  • UAF's main campus in Fairbanks, Alaska, and via distance

 

Why Study Alaska Native Studies at UAF?

How did we get to where we are today, and how do we implement political change to benefit Alaska Native people? These are the questions explored in the Alaska Native studies degree—the only program of its kind in the world to address current and historical issues in Alaska specifically from an Indigenous perspective. Here are some of the opportunities you can look forward to as part of your bachelor’s degree study at UAF.

Engage in exciting research and field work

  • With coursework tailored to the rural Alaska Native experience and priority issues, what you learn is relevant to where you live and work. You’ll also complete a senior thesis based on your concentration, experience and interests. These projects may involve original research and focus on providing Indigenous perspectives and solutions to Alaska Native issues.

Work with faculty with deep expertise in Alaska Native issues

  • Our faculty include renowned educators and prominent Alaska Native advocates who are active in politics, research and in serving local Alaska Native communities. Faculty include experts in tribal law and governance, K-12 education, international law, federal Indian law, Native women’s issues, Native identity and cross-cultural communication.

 
Gain new perspectives via hands-on coursework

  • Serve on a mock tribal council. Write a research paper using Indigenous approaches and methods. Review legislation that directly involves Native communities with the task of drafting changes and improvements. Write a new law for a Native community, or explore what Native corporations are doing (or not doing) for Native communities.

 
Access support resources

  • Rural Student Services (RSS) works with students from all over the state, providing holistic advising and support services that benefit rural and Alaska Native students. We also offer opportunities such as the Native Student Union, a student club on campus that supports the success of both Alaska Native and non-Native students at UAF.

Explore the Festival of Native Arts at UAF

After completing her degree in Alaska Native studies, Bobbie McNeley found full-time employment with a prominent Fairbanks law firm and is now in the process of applying to law school. Bobbie came to UAF directly from Mt. Edgecumbe, earning a certificate in Diesel/Heavy Equipment mechanics and an AAS in tribal management along the way. She made three international trips as a student ambassador and worked for her tribal government. Her Alaska Native studies concentration was Alaska Native law, government and politics.

Explore the Festival of Native Arts at UAF

 

What Can You Do With a Degree in Alaska Native Studies?

Our graduates are prepared to make leadership contributions and serve as cultural ambassadors throughout communities of the North. Opportunities include jobs in government, health and social services, performance arts, justice and cultural programs. Graduates also serve as cultural ambassadors to promote cross-cultural communications across the North.

Graduates may also continue to higher education in fields such as law, policy making and Indigenous studies.

 

 

Get Started on Your Bachelor’s Degree in Alaska Native Studies

Take the next step toward earning your bachelor’s degree. We have the resources to help you get started.

Talk to an Advisor

Have questions? Our expert advisors are here to guide you every step of the way. Let us know how we can help.

Transfer to UAF

Transferring to UAF? We can walk you through the process and help make sure you get the most out of the credits you’ve earned.

Apply Now and Request More Information

Earn your bachelor’s degree in Alaska Native Studies at UAF. Submit your application online today.