University of Alaska Fairbanks

1996-1997 catalog

Degrees and Programs


Arctic Engineering

College of Science, Engineering and Mathematics
Department of Civil Engineering
(907) 474-7241

Degree: M.S.

Minimum Requirements for Degree: 30 credits (beyond Bachelor's Degree in Engineering)

The arctic engineering program is designed to provide training for graduate engineers who must deal with the unique challenge of design, construction, and operations in cold regions of the world. The special problems created by the climatic, geological, and logistical conditions of the Arctic and subarctic require knowledge and techniques not usually covered in the normal engineering courses.

Of primary importance is a thorough understanding of heat transfer processes. In addition, properties of frozen ground and frozen water are basic to most engineering activities in the Arctic. The areas of hydraulics, hydrology and utility operations are also uniquely affected by arctic considerations. The arctic engineering program requires a set of core courses that prepares an engineer to understand and adapt to cold regions problems. It also allows the student to round out the program with advanced elective courses in a particular field of interest. Arctic engineering research activities carried out by faculty associated with this program can provide opportunities for theses or project papers dealing with the most current arctic knowledge.

The current development of petroleum and other natural resources has accentuated the demand for engineers with education in northern operations, both from the private industries that are involved in the development and from government agencies that must plan for or regulate this activity.

Graduate Degree Requirements

Arctic Engineering M.S. Degree

Degree requirements

  • Complete UAF degree requirements. At least 24 credits, including thesis and/or research, must be at the 600 level.

Credit Requirements: (30 credits)

  • Core Courses: (Minimum 15 credits)
    CE 681 Frozen Ground Engineering
    CE 682 Ice Engineering
         or GEOS 615 Sea Ice
    CE 683 Arctic Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering
    CE 684 Arctic Utility Distribution
    ME 685 Arctic Heat and Mass Transfer
    ME 687 Arctic Materials Engineering
    CE 699 or 698 Thesis or Project (3)
  • Electives: (12-15 credits)

All electives must be in areas related to or supportive of the student's degree program and approved by the student's graduate advisory committee. Note: CE 603, Arctic Engineering is not an approved elective for the M.S. in Arctic Engineering.