Degree Program Types
UAF Community & Technical College provides career education and training through several types of degrees. We offer specialized training and occupational endorsement programs that can be completed in as little as six weeks, certificate programs designed to be completed in one year, and career focused 2-year associate programs. We also provide support for the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences and the Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing Science.
Specialized training programs are designed to provide students occupational training, certification and/or licensure in a specific field. These programs are 6-44 credit hours and are typically structured to be completed in six weeks to one year.
Occupational endorsement programs are designed to give students occupational training in a specific field. These programs are 9-29 credit hours and are typically structured to be completed in six weeks to one year. O.E. programs often serve as a steppingstone to a certificate or associate degree.
Certificate programs prepare graduates for entry-level employment or upgrading in a specific occupation. These program are a minimum of 30 credit hours and are typically structured to be completed in two semesters. Certificate programs often serve as an intermediate step to an associate degree.
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree focuses on preparing graduates for careers within specific technical or occupational fields with an emphasis on entering the job market. These programs are a minimum of 60 credit hours and are typically structured to be completed in two years. This degree is not intended for transfer into a four-year degree program. However, some programs have agreements allowing the degree to be used as part of a four-year degree. Additionally, all A.A.S. degrees can be used towards completion of the four-year Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science interdisciplinary degree. Students planning to continuing to a bachelor’s degree should work closely with their advisor.
Estimated time for completion: 2 years
The Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree is a program of study with an interdisciplinary approach useful as a steppingstone to a bachelor program or as a starting point for a career. The A.A. program is 60 credit hours and provides opportunity for an emphasis that can fulfill general education requirements or become the basis for a minor in many bachelor’s programs. Students may earn only one A.A.
Bachelor’s degrees are a minimum of 120 credit hours and are typically structured to be completed in four or more years. UAF CTC provides support to students interested in completing the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree and Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing Science.
The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree is specifically intended to provide a pathway to a bachelor’s degree for graduates of A.A.S. degrees. The B.A.A.S. is offered as an interdisciplinary degree in which students work with a faculty advisor to develop a bachelor’s degree program tailored to a student’s unique academic and career goals.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science is a University of Alaska Anchorage program, offered locally in Fairbanks through a partnership with UAF CTC.
If you are interested in exploring other bachelor degrees or master and doctoral degrees, please visit the UAF catalog for a complete list of degrees offered at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
News & events
CTC dean candidates to make public presentations
November 26, 2025
Kevin Alexander and Brenda Madore, candidates for dean of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College, will give public presentations Monday, Dec. 1, and Tuesday, Dec. 2.
UAF summit to explore health care careers, education
October 21, 2025
Community members can explore an ever-expanding array of health careers and educational opportunities at the 14th annual Alaska Interior Medical Education Summit. The summit will feature demonstrations, panel discussions and hands-on activities to introduce attendees to various health care careers and education options. It will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, in the Murie Building at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
UAF culinary program bistro opens for spring season
February 17, 2025
The Borealis Bistro, a lunch service provided by the UAF Community and Technical College culinary arts program, will be open to the public from Feb. 27-May 1.