Degrees & pathways
At the UAF School of Education, we prepare culturally responsive, compassionate educators ready to serve Alaska’s communities. From elementary, secondary and special education to counseling, art and music, our flexible degree programs and pathways offer academic excellence, hands-on experience and strong support every step of the way. Whether you're just beginning your journey or advancing your career, UAF offers the tools, training and connections to help you thrive and make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities across Alaska and beyond.
UAF School of Education departments
Pathways to teaching in Alaska
Undergraduate degrees leading to licensure
The UAF School of Education offers undergraduate programs that prepare students to earn their initial teaching license and begin a rewarding career in education. Through hands-on field experiences, Alaska-focused coursework, and close faculty mentorship, students build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead welcoming, engaging K–12 classrooms. Undergraduate programs are designed for those seeking to teach in elementary or secondary schools, providing pathways that integrate academic study with real-world classroom experience.
Graduate degrees leading to licensure
UAF’s graduate-level licensure programs are designed for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to advance or transition into teaching. These flexible programs, offered on campus and statewide through distance delivery, combine rigorous coursework with supervised practicum and internship experiences. Graduate students can pursue licensure in areas such as elementary, secondary, or special education, gaining professional credentials while deepening their understanding of culturally responsive and place-based teaching practices in Alaska and beyond.
Grow Your Own
(GYO) teaching programs are initiatives designed to recruit, train and retain teachers from within a local community, often targeting individuals already connected to the school system or the community itself. These programs aim to address teacher shortages and foster a stronger connection between schools and the communities they serve.
Apprenticeship programs
UAF School of Education offers an apprenticeship pathway, recognized by the U.S. Department
of Labor, for elementary education. This "learn-while-you-earn" program combines structured
academic instruction with on-the-job learning while working in a K-12 classroom under
the guidance of a mentor teacher. Apprentices complete their related instruction coursework
through their district’s approved Education Preparation Provider and, upon completion
of the program, earn a credential to teach in Alaska.
Emergency certification
The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development’s (AK DEED) Teacher Certification Office works with school districts and universities to grant educator certifications, approve teacher preparation programs, and administer teacher-recognition programs. It is committed to support the UAF SOE’s and AK DEED's strategic priority to ensure high-quality educators for Alaska's children.
Where can I take my degree?
If you're considering a program at UAF that leads to a professional license or certification, it's important for you to know that each state and territory has different professional licensure and certification requirements. UAF School of Education’s degree and licensure programs meet requirements for most states and some territories in the U.S. Use our licensure search tool to discover licensure or certification disclosure for your program and state.
License verification forms
The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development provides verification forms for teaching in the state of Alaska.
If you have your degree from another state
If you have your degree from another state, you will need to take an AK DEED approved Alaska studies course and a Multicultural Education course. We offer many of these courses at UAF. Please check out the list here, on the AK DEED website.
