Associate Degrees
How to Earn an Associate Degree
To earn a UAF degree, three sets of requirements must be satisfied: general university requirements, degree requirements and program (major) requirements. These requirements are all described in this section of the catalog. Requirements for each program major are found in the Associate Degree Programs section.
If a degree program is delivered collaboratively within the UA system (e.g., information technology specialist, early childhood education, human services, rural human services), then the credits earned from each UA institution will be counted toward fulfillment of the degree requirements and fulfillment of the minimum institutional residency requirements. Institutional residency requirements are the minimum number of credits that must be earned from the campus where the degree is earned.
Catalog Year and Time Limits
UAF defines catalog year as beginning in the fall and ending at the conclusion of the summer semester. For example, the 2023-2024 catalog year includes fall 2023, spring 2024 and summer 2024.
The associate degree must be completed within five years from the term admitted. A student may change their catalog year if they were an enrolled student in a degree-seeking program during the academic year selected. If a student is not enrolled for a semester or more, or if enrolled through the non-degree student registration process, a student isn’t considered enrolled as a degree student during that time.
Majors
A major is declared upon admittance to UAF as an associate degree undergraduate student.
Students enrolled in an associate degree who want to declare a bachelor’s degree major must apply for admission to a degree program following the standard admission process for bachelor’s degree programs. (See admission requirements in How to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree.)
- Changing a Major
Undergraduate students may change majors by completing a change of major form available from the Office of the Registrar forms page. If a change of major is submitted after courses have started for the term, it will be applied for the following semester. Students who wish to change majors from one level to another level (e.g., from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree) must apply for admission to the degree program following the standard admission process.
Concentrations
An area of emphasis, including the major core courses within a student’s degree program, is termed a concentration. Some programs at UAF require a concentration, others do not. A student may only earn one degree in a specific discipline once. Using different concentrations within a degree program to count as different degrees is not allowed.
Second Associate Degree
To receive a second Associate of Applied Science degree, at least 12 credit hours beyond the first associate degree must be earned, as well as completion of all requirements for the major. As long the additional 12-hour requirement has been completed, a student may be awarded two degrees in one semester.
Exceptions to Degree Requirements
Occasionally an undergraduate student may request an exception to an academic requirement, policy or regulation. Requests for an academic exception must be approved by petition. If a student submits a petition on the basis of a disability, the coordinator of Disability Services will be consulted. Undergraduate petition forms are available at the Office of the Registrar or on the Office of the Registrar's forms page. Forms must be returned to the Office of the Registrar with the required approval signatures. The Office of the Registrar will note the completed petition in DegreeWorks once the appropriate person or committee has made a decision. Academic petitions fall into three categories, and each involves different processes:
- General Education Requirement Petitions
If a petition deals with baccalaureate general education requirements or the Associate of Arts or Science library science requirement, the advisor and the head of the department of the academic area involved must grant approval. Submit the signed petition to the Office of the Registrar. It will then be forwarded to the chair of the Faculty Senate Core/General Education Requirement Curriculum Review Committee for consideration. - Major or Minor Degree Requirement Petitions
If the goal is to waive or substitute courses within a major or a minor's requirements, approval signatures from the advisor and the department or program head of the major or minor area. Submit the signed petition to the Office of the Registrar. - Petitions for Other Requirements
If the petition deals with general university and/or specific requirements for the degree or other academic policies, approval is needed from the advisor and the dean or director of the college or school in which the major is located. Submit the signed petition to the Office of the Registrar. It will then be forwarded to the provost for consideration.
Residence Credit
Residence credit is course credit earned through any unit of UAF. Formal classroom instruction, correspondence study, distance-delivered courses, individual study or research at UAF are all considered residence credit.
Transfer credit, advanced placement credit, credit for prior learning, military service credit and credit granted through nationally prepared examinations are not considered residence credit. None of these types of credit can be applied to UAF residency requirements.
UAF residence credit takes precedence over any nonresident credit. For example, if a student has AP credit for a course, but takes the same courses at UAF, the AP credit will be excluded and the UAF course will be applied to the degree requirements.
Residency Requirement
Most universities have residency requirements that call for a certain number of credits toward a degree to be earned at the degree-granting school. At UAF, the residency requirement for an associate degree is 15 resident credits.
Alaska Native-themed Requirements
The Alaska Native-themed requirement is a degree requirement for all baccalaureate, associate of arts and associate of science degrees. The requirement may be met by taking a designated Alaska Native-themed course anywhere in the student's course of study, including general education requirements, major requirements, minor requirements and electives.
Graduation
- Responsibility
It is the student's responsibility to meet all requirements for graduation. Students are encouraged to work with their advisor and use DegreeWorks throughout their college career to ensure they are on track to graduate. - Application for Graduation
A formal application and non-refundable fee for graduation are required to be filed with the Office of the Registrar. Application prior to the semester planned for graduation is encouraged. If the application is filed by the published deadline the graduation application fee is $50. Late application for graduation is available by the published late graduation deadline for the semester. The fee for a late application is $80. Applications for graduation filed after the late deadline are processed for graduation the following semester. Students who apply for graduation and who do not complete degree requirements by the end of the semester must reapply for graduation and repay the fee. - Diplomas and Commencement
UAF issues diplomas to graduates three times a year: in September following summer sessions, in February at the end of the fall semester and in June at the end of the spring semester. Students who complete degree requirements for UA Board of Regents-approved academic programs during the academic year are invited to participate in the annual commencement ceremony at the end of the spring semester.
Names of students receiving degrees/certificates appear in the commencement program and are released to the media unless a written request to withhold is submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Graduates are responsible for ordering caps and gowns through the UAF bookstore in early spring. - Graduation with Honors
Graduation with Latin honors is a tribute that recognizes academic achievement. Honors graduates have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in all college work. If a student’s overall cumulative GPA is 3.5 or higher, a student graduates with the distinction of cum laude; 3.75 or higher, magna cum laude; 3.9 or higher, summa cum laude.
For students to be considered for graduation with Latin honors, they must have:- 3.5 cumulative GPA in all attempted UAF credits, and
- UAF residence credit of 15 semester hours for an associate degree.
Once those requirements are met, Latin honors can be determined.
General University Requirements for Associate Degrees
At least 30 semester credits for a certificate and 60 semester credits for an associate degree, including transfer credits, must be earned at the 100-level or above. At least 15 semester credits applicable to any certificate or associate degree must be earned at UAF. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required in all work as well as in the major field. A C- grade or higher must be earned in all courses required for a degree unless otherwise specified by the program major (major, minor, general education requirements and degree requirements). Some majors require higher GPAs for major coursework.
Unless otherwise specified by the appropriate academic unit, a course may be taken more than once toward fulfilling degree, certificate or major requirements. However, credit hours for such courses count only once toward total credits required for the degree or certificate.
Requirement | Associate Degree |
---|---|
Minimum number of credits required | 60 credits |
Credits that must be earned at UAF (residence credit) | 15 credits |
Grade point average required | 2.0 cumulative and in major |
Minimum grades required for major | No grade lower than C- in courses required for major. Some departments have higher requirements |
Catalog year that can be used to meet requirements | May use any catalog in effect when enrolled as a degree-seeking student, regardless of major; five-year limit on catalog year |
Second degree requirements | Only one A.A. degree may be earned; 12 credits beyond first A.A.S. degree and all requirements for the second degree must be met |
Associate Degree Requirements
General Associate Degree Requirements
- At least 60 semester hours, including transfer credits, must be completed to earn a UAF associate degree.
- At least 15 credits applicable to any associate degree must be UAF resident credits.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Requirements
Minimum Requirements for Degree: 60 credits
The Associate of Applied Science degree is for students preparing for entry-level employment or upgrading in a specific occupation. This degree is not intended for transfer into a four-year degree program. However, some courses within the A.A.S. degree may be accepted in a four-year bachelor’s program. (Each course is considered on an individual basis.)
A.A.S. degrees are awarded in specific occupational fields with an emphasis on entering the job market. This degree, usually seen as a terminal degree, can serve as the basis for additional education. For specific major requirements, see the Associate Degree Programs section.
Students planning to go on to a bachelor’s degree need to work closely with their advisors and are encouraged to select courses meeting general education requirements and courses designated within majors and minors. Only courses with an X designator count towards the baccalaureate general education requirements (GER).
Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in their major and overall. A minimum C- grade or higher is required in all courses required for the degree (major, minor, general education requirements and degree requirements) unless otherwise specified by the major. Some majors require higher GPAs for major coursework.
All credits for the A.A.S. degree must be at the F100 level or above and be distributed as follows:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Communication | 9 | |
Complete the following: | ||
Business Communications | ||
or WRTG F211X | Writing and the Humanities | |
or WRTG F212X | Writing and the Professions | |
or WRTG F213X | Writing and the Sciences | |
or WRTG F214X | Arguing Across Contexts | |
Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | ||
or COM F131X | Fundamentals of Oral Communication: Group Context | |
or COM F141X | Fundamentals of Oral Communication: Public Context | |
Writing Across Contexts | ||
Computation | 3 | |
Complete one of the following: | ||
Any course at the F100 level or above in mathematical sciences (computer science, math or statistics) | ||
Business Math | ||
Practical Math Skills | ||
Mathematics in Health Care | ||
Practical Math Skills | ||
Intermediate Algebra | ||
Mathematics for the Trades | ||
Other program-approved discipline-based computation course or discipline-based course with embedded computation content | ||
Human Relations | 3 | |
Complete one of the following: | ||
Human Relations | ||
Teaching Methods for Alaska Native Languages | ||
Individual, Society and Culture | ||
Child Development I: Prenatal, Infants and Toddlers | ||
Child Development II: The Preschool and Primary Years | ||
Child Development | ||
Human Behavior in Health Care | ||
Cultural Diversity in Human Services | ||
Cross-cultural Bridging Skills and Issues of Personal Development | ||
Other program-approved discipline-based human relations course or discipline-based course with embedded human relations content | ||
Major Specialty | 30 | |
At least 30 hours of major specialty courses | ||
Electives to total | 60 |
Associate of Arts (A.A.) Requirements
Minimum Requirements for Degree: 60 credits
The Associate of Arts degree represents the completion of broad-based college study. This degree may serve as a starting point in a student's career or as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s program. Only one A.A. degree may be earned.
Students planning to go on to a bachelor’s degree are advised to select courses meeting remaining general education requirements and courses designated within bachelor’s degree majors and minors.
Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in their major and overall. Students must earn a C- grade or higher in all courses required for their degree unless otherwise specified by their major (major, minor, general education requirements and degree requirements). Some majors require higher GPAs for major coursework.
The curriculum of the Associate of Arts degree consists of all courses required to meet the UAF baccalaureate general education requirements, with the following exception:
All credits for the A.A. degree must be at the F100 level or above, with 20 credits at the F200 level or above, and be distributed as follows:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
General education requirement credits | 35-40 | |
A.A. degree requirements | 3-4 | |
General electives | 19-24 | |
Total Credits | 60 |
General Education Requirements - 35-40 credits
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Communication | 9 | |
Complete the following: | ||
Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | ||
or COM F131X | Fundamentals of Oral Communication: Group Context | |
or COM F141X | Fundamentals of Oral Communication: Public Context | |
Writing Across Contexts | ||
Writing and the Humanities | ||
or WRTG F212X | Writing and the Professions | |
or WRTG F213X | Writing and the Sciences | |
or WRTG F214X | Arguing Across Contexts | |
Arts | 3 | |
Complete one of the following: | ||
Beginning Drawing | ||
Introduction to Alaska Native Performance | ||
Aesthetic Appreciation of Alaska Native Performance | ||
Alaska Native Music | ||
Explorations in Art | ||
History of World Art I | ||
History of World Art II | ||
Introduction to the Study of Film | ||
History of the Cinema | ||
Fundamentals of Acting | ||
Discovering Stage & Screen | ||
Dramatic Literature and History | ||
Unity in the Arts | ||
Music Fundamentals | ||
Enjoying Jazz | ||
Explorations in Music | ||
Humanities | 3-5 | |
Complete one of the following: | ||
Introduction to Athabascan Linguistics | ||
Introduction to Alaska Native Languages | ||
World Literature | ||
Texts and Contexts | ||
Introduction to Creative Writing | ||
Media and Culture | ||
Nature of Language | ||
Languages of the World | ||
Introduction to Philosophy | ||
Logic and Reasoning | ||
Religions of the World | ||
OR complete one of the following languages: | ||
Beginning Dene / Athabascan I | ||
Beginning Dene / Athabascan II | ||
American Sign Language I | ||
American Sign Language II | ||
Elementary Chinese I | ||
Elementary Chinese II | ||
Elementary French I | ||
Elementary French II | ||
Elementary German I | ||
Elementary German II | ||
Elementary Inupiaq I | ||
Elementary Inupiaq II | ||
Elementary Japanese I | ||
Elementary Japanese II | ||
Beginning Latin I | ||
Beginning Latin II | ||
Elementary Russian I | ||
Elementary Russian II | ||
Elementary Spanish I | ||
Elementary Spanish II | ||
Elementary Central Yup'ik I | ||
Elementary Central Yup'ik II | ||
Social Sciences | 6 | |
Complete two courses from the following in two different disciplines: | ||
Principles of Financial Accounting | ||
History of Colonization in Alaska: The Indigenous Response | ||
Indigenous Cultures of Alaska | ||
Individual, Society and Culture | ||
Introduction to Anthropology | ||
Ancient Civilizations | ||
Fundamentals of Archaeology | ||
Introduction to Business | ||
Personal Finance (s) | ||
Introduction to Sport Management | ||
Child Development I: Prenatal, Infants and Toddlers | ||
Child Development II: The Preschool and Primary Years | ||
Child Guidance | ||
Principles of Microeconomics | ||
Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
The Economy of Rural Alaska | ||
Introduction to Economic Analysis | ||
Introduction to Natural Resource Economics | ||
Modern World History | ||
Western Civilization Since 1500 | ||
History of Alaska Natives from Contact to the Present | ||
East Asian Civilization | ||
History of the U.S. | ||
Introduction to Addictive Processes | ||
Introduction to Justice | ||
Criminology | ||
Political Economy | ||
Introduction to American Government and Politics | ||
Comparative Politics | ||
International Politics | ||
Introduction to Psychology | ||
Rural Development in the North | ||
Introduction to Sociology | ||
Social Problems and Solutions | ||
Introduction to Social Work | ||
Introduction to Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies | ||
Additional Arts/Humanities/Social Science | 3-5 | |
Complete one additional course from the arts, humanities or social science courses listed above. | ||
Mathematics | 3-4 | |
Complete one of the following: | ||
Numbers and Society | ||
Essential Precalculus with Applications 1 | ||
College Algebra for Calculus 1 | ||
Trigonometry | ||
Precalculus | ||
Essential Calculus with Applications 2,3 | ||
Calculus I 2,3 | ||
Calculus II 3 | ||
Calculus III 3 | ||
Elementary Statistics | ||
Natural Sciences | 8 | |
Complete two of the following: | ||
Weather and Climate of Alaska | ||
Human Biology | ||
Biology and Society | ||
Natural History of Alaska | ||
Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
Fundamentals of Biology I | ||
Fundamentals of Biology II | ||
Introduction to Human Nutrition | ||
Chemistry in Complex Systems | ||
Introduction to General Chemistry | ||
Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry | ||
General Chemistry I | ||
General Chemistry II | ||
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry of the Arctic | ||
Introduction to Environmental Science | ||
The Dynamic Earth | ||
Life in the Age of Dinosaurs | ||
Earth and Environment: Elements of Physical Geography | ||
The History of Earth and Life | ||
Glaciers, Earthquakes and Volcanoes: Past, Present and Future | ||
The Oceans | ||
Energy and Society | ||
Physical Sciences | ||
College Physics I | ||
College Physics II | ||
Introduction to Astronomy | ||
General Physics I | ||
General Physics II | ||
Elementary Modern Physics | ||
Total Credits | 35-40 |
- 1
Credit may be earned for either MATH F122X or MATH F151X, but not both.
- 2
Credit may be earned for either MATH F230X or MATH F251X, but not both.
- 3
Or any math course having one of these as a prerequisite.
A.A. Degree Requirements - 0-4 credits
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Library and Information Research | 0-1 | |
Complete one of the following prior to junior standing: | ||
Library Information and Research | ||
Successful completion of library skills competency test | ||
Alaska Native-themed Requirement | 3 | |
During the completion of coursework, 3 credits of Alaska Native-themed course(s) must be completed. See Alaska Native-themed courses chart for available courses. | ||
Total Credits | 0-4 |
Associate of Science (A.S.) Requirements
Minimum Requirements for Degree: 60 credits
The Associate of Science degree represents the completion of a broad-based course of study with an emphasis in the sciences. This degree may serve as a stepping stone to a science-related baccalaureate program. A student may earn only one A.S. degree.
A student must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in their major and overall. Students must earn a C- grade or higher in all courses required for their degree unless otherwise specified by their major (major, minor, general education requirements and degree requirements). Some majors require higher GPAs for major coursework.
General Education Requirements - 43-48 credits
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Communication | 9 | |
Complete the following: | ||
Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | ||
or COM F131X | Fundamentals of Oral Communication: Group Context | |
or COM F141X | Fundamentals of Oral Communication: Public Context | |
Writing Across Contexts | ||
Writing and the Humanities | ||
or WRTG F212X | Writing and the Professions | |
or WRTG F213X | Writing and the Sciences | |
or WRTG F214X | Arguing Across Contexts | |
Arts | 3 | |
Complete one of the following: | ||
Beginning Drawing | ||
Introduction to Alaska Native Performance | ||
Aesthetic Appreciation of Alaska Native Performance | ||
Alaska Native Music | ||
Explorations in Art | ||
History of World Art I | ||
History of World Art II | ||
Introduction to the Study of Film | ||
History of the Cinema | ||
Fundamentals of Acting | ||
Discovering Stage & Screen | ||
Dramatic Literature and History | ||
Unity in the Arts | ||
Music Fundamentals | ||
Enjoying Jazz | ||
Explorations in Music | ||
Humanities | 3-5 | |
Complete one of the following: | ||
Introduction to Athabascan Linguistics | ||
Introduction to Alaska Native Languages | ||
World Literature | ||
Texts and Contexts | ||
Introduction to Creative Writing | ||
Media and Culture | ||
Nature of Language | ||
Languages of the World | ||
Introduction to Philosophy | ||
Logic and Reasoning | ||
Religions of the World | ||
OR complete one of the following languages: | ||
Beginning Dene / Athabascan I | ||
Beginning Dene / Athabascan II | ||
American Sign Language I | ||
American Sign Language II | ||
Elementary Chinese I | ||
Elementary Chinese II | ||
Elementary French I | ||
Elementary French II | ||
Elementary German I | ||
Elementary German II | ||
Elementary Inupiaq I | ||
Elementary Inupiaq II | ||
Elementary Japanese I | ||
Elementary Japanese II | ||
Beginning Latin I | ||
Beginning Latin II | ||
Elementary Russian I | ||
Elementary Russian II | ||
Elementary Spanish I | ||
Elementary Spanish II | ||
Elementary Central Yup'ik I | ||
Elementary Central Yup'ik II | ||
Social Sciences | 6 | |
Complete two courses from the following in two different disciplines: | ||
Principles of Financial Accounting | ||
History of Colonization in Alaska: The Indigenous Response | ||
Indigenous Cultures of Alaska | ||
Individual, Society and Culture | ||
Introduction to Anthropology | ||
Ancient Civilizations | ||
Fundamentals of Archaeology | ||
Introduction to Business | ||
Personal Finance (s) | ||
Introduction to Sport Management | ||
Child Development I: Prenatal, Infants and Toddlers | ||
Child Development II: The Preschool and Primary Years | ||
Child Guidance | ||
Principles of Microeconomics | ||
Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
The Economy of Rural Alaska | ||
Introduction to Economic Analysis | ||
Introduction to Natural Resource Economics | ||
Modern World History | ||
Western Civilization Since 1500 | ||
History of Alaska Natives from Contact to the Present | ||
East Asian Civilization | ||
History of the U.S. | ||
Introduction to Addictive Processes | ||
Introduction to Justice | ||
Criminology | ||
Political Economy | ||
Introduction to American Government and Politics | ||
Comparative Politics | ||
International Politics | ||
Introduction to Psychology | ||
Rural Development in the North | ||
Introduction to Sociology | ||
Social Problems and Solutions | ||
Introduction to Social Work | ||
Introduction to Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies | ||
Additional Arts/Humanities/Social Science | 3-5 | |
Complete one additional course from the arts, humanities or social science courses listed above. | ||
Mathematics | 3-4 | |
Complete one of the following: | ||
Numbers and Society | ||
Essential Precalculus with Applications 1 | ||
College Algebra for Calculus 1 | ||
Trigonometry | ||
Precalculus | ||
Essential Calculus with Applications 2,3 | ||
Calculus I 2,3 | ||
Calculus II 3 | ||
Calculus III 3 | ||
Elementary Statistics | ||
Natural Sciences | 16 | |
Complete four of the following: 4 | ||
Weather and Climate of Alaska | ||
Human Biology | ||
Biology and Society | ||
Natural History of Alaska | ||
Human Anatomy and Physiology I | ||
Human Anatomy and Physiology II | ||
Fundamentals of Biology I | ||
Fundamentals of Biology II | ||
Introduction to Human Nutrition | ||
Chemistry in Complex Systems | ||
Introduction to General Chemistry | ||
Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry | ||
General Chemistry I | ||
General Chemistry II | ||
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry of the Arctic | ||
Introduction to Environmental Science | ||
The Dynamic Earth | ||
Life in the Age of Dinosaurs | ||
Earth and Environment: Elements of Physical Geography | ||
The History of Earth and Life | ||
Glaciers, Earthquakes and Volcanoes: Past, Present and Future | ||
The Oceans | ||
Energy and Society | ||
Physical Sciences | ||
College Physics I | ||
College Physics II | ||
Introduction to Astronomy | ||
General Physics I | ||
General Physics II | ||
Elementary Modern Physics | ||
Total Credits | 43-48 |
- 1
Credit may be earned for either MATH F122X or MATH F151X, but not both.
- 2
Credit may be earned for either MATH F230X or MATH F251X, but not both.
- 3
Or any math course having one of these as a prerequisite.
A.S. Degree Requirements - 15-19 credits
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Concentration Specialty | 15 | |
Complete 15 credits of concentration specialty courses as approved by the department | ||
Library and Information Research | 0-1 | |
Complete one of the following prior to junior standing: | ||
Library Information and Research | ||
Successful completion of library skills competency test | ||
Alaska Native-themed Requirement | 3 | |
During the completion of coursework, 3 credits of Alaska Native-themed course(s) must be completed. See Alaska Native-themed courses chart for available courses. | ||
Total Credits | 15-19 |
Associate Degree Programs
- Applied Accounting A.A.S.
- Applied Business A.A.S.
- Apprenticeship Technologies A.A.S.
- Associate of Arts
- Associate of Science
- Aviation Maintenance A.A.S.
- Construction Management A.A.S.
- Culinary Arts and Hospitality A.A.S.
- Dental Assistant A.A.S.
- Early Childhood Education A.A.S.
- Fire Science A.A.S.
- Human Services A.A.S.
- Information Technology Specialist A.A.S.
- Interdisciplinary Studies A.A.S.
- Medical Assistant A.A.S.
- Native Language Education A.A.S.
- Paralegal Studies A.A.S.
- Paramedicine A.A.S.
- Process Technology A.A.S.
- Professional Piloting A.A.S.
- Tribal Governance A.A.S.
- Yup'ik Language Proficiency A.A.S.