Rural Development M.A.

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Minimum Requirements for Rural Development M.A.: 30 credits

Credits
General University Requirements
Complete the graduate general university requirements.
Master’s Degree Requirements
Complete the master's degree requirements.
Rural Development Program Requirements
Complete the following:
RD F600Indigenous Leadership Symposium3
RD F601Political Economy of the Circumpolar North3
RD F625Community Development Strategies: Principles and Practices3
RD F650Community-based Research Methods3
RD F651Management Strategies for Rural Development3
RD F691Seminar in Rural, Community and Indigenous Development Issues3
Option
Complete one of the following:12
Non-Research Option
Research Option
Total Credits30

Options

Non-Research Option

Credits
Complete the following:
12 units RD Electives; or other courses approved by the department 1,212
Receive a passing grade on a written comprehensive exam in conjunction with the completion of RD F691.
1

Up to 6 credits may be at the F400 level with approval from the graduate advisor.

2

Any F600-level RD course may be used as an elective.

Research Option

Credits
Complete the following:
RD F698Non-thesis Research/Project6
or RD F699 Thesis
6 units RD electives; or other courses approved by the advisory committee. 2,36
Receive a passing grade on a written comprehensive exam in conjunction with the completion of RD F691
Complete and submit a written thesis or project and pass an oral defense of the thesis or project.
2

Any F600-level RD course may be used as an elective.

3

Up to 6 credits may be at the F400 level with approval from the graduate advisory committee.

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Admission Requirements

Complete the following general university admission requirements for graduate programs:

  1. Submit an application for admission

  2. Submit official transcripts

  3. Official test results: GRE scores are neither required nor considered for this program

  4. Submit resume/curriculum vitae

  5. Submit statement of academic goals

  6. Submit 2 letters of recommendation

International Students: Please consult UAF’s most recent application requirements regarding English language proficiency.

Additional program admission requirements and information:

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

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Roadmaps

Roadmaps provide suggested semester-by-semester study plans for programs and are based on full-time enrollment, unless otherwise specified.

  • This roadmap should be used in conjunction with regular academic advising sessions. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor or mentor each semester.
  • Certain courses and milestones must be completed in the specified semester to ensure on-time graduation.
  • Transfer credits may affect the roadmap.
  • Requirements, course availability, and sequencing may change.
  • Courses marked with (*) are recommended.

Non-Research Option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
RD F600203RD F650203
RD F601203RD F651203
RD F625203Program Elective3
 9 9
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
Program Elective3RD F691203
Program Elective3Program Elective3
 Receive a passing grade on a written comprehensive exam in conjunction with the completion of RD F691.
 6 6
Total Credits 30

Footnote Definitions

General Education Requirements Degree Requirements Program & Other Requirements
1--Communication 8--Alaska Native-themed 20--Program Requirement
2--Arts 9--Communication 21--Capstone Requirement
3--Humanities 10--Computation 22--Concentration Course
4--Social Sciences 11--Ethics 23--General Elective
5--Additional Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences 12--Humanities 24--Minor Course
6--Mathematics 13--Human Relations 25--Upper Division
7--Natural Sciences 14--Humanities or Social Sciences 26--Program Elective
15--Library & Information Research
16--Mathematics
17--Natural Sciences
18--Other
19--Social Sciences

Research Option

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
RD F600203RD F650203
RD F601203RD F651203
RD F625203Program Elective3
 9 9
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
RD F698 or F699183RD F691203
Program Elective3RD F698 or F699183
 Receive a passing grade on a written comprehensive exam in conjunction with the completion of RD F691.
 Complete and submit a written thesis or project and pass an oral defense of the thesis or project.
 6 6
Total Credits 30

Footnote Definitions

General Education Requirements Degree Requirements Program & Other Requirements
1--Communication 8--Alaska Native-themed 20--Program Requirement
2--Arts 9--Communication 21--Capstone Requirement
3--Humanities 10--Computation 22--Concentration Course
4--Social Sciences 11--Ethics 23--General Elective
5--Additional Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences 12--Humanities 24--Minor Course
6--Mathematics 13--Human Relations 25--Upper Division
7--Natural Sciences 14--Humanities or Social Sciences 26--Program Elective
15--Library & Information Research
16--Mathematics
17--Natural Sciences
18--Other
19--Social Sciences

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Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes are specific, measurable statements that define the knowledge and skills students will gain by the end of the program.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Be hired in their communities and regions in the fields of rural and community development or will be advanced in their employment status if already employed, or will continue on to further graduate or professional education
  • Express overall satisfaction with course content, and with the program's emphasis on community development, management and administration in indigenous and northern communities
  • Develop capacities for effective oral and written communication including use of best available computer hardware and software; they will use the network built up during their studies to connect with international and national issues and apply their knowledge across the Arctic