Are you looking north to your future? Not only has “North to the Future” been the state motto of Alaska since 1967, it’s also a credo for anyone looking to attend online master’s programs in Alaska. As residents of the most sparsely populated state in the U.S., Alaskans are used to long commutes during cold northern winters.
Studying from the comfort of home can not only save you that hassle but also allow you to earn a master’s degree affordably and at your own pace. This guide looks at some of the best online master’s degrees in Alaska to help you see if one might suit you and your goals.
2024’s Top Online Master’s Programs in Alaska
What’s it like to take an online master’s program in Alaska? While your experience varies depending on your course of study, there are a few key things all future Alaskan online master’s students should bear in mind as they begin their journey. As an online master’s student, you won’t likely have a regular commute, but a few chieflyonline programs may require a practical component that needs to be completed on campus or at another site.
Although Alaska is a smaller state population-wise, there are still multiple universities offering an array of online master’s programs. Some topics, like Arctic studies, are almost unique in the U.S. to Alaskan institutions. While you need to think of your goals and plans when deciding on a program, here are some of the top providers of online master’s degrees in AK to give you an idea of what to expect from a quality program.
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is a state university in the Alaska public university system with a campus in Anchorage. It offers nine different online master’s degree programs in fields ranging from public health to project management to teaching and learning as well as a variety of graduate certificates.
As a state university, UAA offers lower tuition for Alaska residents, including for its online graduate programs, as well as financial aid opportunities for all students.Interested students should check the requirements for their program and decide on their preferred format of study. Many of UAA’s online master’s degrees can be completed through either full-time or part-time study, and application procedures may vary by program.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is another member of the University of Alaska state system and one of the northernmost institutions of higher learning in the U.S. With a physical campus in Fairbanks in the interior of the state, UAF offers eight online master’s degreesin popular subjects, including common fields like business administration and communication, as well as more nichesubjectslikearctic and northern studies.
As a state school, UAF charges a lower tuition rate for Alaska residents. Prospective students should check their preferred master’s program page for specific application requirements, but applicants are typically required to have a 3.0 GPA or higher from an accredited undergraduate program.
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), although also a part of the University of Alaska state school system and boasting a campus in Juneau, offers a unique incentive to its online master’s student population. Despite its status as a state school, online graduate tuition is the same rate for all students regardless of residency.
UAS offers seven online master’s degrees, primarily in education and education-related fields, but also has a Master of Public Administration (MPA) program available at its sister campus in Whitehorse, Canada for Canadian students.Applicants are generally required to hold an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Graduates of the University of Alaska undergraduate program arenot required to submit transcripts when applying to one of its graduate programs.
Types of Online Master’s Programs Available in Alaska
As you prepare to commit to an online master’s program in Alaska, there are a variety of different formats you can study in. Use your schedule, personal preferences, and other responsibilities to decide which of these approaches to an online master’s is best for you.
Full-time Online Master’s Programs in AK
Full-time online master’s degrees, like the Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership from the University of Alaska Anchorage or the Healthcare Management and Leadership Master’s from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, are the most common formatsfor online master’s degrees. These degrees require the same level of full-time study and time commitment per week as traditional on-campus degrees, but you study online instead of having to travel to campus.
Part-time Online Master’s Programs in AK
For students with work or family commitments that make daily demands on their time, a part-time option for their online master’s degree may be a good fit. These programs, like the options offered by the University of Alaska Anchorage for its Master of Science (MS) in Dietetics and Nutrition and its Master of Social Work (MSW), are designed to have a lower time commitment per week but take longer than the traditional two years to complete. This more spread-out commitment makes it easier to hold a job or manage other responsibilities while you study.
No-GRE Online Master’s Programs in AK
Many aspiring graduate students suffer from test anxiety or have other difficulties related to standardized testing. If that’s you, you may benefit from a no-GRE online master’s. More and more online master’s degrees in AK, including all online master’s programs at the University of Alaska Southeast, do not require applicants to submit GRE scores to be considered for admission. Instead, applicants areassessed on grades, professional history, letters of recommendation, etc.
Accelerated Online Master’s Programs in AK
There is currently only one online or hybrid accelerated master’s program offered in Alaska, the MS in Project Management at the University of Alaska Anchorage. As with any accelerated online master’s program, this one allows you to complete your master’s in less than the traditional amount of time. However, this path is only open to UAA undergraduates who must apply for and begin the accelerated track during their undergraduate studies.
A Closer Look at In-demand Online Master’s Degrees in Alaska
Business Administration
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a popular degree for students looking to advance their careers in the corporate world, whatever type of business they work in. Most MBA students begin their graduate studies after several years of work experience. If you choose an MBA, you’ll learn advanced aspects of business and management and prepare to take on a leadership role in your corporate career.
Quality Example of an Online Program
Global Supply Chain Management
Many people first became aware of the importance of global supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they remain a vital field in technology, business, and logistics. Many schools offer online master’s programs in supply chain management that allows graduates to advance in the field. Alaska students may find this a particularly rewarding field of study and subsequent career as the state is home to many remote areas that depend on smoothly running supply chains for their residents’ day-to-day needs.
Quality Example of an Online Program
Special Education
Within education as a field, special education presents unique needs and challenges. Working with students with special needs, including physical and intellectual disabilities, requires both sensitivity to students and an understanding of their needs. This is gained and advanced through specialized study found only in a high-quality master’s program in education. A master’s in special education can be a great way to advance a challenging but immensely rewarding career in education.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Healthcare Management
Hospitals and other clinical settings are highly complex, fast-moving places with unique administrative and management needs, hence the demand across the country for qualified healthcare management professionals. In a master’s program in healthcare management, you’ll learn a combination of health science and business administration to help you tackle the unique management challenges within the healthcare field. You’ll also earn a qualification that can help you in a career in clinical settings, health consultancy, and more.
Quality Example of an Online Program
Arctic Studies
As the northernmost of the U.S., Alaska is in a unique position as America’s gateway to the Arctic. Arctic studies is a multifaceted field and includes cultural and heritage studies of Indigenous peoples and environmental studies of the Arctic and its climate. With climate change an increasingly pressing concern and the heritage of people impacted by it especially relevant, this is an increasingly vital field of study.
Quality Example of an Online Program
How Much Does It Cost to Earn an Online Master’s in Alaska?
As you prepare for any online master’s program in Alaska, bear in mind that graduate school can be a significant financial burden even though online degrees generally save you money. For this reason, it’s important to have an idea of whether you’ll use personal savings, student loans, grants, and/or scholarships to fund your education and begin to line them up. Also compare program costs, which can vary significantly among schools. Below are some Alaska online master’s programs for you to compare tuition costs for in-state students as you prepare to apply.
| School/Program | No. of Credits | Resident Cost/Credit | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
36 | $513 | $18,468 | |
33 | $539 | $17,787 | |
33 | $513 | $16,929 |
Alaska Financial Aid Options
As you prepare to start your online master’s degree in AK, be sure to apply for financial aid and take advantage of as many funding opportunities as you can. Check if your school offers opportunities for online graduate students to fund their education through fellowships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships. Also check to see if you’re eligible for any school-specific scholarships like those offered by the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Some schools have automatic scholarship applications for all admitted students, but not all. Look into multi-school or private scholarships, many of which are specific to Alaska students, Indigenous Alaskan students, and other historically marginalized groups.
Online Master’s Programs That Lead to Top-Paying Careers in Alaska
While most master’s programs are intellectually and personally fulfilling, are they always financially rewarding, too? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with master’s degrees earn higher salaries than bachelor degree holders, with some careers having an especially high return on investment. Mechanical engineering in Alaska, for example, is projected to grow by a whopping 14.29% by 2030. There are plenty of other careers where your master’s can lead to higher earnings, too. Here are a few examples for you to consider.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study disease outbreaks and how to control, contain, and prevent them. They work in hospitals, government agencies, nonprofits, and more. This is an advanced, highly sensitive scientific and healthcare-related career, and a master’s degree provides the specialized training needed for the job.
| Alaska Median Salary | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $83,210 | 27% | MPH in Epidemiology |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Sociologist
Sociologists study human behavior. This is a career path that can lead to academia but also has many opportunities in the corporate world as companies need knowledge of consumer behavior to improve their products. A master’s in sociology trains you in how to conduct relevant research.
| Alaska Median Salary | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $55,572 | 5% | MA in Sociology |
Source: Salary.com, 2023; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants serve many of the same functions as primary care providers while also assisting physicians in more specialized settings. As this role requires working directly with patients in clinical settings, master’s level training and licensing are required before you can start working in this position.
| Alaska Median Salary | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $144,460 | 27% | MPA in Physician Assistant |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Economist
An economist studies the economy, either on a small or large scale, and works for public or private organizations. This role combines both mathematical skills and knowledge of the broader social sciences, so advanced training in both can be a major boost to your career in economics.
| Alaska Median Salary | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $98,040 | 6% | MS in Economics |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
Anthropologist and Archaeologist
Anthropologists and archaeologists study human civilization and ways of life throughout history. This is a highly sensitive career and can involve working with both marginalized peoples and very delicate physical materials, which is why a master’s degree is frequently a requirement.
| Alaska Median Salary | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $79,870 | 4% | MA in Archaeology |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023