University of Alaska Southeast

What is the history of University of Alaska Southeast?

The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) is a public university headquartered in Juneau. Its roots include Juneau-Douglas Community College, established in 1956; UAS took shape in 1987 as the University of Alaska system organized its Southeast Alaska campuses into a regional university.

That history helps explain why UAS serves more than one kind of student. Alongside bachelor's and graduate programs, it offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce-oriented education. Its Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka campuses reflect a regional mission rather than a single-campus model.

What are the faculties and departments at University of Alaska Southeast?

UAS offers programs in liberal arts, sciences, business, education, and career-focused fields. Its academic organization includes the School of Arts and Sciences and the Alaska College of Education, while career and technical offerings serve students seeking shorter credentials or applied training.

Representative areas of study include biology, environmental science, marine biology, business administration, Alaska Native studies, and teacher education. Students can pursue credentials ranging from certificates and associate degrees to bachelor's and graduate degrees, depending on the program. Not every program is offered at every campus or in the same format: some rely on distance delivery, and others include in-person coursework, fieldwork, or supervised practice. Applicants should check the current catalog for the location and delivery requirements of their intended major.

What is the location of University of Alaska Southeast?

UAS is based in Juneau, Alaska's capital, and also operates campuses in Ketchikan and Sitka. Its Juneau campus is in the Auke Bay area, outside downtown Juneau, so students should account for travel between campus, housing, jobs, and government or community offices.

Juneau's setting can be academically relevant for students interested in marine environments, natural resources, public service, or Southeast Alaska communities. It also creates practical transportation considerations: Juneau is not connected to the rest of Alaska's road system, and travel into or out of the city generally involves air or ferry service. Juneau International Airport is the local airport. Students comparing campuses should confirm where required classes meet rather than assume that a program listed by UAS is available in Juneau.

What is the mission and vision of University of Alaska Southeast?

UAS describes its purpose in terms of student learning, community engagement, and education shaped by the cultures and environment of Southeast Alaska. Its regional focus includes serving learners across its three campuses and through distance education.

For prospective students, that stated mission is most useful as a guide to the university's priorities - not as proof of any particular student outcome. The relevance of regional study, applied learning, or flexible delivery will vary by major and by whether a student attends in person or online. UAS is a public university, not a religiously affiliated institution.