Overview of the University of Alaska Southeast
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), established in 1987, is a public, teaching-focused university based in Juneau, Alaska, United States. As part of the University of Alaska system, UAS emerged from the consolidation of previous regional colleges and now serves a diverse student body of approximately 2,200 students across three campuses in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka. The university’s accessible location in Southeast Alaska positions it as a regional hub for higher education, providing both on-campus and online programs. UAS is recognized for its close-knit academic community, hands-on instruction, and strong ties to indigenous and Alaskan communities.
UAS offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, with recognized strengths in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Education, Alaska Native Studies, and Business Administration. Its academic model emphasizes experiential learning, integrating fieldwork, research projects, and close faculty mentorship. Unique to UAS is its direct engagement with coastal and environmental research, leveraging Alaska’s natural laboratory for sustainability and marine ecology studies. The university collaborates with local tribes, governmental agencies, and organizations such as the National Science Foundation, and participates in exchange and joint research initiatives. UAS is noted for producing significant research in marine and environmental sciences, contributing to regional and global knowledge.
Student life at UAS is vibrant and community-oriented, with over 30 student clubs, diverse cultural organizations, and regular events that celebrate local heritage and global perspectives. The Juneau campus features on-campus housing, recreational facilities, and access to outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, reflecting the region’s unique environment. The university fosters a supportive atmosphere through peer mentorship, academic advising, and dedicated student services. UAS is committed to inclusivity and internationalization, welcoming students from Alaska’s indigenous communities as well as from across the world, and encouraging participation in arts, sports, and sustainability initiatives.
Driven by a mission to advance academic excellence and community engagement, the University of Alaska Southeast is dedicated to fostering equity, innovation, and environmental stewardship. UAS aims to empower students as responsible global citizens and leaders for sustainable change in the North and beyond.
