Founded in 1972 as Juneau-Douglas Community College before evolving into a distinguished public university, the University of Alaska Southeast is located in Juneau, Alaska. Spanning a breathtaking campus nestled between rainforest mountains and the Inside Passage, UAS connects marine biology, environmental science, teacher education, business, and liberal arts traditions. You can examine its founding charter, coastal heritage, and campus evolution through the University of Alaska Southeast Wikipedia historical entry.
When you attend UAS, you enter a personalized coastal university known for small class sizes, immersive field research, and deep integration with Southeast Alaska's Native cultures. Living in Juneau places you inside Alaska's capital city, accessible only by boat or plane, surrounded by glaciers, marine wildlife, and pristine wilderness.
Premier Academic Programs
UAS organizes its instruction across specialized schools holding strong regional and national reputations:
- School of Arts and Sciences: Premier marine biology and environmental science program utilizing coastal research vessels. Explore degree paths on the UAS Arts and Sciences portal.
- School of Education: Historic educator preparation program training teachers for rural and metropolitan Alaska schools.
- School of Career and Technical Education: Offers specialized training in mine mechanics, power technology, and health sciences.
- Department of Business and Public Administration: Focuses on organizational leadership, human resources, and municipal management.
- Alaska Native Languages and Studies: Dedicated program preserving Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian languages and cultural heritage.
"Learning on the lands of the A'akw Kw'waan, honoring indigenous knowledge and coastal ecology."
Campus Culture and Mascot
Your daily student experience centers on the Egan Library, the Mourant Building student center, and the Recreation Center. School spirit revolves around the Humpback Whales, representing UAS community pride and coastal identity. You can read about spirit traditions and academic programs on the official UAS Student Life portal. Participating in glacier hiking excursions, attending cultural carving workshops, and joining active student clubs creates an engaging campus culture.
Research Infrastructure and Coastal Laboratories
UAS operates an active applied research framework emphasizing marine ecology, glaciology, and regional sustainability:
- UAS Wet Laboratory Facility: Specialized marine research center supporting student investigations in invertebrate biology and ocean chemistry.
- Juneau Icefield Research Program: Collaborative field science initiative monitoring glacier recession and climate trends. Learn more via UAS Research Operations.
- Northwest Coast Art Repository: Cultural preservation archive housing indigenous carving and weaving collections.
Notable Alumni Legacy
You walk in the footsteps of state legislators, environmental scientists, educators, and community leaders, including:
- Bryon Mallott: Former Lieutenant Governor of Alaska and prominent Alaska Native leader who studied at UAS.
- Wally Hickox: Distinguished public servant and environmental advocate.
- Sarah Bell: Award-winning educator and regional school administrator.
- Mark Jacobson: Renowned marine biologist and conservation researcher.
UAS provides affordable tuition rates and generous scholarship awards for qualified domestic and international applicants. Review full entry requirements on the official UAS Admissions portal.