University of Alaska Anchorage Reviews

"This is one of the best low residency MFA programs available due to the quality and support of excellent faculty. The online mentoring works well for students who have families and jobs. The only con is that there are not many scholarships available."

"While the University of Alaska Anchorage has a wide variety of educational resources and readily available faculty, there is a lack of student support in degree planning and administration organization.The year prior to my graduation, approximately 10 biology students were allowed to complete their graduation and begin graduate course studies before the University realized there was an error in calculating the credits earned. The University retracted the student's degree until they returned to complete a single course credit. Some students refused, others returned under a tuition waived research credit provided by the sympathetic Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. That being said, the education I received from the University of Alaska Anchorage was outstanding. The faculty single-handedly create an optimal educational environment. Professors are always readily available to assist in questions from any class, loan out supplemental materials, are incredibly supportive to students pursuing research opportunities, and willing to assist in any way they can to help students achieve their educational goals outside of the university. So despite the administrative shortcomings, I would highly recommend UAA to any prospective students of the sciences, especially those interested in research.Read Less"

"I am attending the University of Alaska Anchorage for a Bachelors in Construcion Project Management. I already work and the industry and I am finding myself dissatisfied with the curriculum offered at the biggest university in our state. So I decided to look into ITT Tech since it is the only other school that offers the degree up in AK (strange, since construction is and has been a booming industry up here for the last 20 years +). Honestly, I'm sad to see all the reviews from people that have attended ITT Tech on the difficulty finding jobs and deficient education. At the same time, I'm disheartened that as I attend a real university the education is just as lacking.... No wonder no one in this generation is moving forward. The false advertising by educational institutes is absurd. For the cost we pay in tuition (and made up ridiculous fees), these institutions should be held to a higher standard and be responsible for provindig students with a worthwhile education...Read Less"

"The low residency UAA Masters of Fine Arts program is exceptional due to the quality of faculty, staff, and students. It is individualized, and the low residency program allows people to work and raise families. There are high standards, while recognizing student potential and supporting the development of the writing craft. There is an emphasis on reading as a writer which is essential to becoming a good writer. Also, it is an excellent, supportive, full of heart writing community. The only con is that there are no scholarships available, and financial aid consists of loans only.Read Less"

"High quality faculty and students who bring their heart and passion into their work. There is a focus on creating a writing community. The only con is that we work at the distance for most of the year. The residency is phenomenal, but then each individual must work on their own. It is important to develop relationships during the residency and support one another during the year when one works with a mentor. It is a great program!"

"I love the teachers and the quality of the classes. They really know their stuff and make sure their students are ready for their future careers."

"When it comes to special education, other states look to Alaska as the "best practices" special education pedagogy in the United States. Cons would be the need for more family housing."

"The most amazing thing about my graduate program is that I get to go to school in my home state, the beautiful Alaska. Not only am I close to my family but I am close to a countless number of recreational activities and beautiful scenery. On top of that this program will allow me to receive my teaching certificate while also receiving a master's degree so that I may be more qualified during my career search, and last but not least I will be doing all of this an a fast-track one year option after which they will provide me with career assistance. As for the cons, with any graduate program the tuition and fees are a heavy burden, especially when graduate students are no longer eligible for Pell grants or subsidized loans. If I receive this loan I will put it towards the money necessary for me to continue with my education and achieve my career goal.Read Less"

"I am in the beginning stages of my graduate program, but am loving it thus far. The faculty have been amazingly helpful across the board. Being a distance student to begin with it can be a struggle, but UAA has done a great job within communication. I have enjoyed working with my teacher and current students and look forward to continuing on in the program."

"The pros that I feel about my graduate program is that it is worth the time and effort. The cons that I feel about my graduate program is that the space is very limited for Dental Hygienists."

"I enjoy the professors and their assistance to understand our subjects and apply them to our jobs. The students in the online classes also come from a wide range of jobs, which help us gain a different perspective on the topics we cover The financial aid is terrible at the university, even though I was approved by the federal government, FAFSA, they said I do not qualify to receive the money I am supposed to get"

"The only "con" would be a lack of infrastruture for students and career paths post grad school."

"It is a wonderful program and everyone is very supportive."

"UAA's MBA program did a great job working with students who also worked full time. For someone who was looking for a day class, there wern't any. UAA only offered evening classes. The program only offered some courses once per year. This prolonged some graduations. Two of my professors were discharged during my first semester of grad school. The rest of the professors were great, and always were available whenever I requested to meet with them. Each class was composed of a diverse group of people from many different countries, and nationalities. Financially, UAA didn't offer many scholarships for the grad students and the cost of credits was very expensive. Transportation is really good, but parking is horrible.Read Less"

"The program is very rigorous and the faculty support is excellent. The most noted con of this program is the lack of social life, mainly due to the intensity of the program."

"The best things about the M.Ed Counselor Education program at UAA, is that it provides dual track options (agency and school counseling), there are many online offerings as well as in person classes, the faculty are helpful and friendly, and most of the classes are offered in the afternoon or at night to accommodate student work schedules. The weaknesses are in the fact that it is not a CACREP accredited program, although they are NCATE and are working on building a program that will be able to become CACREP in the future, so keep an eye open. Another draw back, is that the quality of faculty advising depends a lot on who you have as an advisor. For anyone that is concerned though, that this might hinder getting hired, there are many therapists and school counselors in the state of Alaska that graduated from this program. I can not speak to individuals who left the state.Read Less"

"I have felt incredibly unsupported the entire time I have been at UAA. Every time I need to have a question answered, I end up sitting on hold for--seriously--up to hours. My courses are not challenging. I don't even know if some of my professors are reading the papers I turn into them. UAA is an absolute nightmare and the only reason I gave it two stars is because I love Alaska and didn't want to go out of state."

"Pros: The schedules are perfect for working students. They have a great computer lab with the latest technology. Cons: The Weather!"

"The class sizes are really small. The professor is always available."

"The MPH program at UAA is competitive, accredited, and offers challenging and interesting course material."