Degree Requirements

Master's Degrees

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers research-oriented (thesis or project) and practice-oriented (non-thesis) master's degrees. The objective of research-oriented programs is to prepare graduate students for scholarly or research activity directed mainly toward the acquisition of new knowledge, while that of practice-oriented graduate programs is to prepare graduate students for professional practice directed mainly toward application or transmission of existing knowledge. All degree requirements must be completed within a seven-year time period. The minimum requirements for a master's degree at UAF are as follows (departments may have additional requirements):

Requirements

1. Formulate a unified degree program, in cooperation with your graduate advisory committee. Degree programs must be composed of courses in the discipline or clearly related to and/or supportive of that discipline. All courses to be applied toward the degree must be approved by the advisory committee and follow the requirements set forth by the department that sponsors the degree.
2. Specific requirements for the master's degree are:
   
   1. Submit a Graduate Study Plan (GSP) and an Appointment of Committee form to the Graduate School by the end of the second semester of study.
   2. Be registered for at least six credits per year (fall, spring and summer combined) or have an approved leave of absence form on file.
   3. Submit an Advancement to Candidacy form to the Graduate School. Once submitted, this form supplants the GSP and formally establishes specific degree requirements.
   4. Submit an application for graduation and be registered for at least three graduate credits in the semester in which the degree is to be awarded.
   5. Complete all degree requirements within the seven-year time limit allowed.

Master of Arts -- with Thesis

1. Successfully complete at least 30 credits of course work including at least six credits of thesis (699). No more than 12 thesis/research (699/698) credits may be counted toward the minimum degree credits. At least 24 credits must be at the 600 level, except for a master of arts in music, which requires at least 21 credits at the 600-level.
2. Pass a written and/or oral comprehensive examination (may be combined with the thesis defense).
3. Present and defend the thesis.
4. Submit a completed and signed thesis defense form to the Graduate School.
5. Archive the thesis in the UAF Rasmuson Library.

Master of Arts -- with Project

1. Successfully complete at least 30 credits of course work including at least six credits of project work (698). No more than six research (698) credits may be counted toward the minimum degree credits. At least 24 credits must be at the 600 level, except for a master of arts in music, which requires at least 21 credits at the 600-level.
2. Pass a written and/or oral comprehensive examination (may be combined with the project defense).
3. Present and defend the project.
4. Submit a completed and signed project defense form to the Graduate School.
5. Archive the project in the UAF Rasmuson Library.

Master of Arts in Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching program is designed to serve baccalaureate graduates who qualify for the Alaska secondary school certificate, who intend to make secondary school classroom teaching their career and who wish to take additional work in their teaching major and/or minor as well as in professional education courses. A bachelor's degree and teaching credentials are required for admission to an M.A.T. program. A student enrolls in the department in which the approved M.A.T. program is located. The M.A.T. degree has been approved for the following subject areas: biology, geosciences, mathematics, physics and secondary education.

1. Complete general university and master's degree requirements.
2. Complete 36 credits, of which at least 24 credits, not including research, must be at the 600 level. No more than 6 credits of research may apply toward the degree.
3. Pass a written comprehensive exam given by the student's advisory committee. There is no thesis requirement for the M.A.T. degree.

Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education Program

The Fairbanks campus master of arts in teaching (M.A.T.) secondary program is an intensive classroom-based licensure program that serves baccalaureate graduates and prepares them for secondary (grades 7 - 12) school positions. The licensure portion of the program consists of 27 education credits and includes an intensive yearlong internship. The master of arts in teaching secondary education degree is earned by completing an additional nine graduate credits in a subject area. The program is especially designed for students who want to teach in small rural schools or in urban multi-cultural secondary schools in Alaska. The program operates on a one-year cycle, beginning in the summer. After successfully completing a yearlong internship, students will be recommended for an Alaska Type A Teaching Certificate.

1. Complete general university and master's degree requirements.
2. Complete 27 licensure program credits.
3. Complete 9 graduate credits in a subject area.
4. Pass a written comprehensive exam given by the student's advisory committee.

Master of Science -- with Thesis

1. Successfully complete at least 30 credits of course work including at least six credits of thesis (699). No more than 12 thesis/research (699/698) credits may be counted toward the minimum degree credits. At least 24 credits must be at the 600 level.
2. Pass a written and/or oral comprehensive examination (may be combined with the thesis defense).
3. Present and defend the thesis.
4. Submit a completed and signed thesis form to the Graduate School.
5. Archive the thesis in the UAF Rasmuson Library.

Master of Science -- with Project

1. Successfully complete at least 30 credits of course work including at least six credits of project work (698). No more than six research (698) credits may be counted toward the minimum degree credits. At least 24 credits must be at the 600 level.
2. Pass a written and/or oral comprehensive examination (may be combined with the project defense).
3. Present and defend the project.
4. Submit a completed and signed project defense form to the Graduate School.
5. Archive the project in the UAF Rasmuson Library.

Master of Business Administration

1. Successfully complete at least 30 credits of course work (research or thesis credits not included). At least 24 credits must be at the 600-level (research or thesis credits not included).
2. Successful completion of a comprehensive exam or capstone course that includes demonstration of the ability to synthesize information in the field at a level appropriate for a master's degree.

Master of Civil Engineering

1. Successfully complete at least 30 credits of course work (research or thesis credits not included). At least 24 credits must be at the 600-level (research or thesis credits not included).
2. Successful completion of a comprehensive exam or capstone course that includes demonstration of the ability to synthesize information in the field at a level appropriate for a master's degree.

Master of Education

1. Successfully complete at least 30 credits of course work (research or thesis credits not included). At least 24 credits must be at the 600-level (research or thesis credits not included).
2. Successful completion of a comprehensive exam or capstone course that includes demonstration of the ability to synthesize information in the field at a level appropriate for a master's degree.

Master of Electrical Engineering

1. Successfully complete at least 30 credits of course work (research or thesis credits not included). At least 24 credits must be at the 600-level (research or thesis credits not included).
2. Successful completion of a comprehensive exam or capstone course that includes demonstration of the ability to synthesize information in the field at a level appropriate for a master's degree.

Educational Specialist Degree

The Educational Specialist degree program is designed for teachers and other educators who wish (1) to undertake graduate study beyond the master's degree, (2) to qualify for an intermediate degree between the master's and the doctorate, and (3) to develop further competence in the area of cross-cultural education. Minimum requirements for the Ed.S. degree are completion of 36 credits after receiving a master's degree and completion of general university requirements and master's degree requirements.

Engineer of Mines Degree

The Engineer of Mines degree is a professional degree that is awarded to engineering graduates who have a minimum of five years of responsible engineering experience and who compose and submit an acceptable thesis. For specific degree requirements contact the School of Mineral Engineering.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree

The Doctor of Philosophy Degree is granted in recognition of scholarly attainment and proven ability. University of Alaska Fairbanks staff holding rank of assistant professor (or equivalent) or above are not eligible to become candidates for the Ph.D. at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Requirements

1. The Ph.D. degree requires at least three full years of study beyond the baccalaureate degree, including up to 9 credits of applicable and acceptable work transferred from other institutions.
2. A minimum of one and one-half years (three semesters) must be spent in residence at UAF.
3. In addition to satisfactory completion of a plan of study developed in accordance with requirements listed above, the Ph.D. candidate must complete the following:
   
   1. Submit a Graduate Study Plan (GSP), Appointment of Committee form, and annual Report of Committee form to the Graduate School. It is suggested that the GSP and Appointment of Committee forms be submitted by the end of the first year of study.
   2. Maintain enrollment of at least 6 graduate credits per year (fall, spring, summer) or have an approved leave of absence on file.
   3. Pass a written comprehensive examination.
   4. Complete a minimum of 18 thesis credits and satisfactorily complete a thesis that is a substantial contribution to the body of knowledge in the area.
   5. Pass an oral defense of thesis examination.
   6. Apply for graduation and be registered for at least 3 graduate credits in the semester in which the degree is awarded.
   7. Complete all degree requirements within the 10-year time limit allowed.