University of Alaska Fairbanks

The genesis of the University of Alaska Fairbanks began when the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines opened its doors in 1922. In 1935, that Fairbanks institution became a university and expanded its outreach across the state. Today, the University of Alaska Fairbanks provides trending degree programs for more than 11,000 students in seven affiliated campuses. UAF offers comprehensive education in liberal arts, education, counseling, science and engineering developed from evidence-based instructional practices, state-of-the art research, real-world learning experiences, and a strong commitment to public service. Degrees can be earned at baccalaureate, graduate and doctoral levels through traditional programs or 21st-century distance-learning formats to accommodate personal and professional schedules. Forbes ranks UAF at No. 70 among institutional peers in the West and at No. 163 among research universities. The university also garners recognition by GI Jobs magazine as a military friendly school and by Military Advanced Education for being a top school for military personnel and veterans.

University of Alaska Fairbanks: Accreditation Details

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits the University of Alaska Fairbanks to confer baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. UAF also holds program accreditation from the following professional organizations:

• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
• The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• American Dental Association
• American Psychological Association
• Council on Social Work Education, Office of Social Work Accreditation
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
• National Association of Schools of Music

Regional and program accreditation applies equally to traditional or non-traditional delivery formats. UAF also honors authorizations mandated by other states for online learning programs.

University of Alaska Fairbanks: Application Requirements

Regardless of degree level or student status, all applicants must submit a completed online application along with verified transcripts from high school, high school equivalency programs or accredited colleges previously attended. Prospective entrants should also provide the following:

New Undergraduates and Undergraduate Transfers

• Official results from the ACT Plus Writing or SAT exams
• A non-refundable, $50 application fee

Graduate or Doctoral Candidates

• Official GRE scores
• Resume with curriculum information relevant to degree program
• Written personal statement of educational goals for chosen program
• Self-evaluation essay for applicants to education programs
• Three recommendation letters
• A non-refundable, $60 application fee
• Any other information requested by degree program of choice

Additional Requirements for International Students

• An independent credential evaluation of academic transcripts in English
• Official TOEFL or IELTS results to establish English proficiency
• Copy of passport identification page
• Verification of financial status with supporting documentation

University of Alaska Fairbanks: Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition rates are based on coursework levels and residency status. Eligible students living in states belonging to the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) receive discounted tuition for courses at the bachelor's level. These rates apply but are subject to change:

100-200 Level Courses

• Alaska residents, $183 per credit
• Non-residents, $649 per credit
• WUE participants, $270 per credit

300-400 Level Courses

• Alaska residents, $221 per credit
• Non-residents, $687 per credit
• WUE participants, $326 per credit

600 Level

• Alaska residents, $423 per credit
• Non-residents, $864 per credit
• WUE participants, not applicable

Total costs include tuition along with associated fees for room and board, transportation, books, supplies, technology, information processing, graduation or lab materials. Eligible UAF students can also participate in these Federal, state and university assistance programs:

• Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Federal Pell grants
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
• Federal PLUS parent or graduate loans
• Federal Stafford or Perkins loans
• Federal Work Study Program
• Tuition Assistance for active military personnel
• Veterans Affairs Benefits Program
• State or university sponsored work study programs
• UAF Merit, Service and Retention scholarships
• University of Alaska and UAF scholarships

Master of Education with School Counseling Options at UAF

This M.Ed. offers candidates the knowledge and competencies necessary to work as certified school counselors in public schools at all levels or as career counselors, college prep advisers or graduation success coaches. Candidates who already possess a master's in counseling need only take credits pertaining to school counseling certification. Non-master's candidates holding bachelor's degrees from accredited institutions need to complete a full master's curriculum that includes school counseling certification coursework.

Program delivery occurs through on-campus evening classes or via distance-learning formats including video conferencing, audio presentations or online courses. Degree completion varies between two to three years depending on which track candidates pursue. Curricular studies also lay foundations for graduates to become a Licensed Professional Counselor, which means they can provide counseling services as a private practitioner in non-educational community settings. Additional requirements beyond the master's may be necessary to complete LPC licensure.

The School Counseling Certification Program

Applicants for this option must hold a master's in a helping profession such as education, psychology, human services or social work. Graduates earn a master's endorsement to become certified school counselors in elementary-only, secondary-only, or comprehensive K-12 programs within Alaska or other states. Candidates working towards elementary- or secondary-only certifications need 39 credits and candidates working towards comprehensive K-12 certification require 45 credits to complete the program. Thirty credits from previous master's level work can be applied to meet degree requirements. Candidates need to take at least 15 UAF credits for program completion. A minimum of two intensive internships accompany in-depth studies that explore the following relevant topics:

• Counseling theories and applications
• Child and adolescent development
• Developmental interventions
• Appraisals for counselors
• School counseling practices
• Professional ethics
• Group and individual counseling
• Counseling for diverse populations

Master of Education in School Counseling

Candidates in this program complete 48 to 54 credits to earn an M.Ed. with emphasis in school counseling. Degree outcomes and coursework parallels that for the school counseling certification program. Additional studies and activities include a social science research course and a non-thesis research project with committee supervision.

Today's public schools need qualified, highly-trained counselors to meet the needs of all students regardless of ethnicity, social-economic status, gender or academic abilities. The UAF M.Ed. with an emphasis in school counseling does this job by training professionals to work with diverse learners from all backgrounds. If helping children and young adults succeed sounds appealing, then considering a Master in Education in School Counseling from the University of Alaska Fairbanks might fulfill career ambitions.