Program Overview

University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a range of academic programs, including the Rural Development program.

Rural Development Program

The Rural Development program is offered by the College of Rural and Community Development, Department of Alaska Native and Rural Development. The program is available on the Fairbanks Campus and through distance delivery.

Degree Options

The program offers two degree options:

• B.A. Degree
• M.A. Degree

M.A. Degree

The M.A. program is designed to educate leaders who understand the dynamic relationship of rural Alaska with the global economy and who have professional skills in areas of leadership, business development, administration, and conflict management. Graduates typically take positions with tribal and municipal governments, fisheries, tourism, Native corporations, regional health corporations or non-profits, state/federal agencies, or other private businesses.

Program Requirements

To complete the M.A. degree, students must:

1. Complete the general university requirements.
2. Complete the master's degree requirements.
3. Complete the following core courses:

• RD F600: Circumpolar Indigenous Leadership Symposium (3 credits)
• RD F601: Political Economy of the Circumpolar North (3 credits)
• RD F625: Community Development Strategies: Principles and Practices (3 credits)
• RD F650: Community-Based Research Methods (3 credits)
• RD F651: Management Strategies for Rural Development (3 credits)

4. Complete 9-12 elective credits at the F600-level (up to 6 credits may be at the F400-level with approval from the graduate committee):

• RD F425: Cultural Impact Analysis (3 credits)
• RD F652: Indigenous Organization Management (3 credits)
• RD F655: Circumpolar Health Issues (3 credits)
• ANTH F610: Northern Indigenous Peoples and Contemporary Issues (3 credits)
• CCS F608: Indigenous Knowledge Systems (3 credits)

5. Complete one of the following:

• Research Project (6 credits)
• Thesis (6-9 credits)

6. Minimum credits required: 30 credits

Accreditation

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The university is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual.