Top PhD Programs in Alaska: Campus & Online
Looking to earn your doctoral degree in the biggest state in the U.S.? The following PhD programs in Alaska can help you achieve higher income and enhanced professional opportunities. Keep reading to learn more.
A doctorate positions you as an expert in your field. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, only 4.5% of Americans have a PhD or a doctorate. That means regardless of what field you are currently in or want to transition to, your doctorate places you in the top 5%, leading to more career opportunities, higher expected salaries, and more chances to showcase your expertise.
While Alaska has abundant land, it may lack in population and schools — making online doctoral programs in Alaska an enticing prospect. So, if you’re ready to step into the top percentage of professionals in your field, it’s time to explore PhD programs in Alaska. This guide spotlights standout schools — including online and on-campus options — and reveals what you need to know before heading back to school.
Top-Rated PhD and Doctoral Programs in Alaska for 2024
The state’s smaller population means there are fewer doctoral programs in Alaska; nevertheless, there are some great programs to consider, including those spotlighted below. You may want to research the following schools, each of which stands out in terms of academics, accreditation, and affordability. Some even offer hybrid or online PhD programs in Alaska.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
When researching PhD programs in Alaska, you may want to consider the options available at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This institution easily has the largest selection of PhDs in the state, and many of them are geared toward wildlife and Indigenous traditions. The 17 PhDs offered include, but are not limited to, a PhD in anthropology, atmospheric sciences, neuroscience, chemistry, cross-cultural studies, Earth system science, fisheries, geosciences, oceanography, and natural resources.
Most programs require GRE scores and a master’s degree to be eligible. The school offers no online PhD programs in Alaska — all programs are campus-based. But because the university has designed many of the program curricula to align with Alaska’s natural environment or opportunities to engage with Indigenous communities, most involve fieldwork and other hands-on experiences; this academic approach can distinguish PhD graduates when applying for jobs or postdoctoral fellowships.
University of Alaska Anchorage
Some of the best healthcare-oriented doctoral programs in Alaska are housed at the University of Alaska Anchorage. The school’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD in Clinical-Community Psychology are offered in person — the latter of which is focused on preparing students to work with rural and Indigenous communities to improve mental healthcare. The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is mostly offered in person, though some class sessions are online because the program is run in collaboration with the University of Idaho. Similarly, students in the medical doctor program are enrolled in a partnership program between the University of Alaska Anchorage and the University of Washington School of Medicine. All four degrees require applicants to have previous education at the master’s level.
Alaska Pacific University
If you’re interested in online doctoral programs in Alaska, consider Alaska Pacific University. The school only offers one doctoral program, a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), and many components of the program are offered online. The program is one of only two that can lead to doctoral-level psychology licensure in the state of Alaska.
This hybrid degree offers more online learning components than any other program in the state, and many courses are completed online. Online sessions are synchronous and offered in the evening so students can fit them around a regular working schedule. Along with virtual classes, students complete a series of three-day weekend intensives that take place on campus while pursuing their degree. In addition to coursework, students complete practicum placements and internships in person at approved mental healthcare facilities before graduating.
Types of PhD and Doctoral Programs Available in Alaska
You’ll find many types of PhD programs in Alaska. From full-time and in-person to hybrid programs with online components, you have your pick of different learning formats, program intensities, and admission requirements. To make your decision easier, let’s look at examples of each program type and discuss ideal candidates for each.
Full-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Alaska
A traditional, full-time PhD can be quite intensive, making it difficult to balance with a full-time job. The ideal candidate for this type of program is those who can fully devote time to their education. Students with schedule constraints like a full-time job may not find these programs suitable. The University of Alaska Anchorage’s DNP and the Biochemistry and Neuroscience PhD at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are two examples of full-time PhD programs in Alaska.
Part-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Alaska
Those who work or have many obligations outside of school, such as caregiving for children or aging relatives, may want to look for a part-time PhD. These programs allow students to balance coursework with other obligations, as they require fewer courses per semester. Often, courses are also offered in the evenings or on the weekends. Alaska Pacific University’s PsyD and some programs at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are part-time PhDs.
Fully Funded PhD/Doctoral Programs in Alaska
Getting a PhD can be costly, but many schools offer fully funded options. In a fully funded doctorate, students receive a tuition waiver and sometimes a living stipend in exchange for working as a graduate assistant. Graduate assistants help professors with research in labs, teaching responsibilities, or a combination of both. The Geophysics PhD and Marine Biology PhD at the University of Alaska Fairbanks offer some fully funded spots in their programs.
No-GRE PhD/Doctoral Programs in Alaska
For many graduate programs, students must submit their GRE scores. The GRE is a standardized test, like the ACT or SAT, but for master’s and doctoral programs. For students who don’t want to take this test or those who suffer from test anxiety, no-GRE PhD programs might be a good fit. Some doctorates at the University of Alaska Anchorage and the University of Alaska Fairbanks don’t require doctoral applicants to submit GRE scores.
Accelerated PhD/Doctoral Programs in Alaska
Getting a PhD can take up to five years. For those who want to get their PhD faster, there are accelerated PhD programs — some that can be completed in as little as one year. These programs typically have a more intensive course load, making them ideal for students who are focusing solely on their PhD. They may not work well for students balancing work, family obligations, and their doctorates. While no accelerated doctoral programs in Alaska are currently available, schools routinely add new offerings; check with your desired school to see if an accelerated option exists.
No Dissertation PhD/Doctoral Programs in Alaska
Typically, students must complete a dissertation to graduate from a PhD program. A dissertation is an extensive paper chronicling an original research project. While useful for many students, those who want to go into more practical and less research-focused fields may not benefit from a dissertation. As a result, they may want to look for programs without this requirement, such as the DNP and PharmD at the University of Alaska Anchorage. In these programs, students complete a capstone project or additional coursework instead of a dissertation.
Alaska’s Favorite PhDs: What are the Most Popular Degrees
Psychology
Perhaps the most common doctoral degree in Alaska is in the field of psychology — either a Doctor of Psychologyor a PsyD. Typically, these degrees let graduates work as licensed psychologists upon graduating. Unlike other PhDs, there are many specializations within the field of psychology, and students should pay attention to how a program’s concentrations align with their professional interests.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Pharmacy
A PharmD allows students to work as licensed pharmacists upon graduating. Typically, this graduate-level program involves lectures and labs where students can practice what they learn. In Alaska, only one school offers a Doctor of Pharmacy, and while most course components must be completed in person, some are offered online.
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
- University of Alaska Anchorage (hybrid)
Biology
A PhD in Biology sets students up to be researchers and professors at the forefront of scientific research and exploration. Because Alaska is known for its wildlife, many of the biology PhDs in the state have a focus on wildlife biology and include opportunities to observe wildlife. Because these programs require significant time in the field or lab, most are offered on campus.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Nursing
Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice allows current nurses in Alaska to become licensed nurse practitioners. These degrees usually consist of lectures and clinical hours, during which students practice what they learn in the classroom. After completing the degree, students can sit for the state’s NP licensure exam.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Fisheries
Alaska is one of the most popular states for recreational and commercial fishing. To help ensure these practices are sustainable and profitable, the University of Alaska offers a PhD in Fisheries. Applicants should have already completed a master’s in fisheries, and work experience in the field is preferred. The programs are often highly independent and involve designing hands-on experiments and observing fishing practices.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Obtaining a PhD or Doctoral Degree from an Online Alaskan School
If you’re trying to balance coursework and a full-time job or other life responsibilities, online PhD programs in Alaska may offer a more favorable schedule. You’ll often find that online PhD and doctoral programs have increased flexibility, and you’ll also save on transportation costs. They also make it easier to attend lectures or complete coursework at times that work for you instead of having to work your life around course schedules.
However, there are no fully online doctoral programs in Alaska. Because the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Doctorate of Pharmacy program is co-run with the University of Idaho, some class seminars may be offered online or in a hybrid format. The psychology program at Alaska Pacific University also offers many courses in online, asynchronous video modules, but the program does require students to attend weekend intensives on campus.
While there are no fully online PhDs in Alaska, the state is part of the Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education. Through this alliance, Alaskan residents can enroll in online PhDs in other states at reduced tuition rates.
Tapping into Assistance: Funding Your Alaska Doctoral Degree
Getting a doctoral degree can be an extensive proposition, but the return on investment can be promising. Tuition at the University of Alaska Anchorage, for example, is $513 per credit or $1,079 per credit (depending on your residency status) for a graduate degree.
Fortunately, there are financial aid opportunities to reduce the cost of your doctoral degree. Popular options include scholarships and grants, fellowships, and work-study programs. As a PhD candidate, you may also be eligible for a fully funded program in exchange for working as a research or teaching assistant.
There are also state-specific scholarships to explore, such as those from the University of Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Pacific University.
Alaska is also part of the Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education. Residents of the member states and regions enjoy reduced out-of-state tuition rates at public institutions, which could also help bring down the cost of your doctoral degree.
Earnings for Doctorate Holders in Alaska
After you graduate from a PhD program, you can expect your earnings to increase, especially for those working in the fields most in demand in Alaska. Nurses, for example, make $109,210 in Alaska, while nurse practitioners with a doctorate earn $126,170 on average, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Plus, a doctorate also establishes you as an expert in your field, meaning you’ll likely experience better job security and more opportunities after you graduate.
For a better idea of what earnings may look like, we’ve outlined the median and 90th percentile earnings for some popular PhD programs. You can explore these salary statistics in the table below.
| Job Title | Related Doctoral Degree(s) | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropologist | PhD in Anthropology | $84,320 | $102,150 |
| Biochemist | PhD in Biochemistry | $91,740 | $149,550 |
| Biologist | PhD in Biology | $92,280 | $158,730 |
| Computer Research Scientist | PhD in Computer Science | $137,010 | $214,050 |
| Nurse Practitioner | Doctor of Nursing Practice | $126,170 | $168,030 |
| Oceanographer | PhD | $111,530 | $195,940 |
| Professor | PhD | $90,580 | $177,050 |
| Psychologist | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) / PhD in Psychology | $109,300 | $168,870 |
| Research Scientist | PhD | $91,710 | $184,090 |
| Systems Engineer | PhD in Systems Engineering | $90,830 | $148,710 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023