division of population health sciences
The Division of Population Health Sciences (DPHS) prepares students to confront the root causes of health challenges in Alaska and across the circumpolar North. Through a blend of education, research, and community partnership, DPHS empowers students to create lasting change in population health and to lead efforts that strengthen the well-being of communities statewide and beyond.
Unlike clinical care, which focuses on individuals, population health looks at the big picture—improving health outcomes across communities through policy, prevention, and systems-level solutions. It includes:
Join us to make an impact that goes beyond treating illness to help build healthier communities from the ground up.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Meet the public health challenges of an aging society, including providing competent care in medical settings and essential community resources and end-of-life support.
Set up a successful career in health education and health promotion, public and community health, disease prevention, rehabilitation, or health care delivery.
Meet the challenges of the diverse and complex field of public health, with a particular focus on the needs of Alaska and the Circumpolar North.
NEWS & Stories
Health sciences major and psychology minor Maisha Chowdhury describes choosing to attend UAA as the best decision of her life (so far) and for making her the person she is today. The fall 2025 undergraduate commencement speaker hopes her own journey inspires others to take risks and follow their passion.
DPHS student Ky R. Martin is passionate about empowering the community through HIV prevention, education and inclusive public health outreach.
Dakota Ramirez, an alumna of the Division of Population Health Sciences, serves as the Community Programs Manager for Special Olympics Alaska. She applies her education to create meaningful programs and support families with disabilities, fostering inclusion and empowerment.
Nicole Blue has been part of the Seawolf Women’s Volleyball team since 2020. She’s a champion both on and off the court! The senior is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a focus in Speech Language Pathology. Blue shares some highlights from her time at UAA.
Rosario Aranda-Borders, an alumna of UAA’s Division of Population Health Sciences, reflects on her time at UAA, offering advice and sharing her future goals as she pursues a Master of Public Health.
INSTITUTES, CENTERS, AND PROJECTS
Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies
The CAAS was established by the Board of Regents in 1972 to address the problem of substance misuse in Alaska.
Our team works to understand the shifting sociocultural landscape for aging adults and identify service needs to facilitate healthy aging-in-place.
Researchers in our lab are working to solve the global plastic pollution problem by developing insulation that is recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable.
Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies
Housed under the Office of Research, ICHS partners closely with us while conducting applied research that supports public health and offers valuable research experience for students.
Contact Us:
Phone: (907) 786-6545
Email: dphs@alaska.edu
UAA Div. of Population Health Sciences
UAA Professional Studies Building
2533 Providence Dr., Suite 206
Anchorage, AK 99508
Mailing Address:
UAA Div. of Population Health Sciences
3211 Providence Dr., PSB 206
Anchorage, AK 99508
