Established by the Alaska Legislature in 1975, the UAA Justice Center provides statewide
leadership in justice education and research. As an interdisciplinary unit within
theUAA College of Health, we serve urban and rural Alaska to promote a safer, more just society.
Through our degree programs inCriminology & Criminal Justiceand our ABA-approved Legal Studiestracks, students gain the technical mastery and analytical skills required for professional
success. Our students learn alongside faculty experts whose research shapes Alaska’s
response to critical issues—from policing to crime prevention, community corrections
and reentry, and the courts.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Leading statewide efforts in criminal justice and criminology education, research
and service, the UAA Justice Center is a top choice among criminal justice schools
in Alaska and the U.S.
The Legal Studies BA program trains you in American law, legal processes and policy.
You’ll expand your legal knowledge and develop technical job skills in legal research,
analysis and writing.
School of Social Work Assistant Professor Amana Mbise and ISER Research Assistant Professor Nathan West are exploring the relationships that Black barbershops play in men's health. Their community-based research prioritizes the lived experiences of the men they talk to, and is revealing how barbershops function not just as grooming spaces, but as social and cultural hubs.
Dacia Davis, a clinical assistant professor in the School of Social Work and a graduate of UAA's MSW program, finds inspiration in teaching and community.
MiLee Yu is a graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. In September 2025, MiLee was awarded the BSW Student of the Year award at the Biennial National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Alaska Chapter Conference.
The CAFE Oh Wow (COW) Awards are put on by the Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence (CAFE) and honors faculty who show excellence in teaching, research/creative activity, mentorship, and more.
MSW student Keyshon China is dedicated to serving youth and underserved communities, gaining hands-on experience through UAA's School of Social Work and various extracurricular organizations.
The Alaska Justice Information Center (AJiC) compiles, analyzes, and reports on criminal
justice topics in order to improve public safety, to increase criminal justice system
accountability, and to reduce recidivism.
The Alaska Victimization Survey (AVS) provides comprehensive statewide and regional
data to guide planning and policy development and to evaluate the impact of prevention
and intervention services.
The Alaska Justice Forum is a research journal focusing on justice and legal issues in Alaska. It was published
by the Justice Center at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
The courtroom also provides opportunities to educate and inspire Alaska middle and
high school students to build partnerships with secondary legal education programs
and curricula.