The MS in Nursing explores advanced professional nursing practice, theory, research
and health care delivery systems—all within the context of Alaska’s diverse communities,
including rural and underserved populations. Students interested inclinical practice
can choose between FNP and PMHNP concentrations. Alternatively, students can concentrate
in nursing leadership, with an emphasis on education.
As a student in one of the graduate certificate programs, you’ll build on your graduate
degree and your current speciality, integrating theory-based advanced practice nursing
courses and specialty clinical practice. Depending on your interests and career goals,
you can choose between FNP or PMHNP specializations. The graduate certificate in nursing
education provides you with the theory and skills you need to enter the high-demand
field of nursing education. The program focuses on teaching and learning, curriculum
development, and curriculum evaluation. Students also learn to utilize new technology
for learning and collaboration. A teaching practicum gives you real-world experience
delivering your own curriculum on a topic that you’re passionate about.
As the highest degree in nursing practice, the DNP is designed for nurses with an
MS in Nursing degree who are currently certified in an advanced practice registered
nurse (APRN) role. The program emphasizes advanced nursing practice, theory, research
and leadership, with a focus on the unique needs of Alaska’s diverse urban and rural
communities. As a DNP student, you’ll culminate the program by developing and defending
a scholarly capstone project on a topic you choose that reflects your professional
interests and goals.
*The MS in Nursing, Graduate Certificate in FNP, and Graduate Certificate in PMHNP
programs are designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure
or certification in Alaska. However, the program might not meet the educational requirements
for other states' professional licensure or certification. Please see UAA’s Licensure and Certification website for more information.
WHY CHOOSE nursing GRADUATE programs AT UAA?
100% job placement rate for nurse practitioners after they are certified.
Work with urban and rural communities throughout Alaska in internships and clinical
experiences.
Learn from experienced nursing professionals in a variety of settings while participating
in a variety of professional activities and events.
Dr. Corrie Whitmore, an associate professor in the Division of Population Health Sciences, and her team at UAA’s Center for Behavioral Health Research and Services are celebrating the recent publication of a new article. The paper, which was published in the Dec. 2025 issue of Nursing for Women’s Health, offers a framework and actionable strategies for nurses to improve communication and patient experience in discussions around substance use and contraception.
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.
As a neonatal nurse practitioner at Providence Alaska Children’s Hospital and adjunct faculty member for the UAA School of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice alumna and graduate student hooding ceremony speaker for the fall Class of 2025 Stacy Brunquist weaves education into everything she does — training new caregivers, guiding parents learning to care for their newborns, and sharing knowledge with professionals from Utqiaġvik to Sitka.
Ambra McMillian is an Assistant Professor of Dental Hygiene in the School of Therapeutic Sciences, where she combines her passion for the field with the fulfillment of guiding students as they learn and grow.
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.
