Graduate FAQs

ALL NURSING PROGRAMS

  • How much do the programs cost?

    COST OF ATTENDANCE

    Tuition rates are set and modified by the University of Alaska Board of Regents. Campus and program fees are determined locally each year and posted on UAA Tuition and Fees. There are additional Fees assessed from the university and from the nursing program. Some fees are distributed across the program, while others are charged to the student once. Financial Aid's Cost of Attendance provides an estimated cost of completing a full year as a full-time student. 

    Current Estimates

    • Fees for the MS and DNP programs are discussed in their handbooks.
  • What are some options for financial support?

    FINANCIAL SUPPORT

    The School of Nursing and the University of Alaska Anchorage offer a wide range of other scholarship and funding options to students. To learn more about financial aid and general scholarships available through the School and University, please visit the following links:

    Please note, the main application deadline for all UAA Scholarships is February 15 prior to the academic year for which you are seeking funding.

    Additional information about funding can be found at School of Nursing Funding.

  • I have a disability. Can I apply to the program?

    ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

    Students who apply to the Nursing Programs must meet the criteria as stated in this document. Students with disabilities are expected to perform all the essential functions of the program with or without reasonable accommodation. The UAA School of Nursing works closely with Disability Support Services and is committed to ensuring that otherwise qualified students with disabilities are given equal access through reasonable accommodations to its services, programs, activities, and education for students with disabilities.

    MS and DNP students: Please review the Essential Behaviors for Admission, Continuation, and Graduation for Graduate Students.

  • How many hours per week can I work while enrolled in the program?
    Although the program does not have a formal policy regarding working while taking classes, students are encouraged to reduce work hours based on the number of credits and clinical hours they complete. It is recognized that many factors, such as the work schedule, type of position and family responsibilities, affect the decisions related to working. At no time is a student allowed to attend clinical after working a full shift.

 

MS AND DNP 

  • Are there any part-time or online options available?
    The School of Nursing graduate programs are offered part-time. Once admitted to the program, students must maintain continuous registration. All didactic classes are online.
  • If I am offered admission, can I defer my acceptance to another semester?
    The School of Nursing does not permit deferrals, however, you can ask to be reconsidered the following year. You will need to request reconsideration, repeat the interview and proctored writing, and update your plan of study and application as needed. References are valid for one year. Your application will be considered along with the new candidates.
  • Is the GRE required?
    No, the GRE is not required. Admission is based on undergraduate and graduate GPAs, resume’, references, interview, and writing ability.
  • What if I already have a graduate degree in nursing?
    Most nurses who already possess a master's or doctoral degree have the option of earning either an additional master's degree or a post master's certificate. In either case, the number of required courses and overall program length may change after a gap analysis is completed on your prior degree.
  • What type of recommendation letters should I get?
    Three professional letters of reference are required. References are typically written by a mixture of supervisors, professors/teachers, colleagues, and/or individuals that have the degree/credential from the program you are pursuing.

 

  • I have my bachelor’s degree in an area other than nursing, can I apply for admission to the program?
    No, we can only consider applicants who have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
  • What characteristics do successful MS students demonstrate?
    Successful MS candidates demonstrate academic excellence and have strong writing skills. Candidates should be able to clearly articulate the role for which they are applying and demonstrate an understanding of prominent issues in the field. The admissions committee considers the potential success of the applicant in a graduate program that requires professionalism and critical thinking. The committee also also considers the applicant’s potential for leadership and to advancing the practice, service, research, or teaching in the chosen field.
  • What suggestions do you have for students preparing to apply for this master's program option?
    Graduate level writing is critical your success. If you are concerned about your readiness, we suggest you complete a scientific writing/composition course. Since most of the program is online, we suggest you enter the program with strong computer skills and proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Finally, if you do not recall much from your undergraduate research or statistics class you should consider taking a refresher.
  • What is a Gap Analysis?
    A GAP analysis involves a transcript review to determine what master’s courses you need to complete and whether any can be waived based on your prior graduate degree or previous graduate courses completed.
  • Do I need to know a project topic prior to applying to the DNP program?
    Prior to applying to the DNP program we encourage candidates to identify a project topic. If you are uncertain, explore DNP projects from other schools; review the issues in specialty journals; or spend some time in the library exploring the literature. Faculty will work with students to refine their topic.
  • What characteristics do successful post-master's DNP students display?
    Successful post-master's DNP students demonstrate academic excellence and an aptitude for demanding graduate coursework. They are able to clearly articulate the role for which they are applying and demonstrate an understanding of the prominent issues for the field. They are professionals, critical thinkers, and have the potential to be a leader and to advance practice, service, and research in the chosen field.
  • What is a Gap Analysis?
    A GAP analysis involves a transcript review to determine what post-master's DNP courses you need to complete and whether any can be waived. For example, you need 1000 clinical hours for the DNP, and credit can be given for hours completed in your master's program. Other required courses may be waived if you completed a similar course as part of your master’s degree.
Do you still have questions? Please contact us at nursing@alaska.edu.