UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA SOUTHEAST SITKA CAMPUS ALASKA NATURALIST PROGRAMS

Alaska Naturalist Programs (TM)
An educational journey into our natural environment!

MISSION

The Alaska Naturalist Program is a statewide program designed to provide workers in the education and visitor industries with continuing opportunities to learn accurate, interesting information about the natural history and natural resources of Alaska for use in their professions. Additionally, this program offers all of Alaska's residents and visitors a chance to learn about and experience Alaska's rich environment.

Admissions Info

Adult Learning Center

OVERVIEW

The Alaska Naturalist Program is a certificate program administered by the University of Alaska Southeast Sitka Campus and is based on a one or two credit college-level course. It provides a general overview of the many topics encompassed by the study of natural history and natural resources, and it brings together a diverse consortium of instructors, each of whom is experienced in a particular topic. The program is relatively brief; it is designed to provide a wealth of usable information in a manageable amount of time and at a reasonable cost.

Curriculum materials and networking opportunities between students and instructors provide every participant with a chance to delve more deeply into the topics covered. An Alaska Naturalist Certificate and undergraduate or professional level college credit are available to those who take the course and meet the requirements.

The Alaska Naturalist Community Program (TM)
Local coordinators in communities throughout Alaska present community programs that follow the format of the Alaska Naturalist Program, but are modified to reflect the unique opportunities and needs of each community. Participants include education and visitor industry workers as well as residents who simply want to learn more about the natural history and natural resources of Alaska and their own communities.

The Alaska Naturalist School to Work Program (TM)
High school teachers throughout Alaska present the Alaska Naturalist Program as part of the curriculum of a high school class. The program is appropriate for both science and vocational classes; it can provide a valuable link between the classroom and the workplace.

The Alaska Naturalist Institute (TM)
In this approach people will come from other areas and stay at the UAS Sitka Campus to participate in a one-week condensed version of the Alaska Naturalist Program. The Institute is designed to meet employee training and teacher education needs, as well as appeal to Alaskan visitors who desire an educational and experiential vacation. Participants in this program are expected to include visitor industry workers, teachers and other educators, and visitors who simply want to make learning about and experiencing Alaskan natural history and natural resources part of their Alaskan vacation.

The Alaska Naturalist Institute (TM) On-Line The On-Line course was designed to meet the needs of those who are unable to support a Community Program in their own area or who do not live in Alaska. Individuals from all over the United States can "log-on" and enjoy the benefits of the program from their own home.

Click here to download a brochure explaining the program in more detail.

See wildlife and some of Alaska's most exciting natural wonders during this intensive experiential/lecture program. You'll divide your time between classroom instruction and field trips to get a up-close and personal look at the subject matter you've covered!

This training meets an important and expressed need to know about Alaska natural history.
It enhances employability in the visitor industry for individuals, provides a valuable classroom resource, and benefits both private businesses and public agencies involved in the Alaska visitor industry.

For more information,
call Peter Colson at
UAS Office of Continuing Education.
Phone 1-800-478-6653 or
1-907-747-7728
Fax 1-907-747-7743
or

e-mail us at Alaska.Naturalist@uas.alaska.edu