Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Policy and Administration

December 19, 2025

Why it matters:
For staff working in higher education or public service, understanding how universities operate, and why decisions get made, matters.

The program:
UAS offers a four-course graduate certificate in Higher Education Policy and Administration. The 12 credits apply toward the Master of Public Administration, making it a practical entry point for those considering graduate study or leadership roles.

What you’ll study:
Courses focus on higher education systems, public policy, and education law, plus one advisor-approved elective aligned with your interests or role.

What participants say:
“These courses tied directly to my day-to-day work,” said Amber R. Gichard, senior director of fund and gift services at the UA Foundation. “They clarified the higher-ed systems I navigate, deepened my understanding of the field, and gave me practical tools that I was able to apply right away.”

Learn more:

• Program details and application information are available on the UAS Master of Public Administration website at https://uas.alaska.edu/apply/programs/mpa.html.
• Contact the UAS Master of Public Administration program at uas.mpa@alaska.edu.