Academic Pathways

The Mathematics and Natural Sciences Pathways empower students to reason mathematically and to use scientific inquiry to reach sound conclusions for success in everyday and professional life. Majors include: Biological Sciences (BA, BS), Mathematics (BA, BS), Chemistry (BS), Geological Sciences (BS), Natural Sciences (BS).

• Biological Sciences

  Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

  Students choose either the Biological Sciences or Microbiological Sciences Option.

  The B.S. in Biological Sciences is a popular choice for students who are interested in pursuing careers in biological research as it provides strong preparation for relevant graduate school programs such as an M.S. in Biological Sciences or a PhD.  The B.S. in Biological Sciences is also a good choice for students who are interested in moving directly into a biological or environmental career.

  The B.S. in Biological Sciences is also a popular choice for pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-veterinary students as combining the degree requirements with the relevant professional school pre-requisites is relatively straight forward and as it enables these students to demonstrate interest and ability in a relevant discipline.

  Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences

  The B.A. in Biological Sciences is a popular choice for students who are interested in a career in areas such as wildlife management or environmental law and is often combined with a minor in a discipline such as Psychology, History, Alaska Native Studies, History, English, a Foreign Language, or Music.  
  
  The B.A. in Biological Sciences is also popular with pre-medical students who wish to acquire and demonstrate academic skills and interests that extend beyond the pure sciences.

  Advisor: Cindy Trussell

  

• Natural Sciences

  Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences

  Students must choose either the Environmental Sciences, Pre-Health Professions, or General Sciences Option.

  The B.S. in Natural Sciences is a popular choice for students who are interested in pursuing careers in STEM teaching at the secondary school level as the breadth of the program provides them with the qualifications and skills that they need to obtain and to excel in such positions.

  The flexible nature of this degree has made it popular with a wide variety of Science students and it is often combined with a minor in a second discipline such as Psychology, Physics, or Mathematics.  The three options associated with the degree are intended to maintain this flexibility while still ensuring that students who wish to use it as a stepping stone towards a biological, environmental, or medical career are able to do so.

  Advisor: Cindy Trussell

  

• Mathematics

  The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics. Well-trained mathematicians are in demand in many sectors of society including business, finance, education, computing, and government. Our degree programs also prepare students for graduate study in the Mathematical Sciences and satisfy NCATE standards, preparing students to teach mathematics at the high school level.
  
  In addition, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers courses and programs for those students who wish to:

  • Obtain an Associate of Applied Science degree
  • Obtain an Associate of Arts degree
  • Obtain a variety of Certificates
  • Study mathematics for use in another discipline
  • Improve job-related mathematics skills
  • Study mathematics for self-interest

  Kodiak College offers courses that are general requirements of almost all degree and certificate programs:

  • MATH A054 Prealgebra 
  • MATH A055 Elementary Algebra 
  • MATH A105 Intermediate Algebra 
  • MATH A151 College Algebra for Calculus 
  • MATH A291 Trigonometry
  • STAT A200 Elementary Statistics

  Advisor: Jesse Mickelson

  

The Humanities and Communication Pathway empowers students and prepares them for a life of active engagement in an increasingly complex, diverse, and changing world. It provides students with the skills to flourish in multiple career paths - teaching, government service, law, business, entrepreneurship, NGOs, and more! Majors include: English (BA), History (BA), International Studies (BA), Languages (BA), Philosophy (BA), Journalism and Public Communication (BA).

The Visual and Performing Arts Pathway empowers students to be courageous and inquisitive, solve problems creatively, and develop the skills necessary to be engaged professionals in the arts. Majors include: Art (BA, BFA), Music (BA, BM)

• Alaska Native Studies

  The Alaska Native Studies Program provides a critical and dynamic perspective on Alaska Native cultures, histories, politics, and organizations. It also gives students the opportunity to gain cultural knowledge useful for work in higher education, in Alaska-based businesses, and in employment with Alaska Native organizations. Kodiak College students can earn an AA in AKNS and take many of the courses locally:

  • AKNS A101E: Elementary Alutiiq Language I - offered fall semesters
  • AKNS A102E: Elementary Alutiiq Language II - offered spring semesters
  • AKNS A201: Alaska Native Perspectives - offered every semester
  • AKNS A240: Alaska Native Cultural Orientation - Alutiiq/Sugpiaq - offered Spring semesters

   

  Advisor: Libby Eufemio

  

• Alutiiq Language

  The Alutiiq Language Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) recognizes the acquisition of Alutiiq language skills and knowledge through certification for professionals and paraprofessionals.

  Within the Kodiak region’s language revitalization and education programs, a need exists for certified paraprofessionals with Alutiiq language proficiency - and the 16-credit Alutiiq Language Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) is designed to provide a credential in that area. Most of these courses are available by distance delivery through Kodiak College:

  • AKNS A101E:  Elementary Alutiiq Language I - offered fall semesters
  • AKNS A102E:   Elementary Alutiiq Language II - offered spring semesters
  • AKNS A109: Alutiiq Orthography - offered when needed
  • AKNS A292:   Alaska Native Conversational Fluency Intensive
  • AKNS A240: Alaska Native Cultural Orientation - Alutiiq/Sugpiaq - offered spring Semesters

  Advisor: Libby Eufemio

   

• English/Journalism & Public Communications

  The programs offered by the Department of English prepare students to succeed in an increasingly diverse world by encouraging lifelong learning, critical thinking, and effective writing. The curriculum includes courses from across the fields of English studies: rhetoric, writing, linguistics, and literature. 

  Kodiak College offers courses that are general requirements of almost all degree and certificate programs:

  • WRTG A111 Writing Across Contexts - offered every semester
  • WRTG A212 Writing and the Professions - offered every semester
  • WRTG A213 Writing and the Sciences - offered every semester
  • ENGL A120 Critical Thinking - offered Spring semesters
  • THR A111: Theater Appreciation (fine arts GER)

  Starting in the Fall 2022 Semester, you can get your BA in English from Kodiak Island.

  Advisor: Jared Griffin

  

• Nursing

  As a partner in shaping health care for Alaska, the UAA School of Nursing educates students for current and future roles in local, state, national, and worldwide arenas. The School addresses the diverse and unique health care challenges across the state by sharing expertise in education, service, policy, and political arenas and through innovative research for the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge.

  Kodiak College offers the vast majority of the pre and corequisite courses for the Nursing Program.

  UAA Prerequisite Requirements offered (required prior to ranking):

  • BIOL A111 Human Anatomy and Physiology I **
  • BIOL A112 Human Anatomy and Physiology II **
  • CHEM A103 Introduction to General Chemistry **
  • CHEM A104 Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry **
  • MATH A151 **
  • 6 credits of Written Communication GERs **
  • COMM A111**, A235, A237, or A241 or 3 credits of Oral Communication GER - available every semester 
  • PSY A150 Lifespan Development (Social Science GER) or SON Reasoning Skills Requirement (PHIL A101 Introduction to Logic (Humanities GER), PHIL A201 Introduction to Philosophy (Humanities GER) or ENGL A120** Critical Thinking). 
  • 6 additional credits of General Education Requirement (Fine Arts and Social Science GER recommended)

  Corequisite Requirements (Must be completed prior to admission to full-major BSN program):

  • BIOL A240 Microbiology for Health Sciences **
  • STAT A200 Elementary Statistics **
  • PSY A150 Lifespan Development  **
  • DN A203 Nutrition for Health Sciences **
  • PHIL A301 Ethics, PHIL A302 Biomedical Ethics, or PHIL A305 Professional Ethics (301 and 305 are also Humanities GER)

  **Offered through Kodiak College

  Advisor: Currently vacant position

• Medical Assisting

  Medical Assisting Certificate

  Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically educated to work primarily in ambulatory care settings, such as physician offices, clinics, and outpatient care centers under the direct supervision of physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants. Medical assistants perform both administrative and clinical duties.

  Kodiak College offers the many of the pre and corequisite courses for the Medical Assisting Certificate Program.

  Advisor: Amy Samuel (UAS)

  

• Medical Coding

  Kodiak College offers many fully distance courses needed for an Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Medical Office Coding, an Allied Health Program in the UAA College of Health. This program provides training for allied health professionals specifically designed to prepare graduates for work in rewarding careers in Alaska’s rapidly growing health care industry.

  Allied health professionals, such as medical coders, are involved with the delivery of health related services pertaining to the identification, evaluation and prevention of diseases and disorders, rehabilitation, and health systems management, among others.

  This Occupational Endorsement Certificate program prepares student for careers as professional medical coders.  In addition, it prepares students to become certified medical coders by the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC).

  The Medical Coding OEC is designed to be completed in 3 semesters and Kodiak College offers all of the courses for this certificate:

  • BIOL A111 Anatomy and Physiology I
  • BIOL A112 Anatomy and Physiology II
  • MA A101: Medical Terminology
  • MA A 104: Essentials of Human Disease
  • MA A220 Coding for the Medical Office
  • MA A320 Advanced Case Studies in Medical Coding

  Advisor: Suzanne Buie

  

• Certified Nursing Assistant

  Students who successfully complete the CNA program will gain the following knowledge and skills:

  • Introduction to healthcare including the patient bill of rights, legal issues, and ethical standards
  • Body structure and function - vital signs, care of surgical patient, vision & hearing problems, basic emergency care
  • Personal care - the patient unit and bed making, bed baths, oral care, dressing and undressing with IV, skin care, range of motion, turning and positioning
  • Lifespan growth & development, confusion & dementia, care of elderly, death & dying, grief & loss
  • Medical terminology, medical abbreviations, CNA role in healthcare
  • Body mechanics - transfers & ambulation, safety/restraints, activity therapy, rehabilitation, preventing infection, comfort, rest, and sleep, sexuality, nutrition
  • Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

  Students accepted into the CNA program will take a 7 credit course called HCA A105 Certified Nurse Aid which is divided into lecture and clinical experience.

  Advisor: Suzanne Buie

  

The Social Sciences Pathway includes major and degree programs that explore the complexity of human behavior via empirical methodologies to better understand interpersonal, institutional, societal, and cultural dynamics. This Pathway prepares students to work for social justice and help people in their communities.

• Anthropology

  Anthropology is the holistic, comparative study of human diversity. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology provides students with a solid foundation in the contemporary theory, practice, and application of the discipline and an understanding of global human diversity with a special emphasis on the cultures, lifeways, and contemporary social issues of Alaska and the Circumpolar North. The program prepares students in intercultural fluency, critical thinking, and research skills through coursework, applied research experiences, and fieldwork. Graduates find opportunities in education, health care, museums, social services, international development agencies, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, marketing, and publishing.

  • ANTH A101 Introduction to Anthropology
  • ANTH A200: Alaska Native Cultures 

  Advisor: Libby Eufemio

  

• Communications

  UAA offers a Minor in Communications. The Minor in Communication supports personal and professional success through the development of effective communication skills. Students majoring in another subject who wish to minor in communication can take some of those classes through Kodiak College. These courses also fulfill general requirements for many degrees offered at UAA.

  • COMM A110: Fundamentals of Oral Communication
  • COMM A 241: Public Speaking

  Advisor: Barb Brown

  

• Psychology

  The mission of the Undergraduate Program in Psychology is to offer mentorship and high quality training in the science of behavior and mental processes to enrich the lives of our students, citizens of Alaska, and the field of Psychology. In service of this mission, the faculty provides effective instruction, academic and career advising, research training, professional skill development, service opportunities, and preparation for graduate school and employment in the fields of behavioral health and social services. The Psychology Department offers both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS), Minors in Psychology and Children’s Mental Health, and an optional Concentration in Behavior Analysis.

  Students who graduate from UAA with a BA or BS in Psychology should:

  • Possess a broad knowledge of contemporary Psychology.
  • Have experience conducting psychological research.
  • Be able to demonstrate skills in research design and data analysis.
  • Be prepared for advanced study in Psychology and related disciplines.

  Kodiak College offers classes in Psychology that are also general requirements for many degrees offered at UAA.

  • PSY A111: General Psychology
  • PSY A115: Memory, How It Works and How to Improve It
  • PSY A150: Lifespan Development

  Advisor: Barb Brown

  

• Teacher Education

  A Kodiakan can accomplish their goal of becoming an educator without leaving the island!

  Kodiak College supports the initiative to "grow our own" teacher workforce for our island home. For information on becoming a teacher, please contact Kitty Deal at 907-486-1223. Students can work through their general education requirements (GERs) at Kodiak College, then move on to teacher preparation programs through our partner College of Education at UAS. 

  Degrees and Certificates Supported:

  • BA, Elementary Education K-8 (UAS)
  • BA, Special Education (UAS)
  • AAS, Early Childhood Development (UAA)
  • BA, Early Childhood Education
  • OEC, Infant and Toddler Development

  Courses offered by Kodiak College include:

  • EDEC A105: Introduction to the Field of Early Childhood Education
  • EDEC A105: Child Development and Learning
  • EDEC A241: Infant and Toddler Development
  • EDEC A303: Young Children in Inclusive Settings

    

  Advisor and Program coordinator: Kitty Deal

  

• Welding

  Get your undergraduate welding certificate in a hands-on program that prepares you for diverse careers in the welding industry.

  The occupational endorsement certificate in welding provides an overview of the various welding processes. The program includes hands-on instruction in different welding techniques using a variety of materials. When you complete your certificate you’ll be ready for entry-level positions in the welding industry. A total of 15 credits are required for the occupational endorsement certificate. Welding classes are held in Kodiak College's Industrial Arts building and include:

  • WELD A112: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
  • WELD A114: Welding of High Strength Steels
  • WELD A157: Technical Drawing for Welders
  • WELD A161: Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
  • WELD A190: Arc Welding & Fabrication 

  Advisor: Lorraine Stewart

   

• Marine Services Technology

  Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) in Marine Services Technology

  This course prepares students for technical-level work in the marine industry. Graduating students will be able to perform a variety of troubleshooting, installation, services, and repairs to marine systems. Sessions are a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on skill building and training.

  Knowledge and Skills Acquired:

  Troubleshoot and service marine engines
  Troubleshoot and install marine plumbing systems
  Troubleshoot and install marine electrical systems
  Troubleshoot and install marine drive systems
  Service and repair boat trailers
  Perform repairs on boat hulls and rig outboards
  Understanding of industry and career opportunities

  Students will take the following courses:

  • MT A102: Introduction to Maritime Trades
  • MT A110: Marine Boathandling and Safety
  • MT A112: Internal Combustion Engine Theory
  • MT A113: Outboard Engines
  • MT A114: Gasoline Inboard Maintenance and Troubleshooting

  • MT A119: Marine Electrical
  • MT A120: Marine Electronics
  • MT A121: Marine Plumbing
  • MT A130: Marine Drive Systems
  • MT A140: Marine Boat Trailers
  • MT A150: Marine Materials

  Advisor: Rich Gonzalez

  

• Technology

  The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Technology prepares students for entry-level work in a variety of specialized technical fields. This AAS includes earning 2 OECs that your advisor must approve.