Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2009-2010 Catalog
2009-2010
Expedition Glacier Travel
Cashman Pass above the Tazlina Glacier
Catalog
Photo by Heather Thamm
Alaska Pacific University
Table Of Contents
Table of Contents 5
Alaska Pacific University
Graduation
Photo by Donna Dougherty
Crow Creek Pipes and Drums have led the graduation procession
at Alaska Pacific University since 1995. Crow Creek is Alaska’s
largest pipe band with over 100 members and they are the first,
and only, Alaska band to achieve the Grade III competition level.
In 2001 Crow Creek became the first Alaska pipe band to compete
at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
Sincerely,
Douglas M. North
GENERAL INFORMATION
Religious Heritage
Alaska Pacific University is the most recent of the more than 1200
United Methodist educational institutions founded in America over the
last 200 years. This emphasis on education has been vital to the denom-
ination since its founding by John Wesley in the eighteenth century.
Today 128 United Methodist-related schools and colleges exist in the
United States.
The mission of Methodism through its founding of these institutions
of higher learning has been to integrate faith and learning along with
knowledge and service so that the whole person and the world might
Alaska Pacific University 8
Alaska Pacific University
Gould Hall, Grace Hall and Dr. Glenn Olds Hall houses the U.S.
Geological Survey offices and advanced mapping laboratories.
Campus Map
12
SPRING 2010
Full Block Session Module I Module II
Section designation for specific terms F B S M1 M2
Residence Halls Open Jan 8 Jan 8 Feb 10 - -
New Student Orientation Jan 8 Jan 8 Feb 10 - -
Registration 9am-5pm Jan 8 Jan 8 Feb 10 Jan 8 Mar 15
RANA Residency Jan 5-7 Jan 5-7 Jan 5-7 - -
First day of classes Jan 11 Jan 11 Feb 11 Jan 11 Mar 15
Late Registration Jan 11-19 Jan 11-14 Feb 11-18 Jan 11-19 Mar 15-22
Census Date (course transcripted) Jan 20 Jan 15 Feb 19 Jan 20 Mar 23
Martin Luther King Holiday (Classes make up time Jan 18 Jan 18 - Jan 18 -
Mid-term*** Mar 15 - Mar 30 - -
Deadline for Spring degree candidates to submit
documentation for Credit by Exam or DEL credit Mar 1 - Mar 1 - Mar 1
13
published late registration dates.
SUMMER 2010
Block Session Module I
Section designation for specific terms B S M1
Pre-Registration Nov 1 Apr 1 Apr 1
Residence Halls Open May 10 May 10 May 10
First day of classes May 10 May 10 June 7
14
Alaska Pacific University
DEGREE OFFERINGS
Master Degrees
Master of Arts
Master of Arts in Teaching
Master of Business Administration
Master of Business Administration with a
Concentration in Health Services Administration
Concentration in Finance
Executive MBA in Information and Communication Technology
Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
Master of Science in Environmental Science
Master of Science in Outdoor and Environmental Education
Certificate Offerings
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Entrepreneurship [graduate]
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Investments [graduate]
K-8 Professional Development Certificate [undergraduate]
Teacher Certification Only-Option Program (CO-OP) [graduate]
* Pending approval
undergraduate POLICIES
AND PROCEDUReS
ADMISSIONS
Alaska Pacific University has no rigid secondary school require-
ments but gives preference to students graduating from strong college
preparatory programs. This includes four years of English, at least two
years of a language other than English, three years of college prepa-
ratory mathematics, three years of laboratory science, and three years
of history or social science. Applicants planning to seek the B.S. degree
in environmental science or marine biology should complete four years
of high school mathematics and should be prepared to begin calculus
during their first year in college.
Some students do not display outstanding results as measured by
conventional academic measurements. However, many of these students
display an outstanding ability to adapt and thrive in the active learning
environment that is central to the mission of Alaska Pacific University.
The admissions committee works closely with candidates to ensure a
successful academic experience for all admissions candidates.
Admission Methods
Alaska Pacific University has adopted a modified rolling admission
procedure. This procedure will allow students to submit the admis-
sions application at any time during the admissions cycle. For priority
in financial assistance, however, students are encouraged to submit
application by February 1. Students are notified of admission decisions
immediately after an admissions committee concludes its assessment
of the completed application. It is requested that students respond to
offers of admission for Fall semester by or before May 1.
Students wishing to apply for admission must submit the following
to the Admissions Office:
1. Undergraduate application for admission.
2. $25.00 non-refundable application fee. Please make checks or
money orders payable to Alaska Pacific University.
3. Official transcripts from all institutions attended. Note: Final
high school transcripts verifying graduation and final class rank
are required before the student may enroll as a degree-seeking
student.
4. Results of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) or the American
College Test (ACT). Test scores will not be required for applicants
who have graduated three or more years prior to applying.
5. Two letters of recommendation. Recommendation letters may
be submitted by the applicant’s counselor, teacher, headmaster,
principal, or any individual qualified to comment upon applicant’s
academic/intellectual ability.
Admission Standards
Completed application packages are reviewed by an admissions
committee. The decision to admit or deny an applicant is based on the
overall quality of the admissions package. Academic standards include:
1. A cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 based on a 4.00 scale.
Applicants who have earned a GPA less than 2.75 may be
considered for admission if they have submitted an otherwise
strong application. Such applicants may be invited for a personal
interview or asked to take courses in areas of weakness. Special
requirements will be communicated in the acceptance letter.
2. An SAT composite score of 970 or an ACT composite score of 20.
Applicants whose test scores do not meet these minimums may
be considered for admission if they have submitted an otherwise
strong application.
3. The admissions committee will consult with the Academic Dean
and appropriate department chair/program director when an
application is in question.
Transfer Students
Students are considered transfers when they have earned 30 or
more transferable college semester hours. Transfer applicants must
submit the following to the Admissions Office.
1. Undergraduate application for admission.
2. $25.00 non-refundable application fee. Please make checks or
money orders payable to Alaska Pacific University.
3. Official transcripts from all institutions attended. High school
transcripts are not required for transfer applications. A transcript
is required from each postsecondary institution in which a
student has been enrolled, whether or not credit was earned.
Transcripts are considered official only if they are delivered in a
sealed envelope from the issuing institution.
4. Personal essay based on one of the discussion topics listed on
the application form.
Early Honors
Early Honors Students applying to Alaska Pacific University need to
submit the following information:
4. 2 letters of recommendation
5. Personal essay about why you would like to attend Alaska Pacific
University’s Early Honors Program
International Students
International students are students who do not have United States
residency. International students wishing to apply for an undergraduate
program must submit the following to the Admissions Office:
1. Undergraduate application for admission. Follow the application
requirements in the Undergraduate application and submit
materials by the deadline stated in the application or the
following deadlines (whichever is earlier):
Fall Semester June 1
Spring Semester September 1
2. Supplemental application for International Student admission.
3. Supporting financial documentation. Present financial
documentation to support the information provided under
the Annual Budget Section of the supplemental application.
Supporting documents must be supplied for each person or
party who will be providing you with financial assistance. The
documents should reflect the individual’s financial history.
Examples of supporting documents include: several months’
bank statements, a letter from an employer stating period of
employment, planned continued employment and yearly salary,
tax returns, or a U.S. Immigration Form I-134 Affidavit of
Support (for students who have a financial sponsor in the United
States). All documents must be officially translated into English
and monetary amounts expressed in U.S. dollars. Students need
to keep a duplicate set of all documents. These documents will
be needed to apply for a student visa and to enter the United
States.
4. Foreign credentials evaluation (in addition to official transcripts).
All students with transcripts issued by universities and schools
outside the United States must send their transcripts to a
credentials evaluation service for evaluation and must request
that a copy of the evaluation be sent to the Admissions Office.
A course-by-course evaluation providing grade point average is
required. A list of agencies that provide this service is contained
in the Alaska Pacific University International Student Information
Packet.
5. All international students must submit official Test of English as
a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. Alaska Pacific’s reporting
code is #4201. A score of 550 on the paper test or 79 on the
Internet based test is required for admission.
Additional Information
The Registrar’s Office will assess the transfer credit earned by the
applicant and will mail an evaluation of the student’s transfer credit
prior to class registration. The evaluation will show total hours accepted
towards a degree at Alaska Pacific University. It will also show which
General University Requirements have been met. Students with fewer
than 30 transferable college credits need to submit an official high school
transcript or copy of their GED.
A cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required for admission to the Degree
Completion Program. Applicants with a GPA less than 2.00 who otherwise
demonstrate potential for academic success at Alaska Pacific University
may be considered for admission. Such applicants may be invited for a
personal interview or asked to take courses in areas of weakness.
Students must have at least 60 semester credit hours of college
credit or equivalent to enroll in upper division DCP coursework. Students
who wish to gain credit for life/work experience can do so through the
DCP’s series of Portfolio Development classes (GS 20500-GS 20700).
Students with extensive knowledge in a particular course may test
out of required classes through examination or CLEP testing. Students
who have not completed the 60 credits can enroll in General University
Requirement (GUR) courses or lower division DCP courses. Once 60
credits have been earned, students may register for DCP core classes.
Credit By Choice
Credit By Choice is a special program for exceptional high school
students who wish to enroll in college level coursework. The cost for
Credit By Choice is $200/credit hour. These students must apply for
admission to the Credit By Choice program. Applicants must submit the
following:
1. Credit By Choice application for admission.
2. $25.00 non-refundable application fee. Please make checks or
money orders payable to Alaska Pacific University.
3. One letter from appropriate high school official approving Credit
By Choice admission.
4. Written consent from parent or guardian.
5. Official high school transcripts. Transcripts are considered official
only if they are delivered in a sealed envelope from the issuing
institution.
Admission Categories
Full Admission
Full Admission status is assigned to students whose completed appli-
cations meet the requirements for admission to the university. Financial
assistance can be disbursed to students who have been fully admitted
to the university.
Admission Hold
Admission Hold status is assigned to students who have received
Early Admission status and wish to register for classes prior to
completion of their application. This status requires that the student
submit missing application elements within six-weeks of registration.
The Student Financial Services Office will hold all approved awards
until all application elements are received and student is granted Full
Admission status. Upon Full Admission, the Financial Aid department will
Undergraduate Policies and Procedures 21
Alaska Pacific University
disburse approved awards. If the student does not meet the six-week
deadline, they may be withdrawn from their academic program pending
discussion with the Academic Dean or appropriate Program Directors
and placed in a Non-Degree Seeking program status. As a Non-Degree
Seeking student, the student will be required to pay full tuition in order
to remain registered. The student’s approved financial aid awards may
also be withdrawn. The Admissions Office will monitor and update the
application files.
Wait Listed
Wait Listed status is assigned to those students who apply to APU
and meet academic standards of the University but, due to circum-
stances such as lateness, need to be placed on an academic wait list by
the Admissions committee. This status is assigned only to candidates
applying for the Fall semester. Students who are Wait Listed will be
notified of their enrollment status by July 15.
Admission Denied
Admission Denied status is assigned to students whose applications
do not meet the minimum requirements for admission to the university.
Students who are denied admission may contest such decisions by
petitioning the Undergraduate Studies Committee.
FINANCIAL AID
FLEX Plan
APU will award institutional aid up to 4 credits for a May block
course(s) or Summer semester Practicum or Senior Project for those
students who register and complete 12-17 credits in the spring semester.
The amount of aid will be up to 4 credits for students taking 12-14
credits, up to 3 credits for students taking 15 credits, up to 2 credits for
Discontinuance of Attendance
Students who drop classes may have their financial aid reduced
if they then fall below the full-time/part-time credit requirement for a
particular type of financial aid. Students who withdraw from APU must
notify Student Financial Services and the Registrar so that refund calcu-
lations or late disbursements may be made. Students who withdraw
from APU may be required to begin immediate student loan repayment.
Federal regulations require all student loan borrowers to participate in
Exit Loan Counseling whenever they withdraw or graduate from APU, for
students to understand their rights and responsibilities as borrowers. To
complete Exit Loan Counseling session online, go to www.mappingyour-
future.org.
Sharing Financial Aid Funds between Institutions
of Higher Learning
Federal financial aid cannot be divided between institutions unless
there is a consortium agreement between the institutions. The financial
aid will be processed at the institution where the student is pursuing
their degree, the home school. APU participates in a very limited number
of consortium agreements. The home school will process the federal
aid and any refund due to the student will be disbursed to the student
Undergraduate Policies and Procedures 26
Alaska Pacific University
0 - 29 1.75
30+ 2.00
Academic progress will be reviewed at the end of each semester.
Results of that review will be used to determine the subsequent semester
eligibility for financial aid.
Students are responsible to ensure that they maintain the minimum
semester and cumulative GPA and to ensure that they complete the
required minimum number of credits each academic year.
1. Probation: Students who fail to complete the required minimum
number of credits in a Fall semester or fail to meet the required
cumulative GPA will be placed on probation for their Spring
semester. The student will be eligible to receive financial aid
during their semester of probation. These students and their
advisors will see an alert message in the CAMS software warning
them of their probationary status. Failure to regain good standing
status within the one semester of probation will result in the
suspension of financial aid.
2. Grades of AU, F, I, W, WU, and NC indicate unsatisfactory
completion of courses for financial aid purposes.
3. First-time freshmen and transfer students with no prior academic
history at APU are considered to be making satisfactory academic
progress for the first semester of enrollment.
4. Satisfactory academic progress must be maintained even during
semesters in which aid is not received.
5. The maximum number of credits for which a student may receive
financial aid is 150% of the published credit requirements of his/
her educational program. Usually 192 credits for a bachelor’s
degree and 76 credits for an associate’s degree comprise 150%
of the basic graduation requirements. The clock starts from the
very first credit attempted, regardless of whether or not the
If payments are missed, late fees will be charged and you will not
be allowed to register for the upcoming semester until the account is
paid in full.
Employer Reimbursements
Students must pay their billing account in full or set up a payment
plan through Tuition Management Systems (TMS). At the student’s
request, SFS will send a statement to the employer showing their billing
account has been paid in full allowing the student to be reimbursed.
Part-time Tuition
Part-time tuition (less than 12 credits in a semester) in the Campus
Undergraduate Program is $1000 per credit hour.
Prices listed are for one semester (which includes 1 block and 1
session). There are two semesters in one academic year - Fall & Spring.
If you need housing or meal plan information for only a Block or only
a Session, please contact the Office of Housing and Residence Life for
pricing and availability.
The meal plan includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday through
Friday, and brunch and dinner on the weekends, holidays and non-class
days. Students living in South or North Atwood are required to be on
the Meal Plan.
Cancellation Fee (cancellation fee will be applied if you move out before
the end of your contract.)
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Grading System
The following letter grade system is used:
Withdrawal (W) #
Students who wish to withdraw from a course and receive a “W”
grade must drop the course prior to completion of 80% of the term
(See Academic Calendar for specific dates.) The “W” grade may not be
granted after that date unless the student files a Request for Special
Consideration and the “W” grade is approved.
Academic Advising
Each student is assigned an academic advisor. This assignment
is made according to a student’s area of study, special needs, and
interests.
The academic advisor provides the student with the intellectual
framework in which to make informed decisions regarding academic
pursuits at Alaska Pacific University.
During the first year and sophomore year, advising is designed
not only to offer guidance on course selection, but also to explore the
nature and importance of a university education. All students meet with
their advisors during orientation to plan their schedule and regularly
thereafter. Entering first year students meet with their advisors on a
Undergraduate Policies and Procedures 35
Alaska Pacific University
more frequent basis, particularly during the first semester. Students are
encouraged to take advantage of early registration opportunities so that
they may be assured of their first choice of classes. After attaining junior
standing and declaring a major, upper division students are advised
by a faculty member within their major department. Transfer students
are assigned advisors according to each student’s academic interests.
Advisors help assess the student’s standing toward the degree in the
chosen discipline.
Advanced Placement
In recognition of the strength of many advanced programs in
secondary schools, students who obtain scores of 5, 4, and 3 on the
College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) Advanced Placement Tests
will be awarded degree credit in the number equivalent to an appro-
priate university course. Scores must be submitted to the Registrar’s
Office directly from the CEEB in order to receive credit.
Auditing
With permission of the instructor, certain courses may be audited
for non-credit. Auditing status provides the privilege of class attendance
only and does not include taking examinations or submitting papers.
Information about courses for audit is available in the Registrar’s Office.
If a course is filled with credit students, no audits will be allowed. Refer
to the Tuition and Fees section for audit costs.
Audits
• Must be requested within the first 7 days of the term
• Cannot be changed to credit, but credits can be changed to an
audit within the first 7 days of the term
Continuous Enrollment
Students who enroll, pay fees and attend classes at Alaska Pacific
University are in a continuous enrollment status for the current and
subsequent semesters. Reapplication to the University is required if
enrollment is interrupted for a period of greater than twelve consecutive
months (three consecutive semesters).
Adding Courses
Students may add courses through the late registration period
through one of the following methods:
• Student Portal
• Registrar’s Office, by:
o Completing the ADD section of the Change of Class
Schedule form
o E-mailing the Registrar’s Office via your APU E-mail
account
After the late registration period, students may add a course with
the approval of the instructor and their advisor.
Dropping Courses
Students must complete the DROP section of the Change of Class
Schedule (available at the Registrar’s Office) and promptly return it to
the Registrar’s Office for processing or request to drop via your APU
e-mail addressed to the Registrar’s Office. Please copy your advisor
and instructor with the request. Classes dropped after the late regis-
tration period of a class appear on the student’s academic record with a
withdrawal grade. The only exception to the policy is when the University
cancels a course. Under those circumstances the Registrar’s Office will
process a withdrawal for the affected classes.
The date the course will be dropped is the date the form is received
by the Registrar’s Office staff.
Students who wish to withdraw from a course and receive a “W”
grade must drop the course prior to completion of 80% of the term
(see academic calendar for specific dates). The “W” grade may not be
granted after that date unless the student files a Request for Special
Consideration and the “W” grade is approved.
Faculty-Initiated Drop
Prior to the published census date of a term, a faculty member
may administratively drop students from class when they fail to meet
published individual course requirements or fail to attend class.
Double Majors
Baccalaureate degree-seeking students may apply to graduate
(during the same semester) with two majors. For example, a student
may select two areas from approved majors such as Psychology and
Business Administration.
Students must apply for and be accepted into each major. Students
may request a double major at the time of initial admission into Alaska
Pacific University, or add a major at a later date through the Registrar’s
Office. Forms are available in that office or online through My APU.
Students must satisfy the General University Requirements and both
sets of major program requirements. Students must also satisfy catalog
requirements in effect at the time of acceptance into the major(s),
or later catalog requirements in effect during the remaining periods
of continuous enrollment. The transcript and diploma will reflect one
degree and two majors.
Graduation Application
Students must apply for graduation as follows:
November 1 May graduation
March 1 August graduation
July 1 December graduation
Graduation Honors
Alaska Pacific University grants the following graduation honors to
baccalaureate degree candidates. These designations are included on
transcripts.
These GPAs are based on all college work attempted at Alaska Pacific
University.
Interruption in Enrollment
If enrollment is interrupted for a period of greater than twelve
consecutive months (three consecutive semesters), the student must
reapply for admission and meet admission and degree requirements in
existence at the time of his or her readmission, unless a request for a
Leave of Absence has been filed with, and approved by, the Registrar
prior to departure. Requests for a Leave of Absence are made by
completing a Request for Special Consideration form available from the
Registrar’s Office or online through My APU.
Leave of Absence
A granted Leave of Absence allows students to retain:
• their graduation catalog, and
• Guaranteed Consolidated Tuition Plan
If, during the leave of absence, the student plans to take course
work elsewhere and transfer the credits to Alaska Pacific University,
Undergraduate Policies and Procedures 38
Alaska Pacific University
the request for leave must include specific information regarding the
planned program. To ensure that these credits are transferred to Alaska
Pacific University, the program must be approved by the student’s
Alaska Pacific University advisor and the courses must be completed
with a grade of “C” or better for an undergraduate program and a “B”
(3.00) or better for a graduate program. These courses cannot be taken
during the final 32 hours for the a bachelor degree or 16 hours for the an
associate degree unless the student requests a “waiver of the University
Residence Requirement” by submitting a Request For Special Consider-
ation form to the Registrar’s Advisory Committee.
Students whose absence from the university is less than 12 consec-
utive months are not required to reapply for admission; however, credits
taken at any other institution during the absence from Alaska Pacific
University will not be accepted for transfer unless permission to take
such courses was granted in advance, and appropriate grades have
been earned as described in the preceding paragraph.
Requests for a Leave of Absence are made by completing a Request
for Special Consideration form available from the Registrar’s Office or
through My APU.
Students not attending a summer semester are not required to
request a Leave of Absence.
Off-Campus Enrollment
Once enrolled at Alaska Pacific University, students may not take
courses elsewhere and transfer them to Alaska Pacific University, unless
the arrangement is approved in advance. The advisor’s approval is suffi-
cient except when such an arrangement is to take place during the final
16 or 32 semester hours prior to receiving an associate or bachelor
degree. In the latter case, the student may request a “waiver of the
University Residence Requirement” by submitting a request form to the
Registrar’s Advisory Committee.
Placement
All students are required to take the writing and a math placement
exam before being eligible to register for certain classes. One exception
to this policy is students who have taken and successfully passed calculus
are exempt from taking the math placement exam.
Registration Requirements
Students are officially registered if registering through the Web
Portal or the Registrar’s Office. Undergraduate students are considered
fulltime if they are enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester (spring,
summer, fall).
Semester Information
Alaska Pacific University has three semesters per year: spring,
summer, and fall. Within a semester are multiple terms: Block, Session,
and Module. For specific semester and term dates, please see the
academic calendar.
Transfer Credit
Courses completed at other accredited institutions, when courses
are 10000 level or above, may be transferred to Alaska Pacific University
if the courses are applicable to the university undergraduate degree and
if the courses are completed with a “C” grade or better. No more than
12 semester hours earned through correspondence programs may be
transferred into Alaska Pacific University.
Undergraduate Policies and Procedures 40
Alaska Pacific University
ACADEMIC STANDING
Academic Warning
Any undergraduate student whose GPA for a given semester (fall,
spring, summer) falls below 2.00, but whose cumulative GPA remains
above a 2.00, will receive an “Academic Warning Notice.” Upon receipt
of this notice students are required to meet with their advisors and Dean
of Students to make a plan to improve their GPA during the succeeding
semester. The Academic Warning Notice alerts students that their
“Academic Good Standing” may be in jeopardy and if their GPA falls
below a 2.00 they will be placed on Academic Probation.
Academic Probation
A student whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 and has been
placed on academic warning will be placed on academic probation.
A student on academic probation may not enroll for more than 14
semester credit hours in a regular semester and six hours in a summer
session without prior approval from the academic dean. In addition, the
student must continue to seek regularly scheduled advice and counsel
from an academic advisor. Notification of probation will appear on a
student’s general academic information within Web Portal. Regaining
a 2.0 cumulative GPA on course work will remove the student from
probation.
Academic Suspension
A student on academic probation who fails to raise the cumulative
GPA to 2.0 and who fails to earn a semester GPA of 2.0 will be placed
on academic suspension. Notification of suspension will appear in
general academic information within Web Portal.
• Not attend APU for one semester, not including summer. Upon
return, student must submit a Request for Special Consideration
to the Registrar’s Advisory Committee for reinstatement. A
student who enters APU after having been suspended will be on
academic probation until the cumulative GPA is raised to 2.0.
Address Changes
Updates to the Local, billing, or home (permanent) address, phone
or e-mail may be done (1) in person at the Registrar’s Office, OR (2) by
sending an email through student’s APU e-mail account to the Regis-
trar’s Office email with the change in information.
Class Attendance
The presumption is made that there are no unimportant class
periods. Therefore, students are expected to attend all classes. There
are, of course, legitimate reasons for students to miss class, but
absences totaling more than six hours of classes for a 15-week class or
equivalent will need an explanation. The individual faculty member is to
decide what action is to be taken in regard to academic progress, which
may affect continued financial aid.
Contract Learning
Contract Learning may take the form of an independent study, a
collaborative project, a practicum experience, or a Senior Project. It
is seen as an important attribute of the active learner, to be carefully
developed under the supervision of the faculty.
An Independent Study course is a course which is listed in the
catalog but offered to an individual student who is unable to attend a
regularly scheduled course. A Directed Study course is not listed in the
catalog but deals with a special topic and is arranged on an individual
basis by a student and a faculty member.
Contract Learning makes education hands-on, experiential, and
relevant to real world problem solving. Students learn how to concep-
tualize, plan, carry out, evaluate, and present their own work while
learning about their own interests and special abilities. A maximum of
32 credit hours earned through Independent and/or
Directed Study courses may be applied to the B.A. degree.
Credit by Examination
A maximum of 45 semester hours may be earned through institu-
tional examination or the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and
applied toward a Bachelor of Arts degree, 22 semester hours may be
applied toward the Associate of Arts degree. Credits earned by exami-
nation are not counted as part of the Alaska Pacific University residency
requirement.
Students may petition to receive credit from CLEP examinations. A
maximum of 30 semester hours will be allowed for the general exami-
nation and 15 semester hours for subject examinations. In order to
qualify, the scores must be at the percentile determined by the appro-
priate academic department.
Some Alaska Pacific University courses, as approved by depart-
ments, may be challenged through Alaska Pacific University credit by
examination program (CEP). Appropriate forms are available from the
Registrar’s Office or online through My APU. Students pay a fee and are
given a grade for the examination.
E-mail Address
All currently enrolled students will be given an Alaska Pacific
University e-mail address. This will be the student’s e-mail address for
the duration of time the student is at APU plus 12 months. This e-mail
address will be deemed the official means of communication with the
student.
Honor Policy
Alaska Pacific University is a community of learners and teachers
in which all enjoy freedoms and privileges based upon mutual trust
and respect as well as a clear sense of responsibility. This philosophy
forms the foundation of the academic and social environment at this
university.
In the academic arena, students are responsible for their own
learning while faculty members enhance these learning experiences.
Students are expected to do all work assigned, to do it honestly and
with integrity, and to ensure that the instructor has actually received
the work.
As noted in the Student Handbook, cheating on examinations,
plagiarism, or submitting the work of others as one’s own are specific
examples of prohibited conduct. Students who engage in such activities
will be subject to disciplinary measures, which may include failure in
the course or expulsion from the university. (See Student Handbook for
further information.)
Jury Duty
Students will be excused from class attendance for jury duty upon
presenting evidence of their summons. Students are expected to make
up missed class work expeditiously upon completion of their duty.
Column 1 Column 2
Personal Information
All students must provide in the first month of attending Alaska
Pacific University the following additional information: date of birth,
gender, ethnicity, race and social security number. The age, ethnicity,
and race are used to report to the federal government, in aggregate
only, as is required in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data
System (IPEDS). The social security number in combination with the
birth date is a means of identification and is required for those students
receiving federal moneys.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites are listed with the course descriptions in this catalog.
Prerequisites are designed to alert the student to the background
expected for the course. This ensures that the student can more fully
benefit from the course material. Instructor permission is required for
any student not having the prerequisites to enroll in a course. (See
individual departments for details.)
Social Security Number Corrections
A correction in social security number requires the student to bring
the social security card to the Registrar’s Office for verification.
Special Consideration
A student, whose circumstances may be exceptional, may file a
request for Special Consideration form to seek a waiver of an academic
policy. The form is available in the Registrar’s Office or online through
My APU. The specific request must be stated, along with supporting
facts and circumstances. All requests involving waivers of graduation
requirements are first considered by the Registrar, and then referred to
the appropriate department if a departmental requirement is involved
or to the Registrar’s Advisory Committee if the request pertains to a
university-wide requirement. The Registrar’s Advisory Committee
considers appeals to the Registrar’s decision. Automatic approval of
such requests should not be assumed. (See Appendix “B” for appeals
process.)
Student Records
The university maintains confidentiality of all student records. A
student may, however, obtain specific information contained in these
records as specified by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of
1974, Public Law 93-380. The annual notification of student rights under
FERPA is provided at the time of fall registration. Copies are otherwise
available from the Registrar’s and Dean of Students’ offices. Both official
and unofficial transcripts are available from the Registrar’s Office.
UNDERGRADUATE
PROGRAMS
The undergraduate “active learning” curriculum at Alaska Pacific
University (APU) includes both traditional and nontraditional features.
Combinations of class work and experiential learning—through individual
and group projects, practicum or work experiences, individualized study—
culminate in the senior project for all graduates. All undergraduate
programs lead to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees.
In addition, the Associate of Arts degree and Certificate programs are
available in some areas. The Associate and Bachelor degrees require 64
and 128 semester credits respectively.
Each degree requires work in a major, coursework rooted in the
liberal arts tradition, and electives chosen to broaden the student’s
areas of interest. These graduation requirements are described below.
Course requirements for the Associate and Bachelor degrees are listed
in the department sections of this catalog.
Undergraduate Programs 47
Alaska Pacific University
5. Laboratory Science
The GUR in laboratory science exemplifies the epistemology of
the scientific method. Students choose one course from the natural
science disciplines that offer laboratory or field components, such as
biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology, oceanography, and physics.
These courses include those with the prefixes SC and MAR. Each course
provides students with the tools to:
• observe and document nature in a systematic and integrative
way in the context of discipline paradigms
• pose and test hypotheses
• learn and utilize standard formats used to communicate their
scientific observations and experiments in writing and in
speech
6. Social/Behavioral Science
The social/behavioral sciences focus on topics emerging from
empirical investigations of human social behavior and society. Students
may select a course from specific disciplines, such as psychology,
communication, political science, or linguistics, or they may elect instead
to take a survey course addressing the social scientific enterprise and
philosophical commitments more broadly. Courses fulfilling this GUR are
noted in the Catalog and in the course schedule for each term. For each
course will:
• situate the social/behavioral sciences in relation to other
traditions focused on the question of what it means to be
human
• understand the tools and ethical practices of a scientific study of
human social behavior
• consider the self as a member of a social community
7. Humanities
In courses drawn from history, literature, philosophy, and cultural
studies, students learn to analyze and ponder questions of value and
meaning from different perspectives through reading, writing, discussion,
listening, and seeing. They come to understand and experience the
importance of personal inquiry, artistic expression, and the role of art
in societies and lives. Courses in world language and religion, beyond
the initial semester of study required for the GUR in Language or Ethical
and Religious Values, also meet these objectives. Each course requires
students to:
• explore the scholarly tools used by a particular discipline
• explore questions of history and/or origin, cultural relevance,
and meaning of ideas and artistic creations
• understand the role of historical, literary, or artistic interpretations
in culture(s)
• increase appreciation for the ways in which interpretations of
the beautiful, the true, and the good in the past inform the ways
in which we understand these in the present.
8. Ethical and Religious Values
The purpose of the Ethics and Religion GUR is to provide a broad
view from which to consider more than one aspect of spiritual or ethical
traditions. The goal of these courses is for students to gain a greater
understanding of self and society by honoring spiritual and moral values
as a foundation for leadership and multicultural development. The objec-
tives of these courses are designed to:
• introduce premises concerning the human condition, social
reality, and the development of moral values
Undergraduate Programs 49
Alaska Pacific University
Practicum/Internship/Work Experience
APU’s active learning model takes students back and forth between
theory and practice. To gain experience involving real world issues in
the major, campus undergraduate program students enroll in either a
practicum or internship, typically in the junior year; Degree Completion
students are expected to be concurrently employed.
Senior Project
The undergraduate program at Alaska Pacific culminates in the
Senior Project, undertaken in a student’s major and related to post
graduation plans. The Senior Project builds upon, and further person-
alizes, the student’s education; it combines knowledge gained with the
ability to apply that knowledge to real situations. Whatever the project,
it will be an excellent stepping stone to graduate school or immediate
entry into the workplace. Students present their senior projects to the
campus community on designated days at the end of each semester.
Electives
Students are encouraged to broaden their knowledge of areas
of interest outside the major areas, either by focusing on a minor or
branching into new fields of study.
Undergraduate Programs 50
Alaska Pacific University
Associate of Arts
Undergraduate Programs 51
Alaska Pacific University
TOTAL ***32-40
Major Requirements varies
Electives varies
Undergraduate Programs 52
Alaska Pacific University
Competency Courses
**Competency courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or
better.
Undergraduate Programs 53
Alaska Pacific University
Business Administration
Associate of Arts
Major: Business Administration
Education (K-8)
K-8 Professional Development Certificate
Associate of Arts
Major: Education
Bachelor of Arts Major
Major: Education (K-8)
Minor in Education (K-8)
Earth Sciences
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Earth Sciences
Bachelor of Science
Major: Earth Sciences
Environmental Studies
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Environmental Studies
Environmental Science
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Environmental Science
Major: Environmental Policy and Planning
Major: Marine Biology
Bachelor of Science
Major: Environmental Science
Major: Marine Biology
Minors in: Environmental Science, Marine Biology
Mathematics for Environmental Sciences
Liberal Studies
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Liberal Studies
Minor in Liberal Studies
Outdoor Studies
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Outdoor Studies
Minor in Outdoor Studies
* Pending approval.
Undergraduate Programs 54
Alaska Pacific University
Campus Undergraduate
Student Milestones
First Year Second Year Third Year Fourth Year
August November Submit GUR Apply for graduation
Students introduced Select Spring competencies in by midterm of the
to the portfolio courses Portfolio for semester before you
requirement during Consider Eco League Advisor’s review plan to graduate.
orientation option for spring of Apply to grad
2nd year schools or begin job
October search; have
Begin portfolio Complete GUR’s recommendations
Make plans for junior written
November practicum: secure
Develop Educational Sophomore seminar: all signatures and Be sure that GUR
plan begin to address prepare any needed Portfolio has been
Select Spring Major competencies risk management approved by advisor
courses plan for submission before signing up for
Discuss Portfolio Consider using during the pre- senior project
progress and initial January block for registration period.
documentation field or travel Develop senior
Pre-registration experiences Participate in Eco- project, secure all
League options. required signatures,
and prepare and
submit any needed
risk management
plan during the pre-
registration period
for the final
semester.
December
Senior projects;
Graduation exercises
January January January
Advise new students Last semester for
Eco League visit
February/March February February
Select 2nd year Select 3rd year Select 4th year
courses courses courses
Consider Eco League Consider Eco League
possibilities for 2nd possibilities for 3rd
year year
March
Address GUR
competencies for
Portfolio
April April/May
Register for fall Register for fall Register for fall Senior projects
Graduation exercises
July/August
Senior projects
Graduation exercises
Undergraduate Programs 55
Alaska Pacific University
PORTFOLIO
The Portfolio
The Portfolio process begins when students enter APU. In Intro-
duction to Active Learning seminars, students prepare the introductory
materials: autobiography, goals statements, and resume. During the
next four semesters, students collect materials to be included in the
documentation for the junior year review. Transfer students who arrive
at APU with more than 32 credits are excused from the Active Learning
seminar and are encouraged to get started with the portfolio by enrolling
in GS 20500: Initial Documentation and GS 20600: Addressing the GUR
Competencies. Students may also elect to prepare the portfolio on their
own, consulting the Portfolio Development Guide. Sophomore seminars
in each discipline include components regarding the major area compe-
tencies.
The University has identified the competencies as skills and under-
standings it expects APU graduates as educated persons to have
developed. They are not ones that are necessarily developed in any
particular class, but rather by formal and experiential learning of a
variety of sorts.
Each department has developed an additional list of competencies
it expects from its majors. These are included in the Portfolio Devel-
opment Guide or available from departments.
The competencies include the General University Competencies and
Major Area Competencies. The General University Competencies are
congruent with but not identical to the General University Requirement
courses.
Undergraduate Programs 56
Alaska Pacific University
Sophomore Seminar
In this course, students learn and put into practice the basic thought
processes, questions, and problem solving styles of the various academic
disciplines. Each department provides one sophomore-level seminar
course designed to introduce the student to the fundamental project
skills of real world professionals representative of that department.
This course teaches students how to frame a directed study that
is academically rigorous and how to design a project that yields clear
results, to evaluate those results, to manage time effectively, and to
critique one’s own work. The student will interact creatively with faculty
and peers, plan and carry out a basic but professional team project or
independent study, and critique the projects of other student teams.
Directed Study
Students are encouraged to design directed studies as opportunities
to make attachments across disciplines or to study in greater depth
areas of particular interest. Under the mentorship of a faculty member,
students pursue learning objectives they have set for themselves.
Junior Practicum
Each major offers a Practicum or Internship experience that adds
more refined and technical problem solving skills to the student’s profes-
sional repertoire. A significant part of the Junior Practicum is the planning
and execution of an individual project with greater complexity and
sophistication than projects attempted at earlier levels. The practicum
will provide experience involving real world issues in the major.
Senior Project
The undergraduate program at Alaska Pacific University culminates
in the Senior Project, undertaken in a student’s major and related to post
graduation plans. The Senior Project builds upon, and further person-
alizes, the student’s education; it combines knowledge gained with the
ability to apply that knowledge to real situations. Whatever the project,
it will be an excellent stepping stone to graduate school or immediate
entry into the workplace. Students present their senior projects to the
campus community on designated days at the end of each semester.
Undergraduate Programs 57
Alaska Pacific University
Undergraduate Programs 58
Alaska Pacific University
Business Administration
Associate of Arts
Major: Business Administration
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Accounting Information for Management
Major: Health Services Administration
Major: Business Administration and Management
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Human Services
Undergraduate Programs 59
Alaska Pacific University
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Business Administration and Management
Major: Health Services Administration
Emphasis in Non-Profit Management
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Human Services
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Associate of Arts
Major: Education (K-8)
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Education (K-8)
RANA’s online degrees are offered through its successful and recog-
nized format of high interpersonal connectivity combined with high
technological delivery. Students initiate their studies each semester with
a brief, intensive residency on campus. At the residency, students meet
with advisors and instructors, receive orientation for online courses and
technologies, and become a part of the RANA community of learners.
Following residency, students complete the majority of their studies from
home. In this distance learning phase, students meet in weekly online
Undergraduate Programs 60
Alaska Pacific University
chats for each course, and continue to work closely with their instructors
and fellow students using web-delivered systems.
Coursework necessary to meet specific degree requirements is
outlined in the APU catalogue sections for Business Administration
Department, Counseling Psychology and Human Services Department,
Education Department, and Liberal Studies Department.
ONLINE COURSES
FOR UNDERGRADUATES
Many courses are available through distance education each
semester. Please check the schedule for “APU Online” offerings for any
particular term. The courses are available to all undergraduates under
the following conditions.
* Pending approval.
Undergraduate Programs 61
Alaska Pacific University
Early Honors mainly serves students from the Anchorage and the
Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Students living outside of the Anchorage area
may be eligible, provided they have family residing within commuting
distance or they live on campus in the Residence Halls. Outstanding
home-schooled students are also encouraged to apply.
Undergraduate Programs 62
Alaska Pacific University
OPPORTUNITIES
APU is a member of an inter-college exchange group called the Eco-
League. The Eco-League is composed of five colleges and universities,
all small, all with strong programs in Environmental Science, Environ-
mental Studies, Marine Biology, Outdoor Studies, and similar programs
(Alaska Pacific University, College of the Atlantic, Green Mountain
College, Northland College and Prescott College). Through this program,
APU students in their sophomore or junior years may elect to spend up
to two, non-consecutive semesters studying at one of the Eco-League
member institutions as part of their academic program. For more infor-
mation on how to participate, go to APU’s web site: www.alaskapacific.
edu/academics/ecoleague
PROCEDURES
Outgoing Students
APU students planning on attending another Eco League Institution
need to fill out an Eco League Intent to Participate form and return it to
the Academic Dean’s office. You will also need to fill out the Registration
Form. The Registration form will need to be signed by your advisor and
returned to the Registrar’s Office. Please contact the Academic Dean’s
Office to find out who the contact person is for the Institution you plan
on attending. For more information, forms, and deadline dates go to the
APU web site - www.alaskapacific.edu/academics/ecoleague
Undergraduate Programs 63
Alaska Pacific University
UNDERGRADUATE
Academic
Degrees
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT
Alaska Pacific University’s business administration degrees are
designed to support business and professional careers. These degrees
meet the educational needs of students by offering a curriculum rich in
active learning. At the undergraduate level the department offers an
Associate of Arts in Business Administration. The department also offers
Bachelor of Arts degrees in Accounting Information for Management,
Business Administration and Management, and Health Services Admin-
istration.
Associate of Arts
in Business Administration
The Associate of Arts major in Business Administration (BA) provides
a basic understanding of business principles and prepares the student
for entry-level positions in business. Associate of Arts Degree courses
can be applied toward a Bachelor of Arts Degree. This degree is offered
completely online and in the evening for the convenience of our adult
student population. Degree Completion students may want to obtain
this degree if they have less than 60 transfer credits.
Students in the Campus Undergraduate Program who are inter-
ested in a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management,
Accounting Information for Management, or Health Services Admin-
istration may enroll in Degree Completion program degrees after
completing the requirements for the Associates of Arts degree. In this
event, students must meet the employment requirement and take
additional General University courses (GURs) to meet the Bachelor of
Arts Degree requirements.
* Also satisfies GUR’s. Credits in < angular brackets > are satisfied
by Major Requirements.
Accounting Information
for Management
Accounting Information for Management (AIM) offers a compe-
tency based curriculum designed to fit the needs of working adults.
The experiential and research based approach to the program prepares
students to:
1. Develop tools for acquiring in-depth knowledge in financial
accounting, management accounting, information systems, and
auditing.
2. Acquire in-depth knowledge in specialized areas such as
taxation, nonprofit, government, and international accounting
through elective courses and/or modules.
3. Develop ability to apply accounting knowledge to solving real
world problems.
4. Develop abilities to present, discuss, and defend views in
accounting effectively through formal and informal, written and
spoken language.
5. Understand the research process and its application in
accounting.
6. Develop intellectual skills such as abstract logical thinking,
inductive and deductive reasoning, and critical analysis.
Bachelor of Arts
in Accounting Information For Management
GENERAL UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS CREDIT HOURS
Introduction to Active Learning (IS 23300) <3>
Written Communication (LL 20100) 3-4
Speech Communication (IS 20600) <3>
Quantitative Reasoning (IS 24200) <4>
Humanities 6-8
Languages 4
Laboratory Science 4
Undergraduate Academic Degrees 66
Alaska Pacific University
* Also satisfies GUR’s. Credits in < angular brackets > are satisfied
by Major Requirements.
Business Administration
and Management
The Business Administration and Management (BAM) major includes
studies in leadership, organizational change and development, organi-
zational culture, organizational design, communication skills, quality
improvement, human resources, values and ethics, understanding
financial statements and accounting, and leadership. Research is an
integral part of the program and all participants complete a signif-
icant applied research project designed to assist them in their work
environment.
The program is for senior level managers from a number of fields,
middle managers, technical employees, and clerical personnel. Graduates
have used their degree to gain promotions, transfer to other opportu-
nities, start their own business, and go on to graduate school in such
diverse fields as teaching, health care administration, public adminis-
tration, human resource management, counseling, and business admin-
istration.
The following are the degree objectives for students in the Business
Administration and Management degree:
• Develop competencies to manage organizational changes
• Learn to identify different leadership styles and how they are used
to motivate employees and effectively manage organizations
• Understand human resource policies, procedures, and regulations
to effectively manage work force
• Develop written and oral communications skills for effective
performance in the work place
• Develop competencies in the methods of inquiry to solve
organizational problems
• Understand business financial management including financial
statement analysis, financing and investing
• Understand the law of contracts & legal and ethical issues
involved with management
Electives Available
For BAM students wishing additional experience in accounting and
finance, the program offers three electives in that field: BAM 20000,
20100, and 20200, Accounting for the Information Age I, II, and III.
Bachelor of Arts
IN Business Administration And
Management
GENERAL UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS CREDIT HOURS
Introduction to Active Learning (IS 23300) <3>
Laboratory Science 4
Social/Behavior Science (BAM 21600) <4>
Ethical and Religious Values (IS 45300) <3>
Written Communication (LL 20100) 3-4
Speech Communication (IS 20600) <3>
Quantitative Skill (IS 24200) <4>
Humanities (2 courses) 6-8
Foreign Language 4
TOTAL 17-37
MINOR in
Business Administration and Management
The Business Administration and Management minor is intended for
students majoring in other fields who wish to build the skills demanded
by businesses, public entities, and not-for-profit organizations.
Bachelor of Arts
IN Health Services Administration
GENERAL UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS CREDIT HOURS
Introduction to Active Learning (IS 23300) <3>
Written Communication (LL 20100) 4
Speech Communication (IS 20600) <3>
Quantitative Reasoning (IS 24200) <4>
Humanities 8
Languages 4
Laboratory Science 4
Social/Behavioral Science 3
Ethical and Religious Values (IS 45300) <3>
TOTAL 23-36
COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY
AND HUMAN SERVICES
DEPARTMENT
The Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services (PY)
is dedicated to the exploration and understanding of the art and science
of being human. The philosophical emphasis of the program is on positive
psychology as applied to counseling. The program provides you with a
solid foundation of knowledge blended with active/experiential learning
inside and outside the classroom. The curriculum allows you to choose
courses from a menu format to create your own specialty concentration
in counseling psychology. Possibilities for creative concentrations might
include, but are not limited to, ecopsychology and outdoor therapy,
counseling psychology and developmental studies. We challenge and
foster all of our majors to grow both personally and professionally, to be
leaders in the field, and to actively contribute to a better community and
world. Our program of study provides you with a theoretical and applied
foundation for launching you into a counseling career, further graduate
work, and lifelong learning.
As you pursue your own path of study, our goals are for you to
achieve the following competencies:
Creative Expression: demonstrates the ability to express one’s
passion in one’s own voice and/or define one’s self or world in unique
ways.
Self Understanding: demonstrates the ability to identify and value
one’s strengths as well as to identify and transform one’s weaknesses.
Critical Thinking: demonstrates the ability to analyze, synthesize,
and evaluate information and research, as well as to design, implement,
and evaluate projects.
Activism/Leadership: demonstrates the ability to create a signif-
icant positive influence on others and/or one’s environment.
Professionalism: demonstrates the ability to live the professional
ethical code of psychology by displaying behaviorally that one values
responsibility, public service, accountability, respect, excellence, and
compassion in one’s work.
Knowledge of Discipline: demonstrates the ability to identify,
interpret, and apply facts, terms, concepts, theories, and processes
germane to the field of psychology.
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
IN HUMAN SERVICES**
Associate of Arts in Human Services provides a basic understanding
of human service principles and prepares the student for entry level
positions in human services.
* Also satisfies GURs. Credits in < angular brackets > are satisfied
by Major Requirements. **Pending approval.
Bachelor of Arts
in Psychology
GENERAL UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS CREDIT HOURS
Introduction to Active Learning (GS 13500) 4
Written Communication (LL 20100) 4
Speech Communication (CO 10000) 4
Quantitative Reasoning (PY 23100) <4>
Humanities 8
Languages 4
Laboratory Science 4
Social/Behavioral Science (PY 15000) <4>
Ethical and Religious Values 4
TOTAL 32-40
* Also satisfies GUR’s. Credits in < angular brackets > are satisfied
by Major Requirements.
minor in
COUNSELING Psychology
The minor can be tailored to individual interests and career direc-
tions. The student’s academic advisor should be consulted in the selection
of the most appropriate combination of courses and other academic
experiences.
Human Services
The Human Services (HS) major is designed to meet the educational
needs of adults working in the human services field who currently do
not have a Bachelor’s degree. Taught through the Degree Completion
Program and RANA, the curriculum is competency based and designed
to use active learning to enhance the current experiences and under-
standings students bring to the classroom, to provide culturally appro-
priate models and concepts that can be applied to students’ work environ-
ments, to enhance personal growth and well-being, and to develop a
professionalism that allows students to become leaders in the human
services community.
Bachelor of Arts
IN Human Services
MINOR IN
Human Services
The Human Services Minor is intended for students majoring in other
fields whose personal or professional goals include training knowledge
and skills in the Human Services profession.
EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT
The Education Department offers a major in K-8 Education (ED)
that prepares students for a career in teaching. The Teacher Prepa-
ration Program provides a strong background in the liberal arts as well
as professional education courses.
The Teacher Preparation Program at Alaska Pacific University carries
out the holistic philosophy of the university which stresses a commitment
to Alaska’s intercultural and international heritage. Participants in the
program may pursue study at either the undergraduate or graduate
level. The undergraduate program includes a K-8 Education certificate
(for teacher aides), an Associate of Arts Degree in Education, and a
Bachelor’s Degree in Education (K-8). For graduate-level coursework,
refer to the Master of Arts in Teaching section. Coursework is designed
to:
• Prepare qualified undergraduate students to become qualified
teacher aides and/or K-8 teachers.
• Prepare those who hold baccalaureate or masters degrees in
other fields for careers as K-8 teachers.
Teacher as Professional
The Alaska Pacific University curriculum identifies five concepts
which require a broad range of knowledge and practice for development
and which serve to characterize the graduates of this institution. The
five concepts which form the basis of the curriculum are:
(1) Pedagogy
Teachers must plan, structure, and implement instruction and assess
student learning in an increasingly effective manner enabling students
to construct knowledge and to connect knowledge acquired at school
with knowledge acquired at home and in the community.
(2) Diversity
Teachers must be prepared to recognize, accept, and teach to
diversity, addressing both groups of students and individuals, recog-
nizing different perspectives and voices that represent various groups
and interests, and recognizing shared interests that create common
purposes for individuals and groups.
(3) Integrative Knowledge
Teachers must be prepared to teach central concepts, principles,
and processes of inquiry and structures of the discipline in ways that
make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students. Authentic
assessments of student abilities, attitudes, and understanding using
evaluations to determine the strengths and needs for improvement of
various educational programs and curricula are expected.
(4) Professionalism
Teachers must be prepared to search for the meanings and conse-
quences of their own knowledge and beliefs, their teaching, and schooling;
to seek out and engage in collaborative relationships-university-school
family-social and community agencies in order to provide students with
contextualized and experiential learning and to improve the professional
expertise.
(5) Technology
Teachers and other school personnel must be prepared to use educa-
tional technology to extend and enhance their ability to provide their
students with varied experiences and powerful tools for learning, as well
as preparing students for entry into a workforce that is becoming more
technologically sophisticated.
OR
MT 21000 Math Concepts 3-4
PY 15000 Introduction to Psychology: 4
Adjustment and Change
Electives varies
TOTAL (minimum) 33
Associate of Arts
in Education
The Associate of Arts degree in Education is designed to provide
individuals who are interested in becoming teachers an opportunity to
progress toward the bachelor’s degree while working to fulfill under-
graduate requirements and completing introductory course work in the
Teacher Preparation Program. Those who are currently teacher’s aides
or are interested in becoming teacher’s aides will find the course work
listed very beneficial in developing their professional skills and informing
their practice.
Note: Some courses taken for the A.A. may apply to the B.A. in
Education (K-8). Courses marked with an * require a
classroom practicum component.
Bachelor of Arts
in Education
Admissions
Admission to the Bachelor of Arts Degree Teacher Preparation
Program involves several steps. The first step is admission to the
university. The second step is to meet the prerequisite coursework listed
below. Upon successful completion of ED 21400 and posting Alaska state
qualifying scores for Praxis I, or other State-approved qualifying exams,
the student submits an application for admission to the Teacher Prepa-
ration Program Committee.
K-8 classroom teachers require a broad liberal arts background and
preparation in their undergraduate coursework in a variety of content
areas; therefore, the Teacher Preparation Program is designed to build
on the prerequisite areas.
To be considered for acceptance to the Bachelor of Arts Degree
Teacher Preparation Program, a student must first meet the following
requirements:
1. Completion of 60 pre-acceptance credit hours including 9 courses
of the 10 course General University Requirements (GUR’s)
2. Completion of the major coursework with a grade of “C” (2.00
or better)
3. A cumulative grade point average of 2.75
4. Completion of the Praxis I, or other State-approved qualifying
exam meeting Alaska qualifying score requirements required for
certification
MINOR in
education
The minor in education for non-education majors will provide a
background for educational theory, different approaches and strategies
for instruction, and recognition of diverse learner needs. Practicum
component allows applications of theory into practice within a student’s
major field of study. Students seeking an education minor are not
required to apply for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT
The Environmental Science Department offers undergraduate
degrees in Earth Sciences (B.S., B.A.), Environmental Science (B.S.,
B.A., minor), Environmental Planning and Policy (B.A.), Environmental
Studies (B.A.), and Marine Biology (B.S., B.A., minor). These degree
programs focus on a firm, conceptual understanding of the natural
world in order to more clearly view human impacts on the natural world.
Course, lab, and field work cover topics in the natural sciences, conser-
vation, resource management, environmental policy, and quantitative
approaches. Concentrations within the Environmental Science Degree
include Earth Systems Science, Biological Science, and General Environ-
mental Science. The B.S. differs from the B.A. degree in that it requires
more physical science and quantitative courses. Students who have
graduated with degrees from the Environmental Science Department
have gone on to graduate school, or found employment with environ-
mental consulting firms, industry, non-government organizations, and
government agencies.
Graduates of the Environmental Science Department degree
programs:
• Have gained knowledge in a diverse array of natural and
management sciences
• Have completed significant environmental projects including
class exercises, internships, and field experiences, culminating
in a senior project
• Possess technical abilities in mathematics, statistics, GIS, as
well as field and laboratory practices to address contemporary
environmental and natural resource issues
• Have good oral and written communication skills
Earth Sciences
The Earth Sciences major provides an integrated curriculum in
geology, meteorology, and oceanography and a solid foundation in
laboratory and field techniques. The degree program is for students
interested in the physical aspects of the environment as well as climate
and climate change, water science and policy, and ocean science and
policy. The degrees prepare students to enter professional environ-
mental careers with private consulting firms and public agencies at
the county, state, and federal level. The degrees also equips students
with the natural sciences and quantitative methodologies necessary to
pursue graduate degrees in earth sciences.
Environmental Science
The Environmental Science B.A. and B.S. degrees allow students
to focus on the natural sciences as they apply to the environment by
providing a solid foundation in laboratory and field techniques. The
B.A. in Environmental Science is tailored for students who wish to
enter the professional environmental field. The B.S. degree in Environ-
mental Science requires additional coursework in the natural sciences
and quantitative methods. This degree is especially useful for students
intending to pursue a graduate degree in environmental science or
related fields. Environmental science majors must complete the environ-
mental science Major Requirements and specify an area of concentration
in Earth Systems Science, Biological Science, or General Environmental
Science.
The Environmental Science minor offers students in other majors,
such as Outdoor Studies, Education, or Liberal Studies, an opportunity
to strengthen their analytic and scientific background.
MINOR IN
Environmental Science
MINOR REQUIREMENTS CREDIT HOURS
SC 20500 Introduction to Environmental Science 4
Select one course: 4
SC 31000 Environmental Assessment
SC 33000 Ecology
SC 40500 Environmental Ethics
Select one course: 4
MT 22000 Applied Statistics for Env. Science
MT 23000 Calculus and Analytic Geometry
SC 17000 Principles of Chemistry I
MINOR in
Mathematics for Environmental Sciences
MINOR REQUIREMENTS CREDIT HOURS
MT 32000 Advanced Statistics 4
MT 35000 Multivariable Calculus 4
Three courses (12 credits) from the list:
MT 35500 Introduction to Mathematical Proof 4
MT 36000 Differential Equations and Applications 4
MT 37000 Linear Algebra and Applications 4
MT 38000, 48000 Directed Study 4
SC 38500, 48500 Practicum as Math Tutor 4
TOTAL 20
Environmental Policy and Planning
The Environmental Policy and Planning major integrates natural
science with social and governmental processes. This combination
prepares students to respond effectively to environmental problems
and opportunities. The major provides a broad understanding of policy
and planning, including the concepts of ecosystem management
and sustainable development that actively link natural and social
systems. Students view environmental problems from a range of disci-
plinary perspectives, exploring the role of science in policy making,
analyzing social and cultural constraints, and examining methods for
conflict resolution. The interdisciplinary curriculum prepares students
for leadership positions by emphasizing management skills such as
geographic information systems (GIS), environmental and social impact
assessment, and economic analysis. Graduates are well prepared for
graduate or professional school, and environmental planning and policy
positions in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
Bachelor of Arts
in Environmental Policy and Planning
* Also satisfies GUR’s. Credits in < angular brackets > are satisfied
by Major Requirements.
Resource Electives
Select one course:
MAR 33000 Human Impacts in Marine Systems
MAR 42000 Coastal Ecosystems
OS 40500 Recreation and the Public Land Resource
SC 24500 Sustainable Communities
SC 33100 Principles of Forest Management
SC 40700 Water Resources Management
Bachelor of Arts
in Environmental Studies
GENERAL UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS CREDIT HOURS
Introduction to Active Learning (GS 13500) 4
Written Communication (LL 20100) 4
Speech Communication (CO 10000) 4
Quantitative Reasoning 4
Humanities 8
Language 4
Laboratory Science 4
Social/Behavioral Science <4>
Ethical and Religious Studies 4
TOTAL 36 -40
Concentration Areas
Environmental Studies
Marine Biology
The B.A. degree in Marine Biology (MAR) provides students with
expertise in the biological sciences applied to marine environments.
The B.S. degree in Marine Biology requires additional coursework in
the physical and natural sciences while maintaining the traditional B.A.
degree program focus on active learning and project-based learning
experiences. The B.S. degree is recommended for students who intend
to pursue a graduate degree or who intend to work professionally in the
field of marine biology. Marine Biology majors must complete 64 credit
hours in the Marine Biology Core (B.S.) and 16 credit hours of Marine
Biology electives.
The Marine Biology minor offers students in other majors, such as
Education or Liberal Studies, an opportunity to strengthen their analytic
and scientific background; and offers students in Environmental Science
an opportunity to learn applications of their field to marine systems and
resources.
minor in
Marine Biology
MINOR REQUIREMENTS CREDIT HOURS
MAR 22500 Survey of Marine Biology 4
MAR 33000 Human Impacts in Marine Systems 4
SC 16000 Principles of Biology 4
Marine Biology Electives (Lower Division) 4
Marine Biology Electives (Upper Division) 8
TOTAL 24
LIBERAL STUDIES
DEPARTMENT
The Liberal Studies Department (LS) is designed for self-directed
learners interested in the liberal arts and social sciences. Since this
department is interdisciplinary, so too are the programs of study.
Students have a choice between following one of the concentrations
in writing, literature, religion studies, philosophy, or pre-law, outlined
below or creating an individualized concentration. We encourage
students to incorporate courses from other departments into their
program. In all of these, students work with their academic advisor to
plan courses, directed studies, internships, and projects that reflect the
student’s personal and professional goals. All academic plans culminate
in a senior project, which demonstrates the student’s learning, initiative,
and interests. A Liberal Studies degree can be excellent preparation for
graduate school, law school, and teaching credential programs.
Upon graduating with a degree in Liberal Studies, a student should
demonstrate:
• Understanding of the distinctive ways in which the Social
Sciences and Humanities approach knowledge
• Appreciation of the Liberal Arts and Sciences as liberators of the
mind and spirit from narrow thinking and ignorance
• Self-Understanding and Self-Direction that encourage
postgraduate pursuits in one’s interests and values
• Activism/Community Service that recognizes the interrelations
of education and citizenship
Associate of Arts
in Career And Technical Education
Associate of Arts Career and Technical Education (CTE) Degree is a
two-year distance education degree designed in conjunction with Alaska
Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC). It provides industry subject matter
experts with the academic background, technical knowledge, skills,
and experiences to become effective trainers for career and technical
education. The major requirements incorporate active learning and are
based on “train the trainer” models, covering learning theory, instruc-
tional media, curriculum design, and instructional strategy. As part of the
A.A. requirements, students also take General University Requirements
(GUR) reflective of a liberal arts education. Students complete 32 credits
of GUR coursework through the APU RANA Distance Education Program
and 32 credits of work in the major through APU/AVTEC-developed and
taught courses, principally through distance delivery. Associate of Arts
Degree coursework can be applied toward a Bachelor of Arts degree
at a later time. GURs: Courses are offered through distance delivery
(RANA).
Humanities 4
Lab Science 4
Social/Behavioral 4
Ethic/Religious Values 4
TOTAL 31-32
Bachelor of Arts
in Liberal Studies
GENERAL UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS CREDIT HOURS
Introduction to Active Learning (GS 13500) 4
Written Communication (LL 20100) 4
Speech Communication (CO 10000) 4
Quantitative Reasoning (MT 12100, 21000, 22000, or
PH 20300) 4
Humanities 8
Languages 4
Laboratory Science 4
Social/Behavioral Science 4
Ethical and Religious Values 4
TOTAL 40
Optional Concentrations
Concentration in Literature
Statement of Purpose: The literature concentration is meant to help
students pursue their own paths of knowledge through the exploration
of great literature. Students will develop reflective self-knowledge,
creative expression and activism. This concentration will also help
students prepare for graduate work in the humanities.
Suggested Electives
GS 13300 Critical Thinking
LL 20200/30200 Creative Writing
LL 40600 Rhetoric
Second semester language
Concentration in Philosophy
Statement of Purpose: The philosophy concentration allows students
the opportunity to create a systematic program of study in how and why
we think about things the way we do. Pragmatically, it also increases
one’s critical and analytical abilities. Directed studies, the practicum,
and senior project offer students options of either breadth or depth in
particular fields of philosophy.
Suggested Courses
HI 20100 World History I
LL 40600 Rhetoric
RS 30100 Advanced Topics in Religious Studies
SS 10500 Intro to Anthropology, Sociology
Concentration in Pre-Law
Statement of Purpose: No specific undergraduate major is required
for admission to law schools, but students considering this profession, or
who want a rigorous and interdisciplinary curriculum, may find a prelaw
concentration attractive. The combination of GUR courses and these
listed below meet the recommendations of the American Bar Associa-
tion’s “Preparation for Legal Education.”
Recommended Courses
Select one course:
BA 21600 Survey of Economics
BAM 36100 Law and Citizenship
HI 20100 World History I, II
PY 15000 Intro to Psychology
SS 10500 Intro to Social Sciences
Suggested Courses
HI 20100 World History I. II
PH 20200 Intro to Ethics
SS 10500 Intro to Anthropology, Sociology
Concentration in Writing
Statement of Purpose: Writing well, whether for personal satisfaction
or professional purposes, is a fundamental ability. This concentration
offers students a liberal education in writing theory and practice. Students
will be well prepared for career opportunities and for graduate studies in
literature, rhetoric, linguistics, and creative writing programs.
MINor in
Liberal Studies
A minor in Liberal Studies provides students with an opportunity to
participate in lively and open discussion of current philosophical, social,
and aesthetic issues, to pursue personal interests (including fiction
writing, photography, and theater) not addressed in more structured
programs of study, and enhance those skills (such as oral and written
communication) which employers identify as desirable in prospective
employees, and essential for increased mobility in organizations.
Because the minor in Liberal Studies gives wide latitude to students
in choosing their coursework, students need to meet with an advisor in
the Liberal Studies Department to set up the course of study. This plan
should be completed before beginning the senior year.
The minor will consist of a total of 20 hours of course work, excluding
those Liberal Studies courses that are counted toward General University
Requirements or first year language credits.
OUTDOOR STUDIES
DEPARTMENT
The Outdoor Studies Department offers the following degree
programs:
Outdoor Studies, B.A., or minor
Optional concentrations offered in:
Outdoor Education, Wilderness Therapy,
Commercial Recreation/Tourism, or Land Management
Block courses require that students pay lab fees to help offset the
costs associated with the higher instructor student ratios necessary for
safe wilderness travel. Alaska Pacific University has arranged an articu-
lation agreement with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
for applicable course work. APU courses use public lands including the
Chugach National Forest and Alaska State Parks.
Bachelor of Arts
in Outdoor Studies
GENERAL UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS CREDIT HOURS
Introduction to Active Learning (GS 13500) 4
Written Communication (LL 20100) 4
Speech Communication (CO 10001) 4
Quantitative Reasoning (MT 22000) <4>
Humanities 8
Languages 4
Laboratory Science 4
Social/Behavioral Science 4
Ethical and Religious Values 4
TOTAL 36 -40
* Also satisfies GURs. Credits in < angular brackets > are satisfied
by Major Requirements.
PE 10300 Run/Ski/Bouldering(1)
PE 20300 Skate Skiingn (1)
SC 21500 Glaciology and Glacier Travel (4)
Outdoor Education
ED 21400 Exploring the Learning Community 2
ED 24100 Creative Expressions 4
ED 45300 Multicultural Education 3
OS 40200 Outdoor Education 4
OS 40300 AK Natural History Interpretation 4
OS 40400 Recreation Research 4
PY 34000 Abnormal Psychology 3-4
SC 11000 Natural History of AK 4
ED/OS 38500 Practicum with Outdoor Education 3-12
concentration
Wilderness Therapy
PY 15000 Introduction to Psychology 4
PY 21500 Lifespan Human Development 4
PY 25000 Nature and Psychological Well-Being 4
PY 30000 Methods of Investigation: Research 4
Psychology
PY 30500 Individuality and Group Process 3-4
PY 33000 The Psychology of Substance Abuse 4
PY 34000 Abnormal Psychology 3-4
PY 35000 Psychotherapeutic Uses of the Wilderness 4
PY/OS 38500 Practicum with Wilderness Therapy 3-12
concentration
Commercial Recreation/Tourism
BA 10300 Foundations of Business 4
BA 20400 Survey of Accounting 4
BA 20700 Marketing 4
BAM 21600 Survey of Economics 4
BAM 30200 Business Finance 3
OS 40100 The Business of Recreation 4
OS 40400 Recreation Research Methods 4
OS 40500 Recreation and the Public Land Resource 4
BA/OS 38500 Practicum with Recreation and Tourism 3-12
concentration
Land Management
OS 40300 Alaska Natural History Interpretation 4
OS 40400 Recreation Research Methods 4
OR
SC 49800 Research Methods
minor in
Outdoor Studies
The Outdoor Studies minor provides students the ability to customize
their major by gaining knowledge and experience of the outdoor recre-
ation profession. Some directed study course work may be applied to
the minor.
UNDERGRADUATE
ACADEMIC COURSES,
ABBREVIATIONS,
AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Course/Subject Abbreviation
Accounting AC
Business Administration BA
Business Administration and Management BAM
Communication CO
Cultural Studies CS
Career and Technical Education CTE
Education ED/EDI
Fine Arts FP
General Studies (Liberal Studies) GS
Health Services Administration HSA
History HI
Human Services HS
Humanities HU
Interdisciplinary Studies IS
Language, Literature, and Writing LL
Liberal Studies LS
Marine Biology MAR
Mathematics MT
Outdoor Studies OS
Philosophy PH
Physical Education PE
Psychology PY
Religious Studies RS
Science SC
Social Sciences SS
AC – Accounting
(Offered through the Business Administration Department)
BA - Business Administration
(Offered through the Business Administration Department)
for completing senior project, select a topic, and defend it. Extensive
reading on the topic is required in this course. The paper must include
a description of the senior project, scope, purpose, and a review of the
literature. Senior project courses must be completed sequentially. The
student must complete work required in BA 49700 before beginning
work on BA 49800. Prerequisites: LL 20100, BA 20000, BA 21500, and
senior standing.
CO – Communication
(Offered through the Liberal Studies Department)
CS – Cultural Studies
(Offered through the Liberal Studies Department)
10200, CTE 20100-CTE 20200, CTE 20600, (CTE 20300-CTE 20500 can
be taken concurrently with Internship). Offered as needed.
ED - Education
(Offered through the Education Department)
the basic question of “What do you want your kids to know, and why
should they know it?” The role of Shared Vision within a model for school
improvement will be discussed. Participants will examine the roles of all
stakeholders, processes for developing a shared vision and implications
for quality education. Offered as needed.
FP - Fine Arts
(Offered through the Liberal Studies Department)
GS – General Studies
(Offered through the Liberal Studies Department)
HI – History
(Offered through the Liberal Studies Department)
HS – Human Services
(Offered through the Counseling Psychology and Human Services
Department)
what it is, how it affects their services, and how to direct its efforts to
improvement of health care delivery. Offered Summer.
HU – Humanities
(Offered through the Liberal Studies Department)
IS – Interdisciplinary Studies
(Offered through the Business Administration Department)
LS – Liberal Studies
(Offered through the Liberal Studies Department)
must provide their own dive gear including dry suit. Classroom, pool and
open water sessions. Prerequisites: Advanced Open water certification
(MAR 11500), CPR & First Aid. Offered Spring.
Travel costs are expected to range between $1000 and $2000. Prerequi-
sites: MAR 33000 and SC 33000 or equivalent. Offered Spring.
MT - Mathematics
(Offered through the Environmental Science Department)
OS - Outdoor Studies
(Offered through the Outdoor Studies Department)
sizes the ability to teach ethics and skills to different audiences. The
course includes a minimum of four eight-hour days and at least three
nights camping in the field. Upon successfully completing the course,
the student will receive a LNT Master Educator certification that is recog-
nized in the outdoor industry internationally. Lab fee includes the certi-
fication fee. Prerequisite: OS 11000. Offered Fall.
includes static and dynamic loads, technical rope skills, the tandem
prusik belay, pulley systems, highlines, and assorted single and double
rope rescue methods. Prerequisite: OS 11400. Offered Summer.
PE – Physical Education
(Offered through the Outdoor Studies Department)
PH – Philosophy
(Offered through the Liberal Studies Department)
PY – Psychology
(Offered through the Counseling Psychology and Human Services
Department)
other faculty members of the student’s choice, one from Psychology and
the other from another department. Prerequisite: Senior status. Offered
Fall/Spring.
RS – Religion Studies
(Offered through the Liberal Studies Department)
printed in class schedules for the term in which the course is offered.
Satisfies the Humanities GUR. Offered Fall/Spring.
(Topic course number range from RS 30301 to RS 30399 in schedule)
Selected Topics:
Colossians & Ephesians Corinthian Correspondence
Galatio Gospel According to Matthew
Gospel of Mark John
Luke Luke’s Sequel: The Book of Acts
Non-Canonical Gospels Old Testament
Pauline Epistles Revelations
Women in the Biblical World Paul’s Epistle to the Romans
SC – Science
(Offered through the Environmental Science Department)
completed a science course and are only taking this course to acquire
the laboratory component. Offered Fall.
SS – Social Sciences
(Offered through the Liberal Studies Department)
International Students
International students are students who do not have United States
residency. International students wishing to apply for a graduate program
must submit the following to the Admissions Office:
1. Application for Graduate admission. Follow the application
requirements in the Graduate application and submit materials
by the deadline stated in the application or the following
deadlines (whichever is earlier):
Fall Semester June 1
Spring Semester September 1
2. Supplemental application for International Student admission.
3. Supporting financial documentation. Present financial
documentation to support the information provided under
the Annual Budget Section of the supplemental application.
Supporting documents must be supplied for each person or
party who will be providing you with financial assistance. The
documents should reflect the individual’s financial history.
Examples of supporting documents include: several months’
bank statements, a letter from an employer stating period of
employment, planned continued employment and yearly salary,
tax returns, or a U.S. Immigration Form I-134 Affidavit of
Support (for students who have a financial sponsor in the United
States). All documents must be officially translated into English
Graduate Policies and Procedures 167
Alaska Pacific University
Admission Categories
Full Admission
Full Admission status is assigned to students whose completed appli-
cation meets the requirements for admission to the university. Financial
assistance can be disbursed to students who have been fully admitted
to the university.
Early Admission
Early Admission status is assigned to students whose applications
are complete enough to determine that they meet the requirements
for admission to the university, but are missing elements necessary for
completion of the admission process. Students in this status may not
register for classes and are not eligible for financial aid.
Admission Hold
Admission Hold status is assigned to students who have received
Early Admission status and wish to register for classes prior to completion
of their application. This status requires that the student submit missing
application elements within six-weeks of registration. The Student
Financial Services Office will hold all approved awards until all appli-
cation elements are received and the student is granted Full Admission
status. Upon Full Admission, the Financial Aid Department will disburse
approved awards. If the student does not meet the six-week deadline,
they may be withdrawn from their academic program pending discussion
with the Academic Dean or appropriate Program Director and placed
in a Non-Degree Seeking program status. As a Non-Degree Seeking
student, the student will be required to pay full tuition in order to remain
registered. The student’s approved financial aid awards may also be
withdrawn. The Admissions Office will monitor and update the appli-
cation files.
Provisional Admission
Provisional Admission status is assigned to graduate students who
have been admitted but still need to complete program prerequisites or
remedial and/or tutorial work while enrolled at the University. This status
is granted by the appropriate Program Director. The time limit required
for completion of this work will be determined by the Program Director
Graduate Policies and Procedures 169
Alaska Pacific University
that grants this status. Students who have not satisfactorily completed
the specified requirements, within the prescribed time period, will have
their enrollment revoked.
Wait Listed
Waitlisted status is assigned to those students who apply to APU and
meet academic standards of the University, but due to circumstances,
such as lateness, need to be placed on an academic Wait List by the
program director.
Admission Denied
Admission Denied status is assigned to students whose applications
do not meet the minimum requirements for admission to the University.
Students who are denied admission may contest such decisions by
petitioning the Graduate Studies Committee.
Graduate Assistantships
Each graduate program offers a limited number of graduate assis-
tantships. The assistantships are available in the form of tuition waivers
for a specific number of semester hours of course work. Graduate assis-
tants provide research, instruction, or related project assistance for the
department. The Graduate Assistantship application and the application
procedures are included in the Application for Graduate Admission.
FINANCIAL AID
process any applicable refunds. This allows APU adequate time to verify
the student’s enrollment and attendance in all classes. As mentioned
above, drops and adds affect the student’s eligibility for all types of
financial aid. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure they are
enrolled in the required number of credits for each type of aid they are
receiving; ie: Institutional awards require 9 or more; loans require six
credits or more and etc. Federal regulations require a 30 day hold on all
loan funds for first year undergraduates. Students must be enrolled in at
least six credits at the time their loan funds are disbursed.
Students who have a credit balance on their account after Federal
Aid is received may request a bookstore voucher for their books. The
cost of the books will be added the student’s account, thus reducing the
credit balance to be refunded.
If a student’s Federal Aid is applied to their account after the census
date and a credit balance is created, the refund will be processed within
14 days.
Refund checks will be disbursed from Student Financial Services
(SFS) and will require picture ID and student signature. If the student
is unable to pick it up in person, they will be required to provide written
authorization along with a copy of some form of identification (e-mail
is acceptable) for SFS to mail the refund check to the address specified
by the student.
Discontinuance of Attendance
Students who drop classes may have their financial aid reduced
if they then fall below the full-time/part-time credit requirement for a
particular type of financial aid. Students who withdraw from APU must
notify the Student Financial Services Office and the Registrar so that
refund calculations or late disbursements may be made. Students who
withdraw from APU may be required to begin immediate student loan
repayment. Federal regulations require all student loan borrowers to
participate in Exit Loan Counseling whenever they withdraw or graduate
from APU, for students to understand their rights and responsibilities as
borrowers. To complete Exit Loan Counseling session online, go to www.
mappingyourfuture.org.
Reinstatement:
1. Appeals: A student whose financial aid has been suspended
may submit a written appeal to Student Financial Services within 30
days of notification of his/her non-compliance. The appeal must include
any extenuating circumstances (such as student illness or the death
of an immediate family member). The student must complete the APU
Appeals Forms in full and submit all required documentation required
to be considered for reinstatement of financial aid. Appeal forms are
available in SFS.
2. Makeup: A student who does not wish to appeal or whose
appeal has been denied may regain eligibility the semester following the
completion of the required number of hours and the attainment of the
required cumulative grade point average.
Any account not paid in full by the due date, will be automatically
submitted to Tuition Management Systems (TMS) to set up a monthly
payment plan. If payments are missed, late fees will be charged and
you will not be allowed to register for the upcoming semester until the
account is paid in full.
Employer Reimbursements
Students must pay their billing account in full or set up a payment
plan through Tuition Management Systems (TMS). At the student’s
request, SFS will send a statement to the employer showing their billing
account has been paid in full allowing the student to be reimbursed.
The meal plan includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday through
Friday, and brunch and dinner on the weekends, holidays, and non-class
days. Students living in South or North Atwood are required to be on
the Meal Plan.
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Grading System
The following letter grade system is used:
D Unacceptable 1.00
F Failure 0.00
In Progress (IP)***
The IP grade may be given to indicate that a graduate thesis is still
in progress if the student is making satisfactory progress. A continuation
fee, equal to the cost of one graduate credit, will be charged for each
semester the IP is extended.
Withdrawal (W) #
Students who wish to withdraw from a course and receive a “W”
grade must drop the course prior to completion of 80% of the term.
(See Academic Calendar for specific dates.) The “W” grade may not be
granted after that date unless the student files a Request for Special
Consideration and the “W” grade is approved.
Academic Advising
Each student is assigned an academic advisor by the graduate
program director. The academic advisor provides the student with the
intellectual framework in which to make informed decisions regarding
academic pursuits at Alaska Pacific University.
Continuous Enrollment
Students who enroll, pay fees and attend classes at Alaska Pacific
University are in a continuous enrollment status for the current and
subsequent semesters. Reapplication to the University is required if
enrollment is interrupted for a period of greater than twelve consecutive
months (three consecutive semesters).
Adding Courses
Students may add courses through the late registration period
through one of the following methods:
• Student Portal
• Registrar’s Office, by:
o Completing the ADD section of the Change of Class
Schedule form
o E-mailing the Registrar’s Office via your APU E-mail
account
After the late registration period, students may add a course with
the approval of the instructor and their advisor.
Dropping Courses
Students must complete the DROP section of the Change of Class
Schedule (available at the Registrar’s Office) and promptly returned to
the Registrar’s Office for processing or request to drop via your APU
e-mail addressed to the Registrar’s Office. Please copy your advisor
and instructor with the request. Classes dropped after the late regis-
tration period of a class appear on the student’s academic record with a
withdrawal grade. The only exception to the policy is when the University
cancels a course. Under those circumstances the Registrar’s Office will
process a withdrawal for the affected classes.
The date the course will be dropped is the date the form is received
by the Registrar’s Office staff.
Students who wish to withdraw from a course and receive a “W”
grade must drop the course prior to completion of 80% of the term
(see academic calendar for specific dates). The “W” grade may not be
granted after that date unless the student files a Request for Special
Consideration and the “W” grade is approved.
Faculty-Initiated Drop
Prior to the published census date of a term, a faculty member may
initiate a drop from a class of a student who fails to meet published
individual course requirements or who fails to attend class.
Graduation Application
Students must apply for graduation as follows:
November 1 May graduation
March 1 August graduation
July 1 December graduation
Interruption in Enrollment
If enrollment is interrupted for a period of greater than twelve
consecutive months (three consecutive semesters), the student must
reapply for admission and meet admission and degree requirements in
existence at the time of his or her readmission, unless a request for a
Leave of Absence has been filed with, and approved by, the Registrar
prior to departure. Requests for a Leave of Absence are made by
completing a Request for Special Consideration form available from the
Registrar’s Office or online through My APU.
Leave of Absence
A granted Leave of Absence allows students to retain their gradu-
ation catalog.
If, during the leave of absence, the student plans to take course
work elsewhere and transfer the credits to Alaska Pacific University,
the request for leave must include specific information regarding the
planned program. To ensure that these credits are transferred to Alaska
Pacific University, the program must be approved by the student’s Alaska
Pacific University advisor and the courses must be completed with a
grade of “B” (3.00) or better for a graduate program.
Students whose absence from the university is less than 12 consec-
utive months are not required to reapply for admission; however, credits
taken at any other institution during the absence from Alaska Pacific
University will not be accepted for transfer unless permission to take
such courses was granted in advance, and appropriate grades have
been earned as described in the preceding paragraph.
Requests for a Leave of Absence are made by completing a Request
for Special Consideration form available from the Registrar’s Office or
through My APU.
Students not attending a summer semester are not required to
request a Leave of Absence.
Off-Campus Enrollment
Once enrolled at Alaska Pacific University, students may not take
courses elsewhere and transfer them to Alaska Pacific University, unless
the arrangement is approved in advance.
Registration Requirements
Students are officially registered if registering through Web Portal or
the Registrar’s Office. Graduate students are considered full-time if they
are enrolled in 9 or more credits per semester (spring, summer, fall).
Semester Information
Alaska Pacific University has three semesters per year: spring,
summer, and fall. Within a semester are multiple terms: Block, Session,
and Module. For specific semester and term dates, please see the
academic calendar.
Transfer Credit
Transfer courses must be graduate degree level with a grade of
“B” (3.00) or better. Please refer to Limitation of Time section of this
catalog up to (including) one-third of the credits required for a Master’s
degree at Alaska Pacific University will be allowed to come from other
accredited institutions. The program director will implement this policy
based upon which credits are appropriate for the program.
Graduate Policies and Procedures 183
Alaska Pacific University
Academic Standing
Address Changes
Updates to the Local, billing, or home (permanent) address, phone
or e-mail may be done (1) in person at the Registrar’s Office, OR (2) by
sending an email through student’s APU e-mail account to the Regis-
trar’s Office email with the change in information.
Comprehensive Examinations
Examination dates are available in the individual graduate program
offices.
E-mail Address
All currently enrolled students will be given an Alaska Pacific
University e-mail address. This will be the student’s e-mail address for
the duration of time the student is at APU plus 12 months. This e-mail
address will be deemed the official means of communication with the
student.
Honor Policy
Alaska Pacific University is a community of learners and teachers
in which all enjoy freedoms and privileges based upon mutual trust
and respect as well as a clear sense of responsibility. This philosophy
forms the foundation of the academic and social environment at this
university.
In the academic arena, students are responsible for their own
learning while faculty members enhance these learning experiences.
Students are expected to do all work assigned, to do it honestly and
with integrity, and to ensure that the instructor has actually received
the work.
As noted in the Student Handbook, cheating on examinations,
plagiarism, or submitting the work of others as one’s own are specific
examples of prohibited conduct. Students who engage in such activities
will be subject to disciplinary measures, which may include failure in
the course or expulsion from the university. (See Student Handbook for
further information.)
Independent/Directed Study
With the exception of MAP Students, enrollment in either Independent
or Directed Study courses is limited to nine or less credit hours per
student. See individual graduate program.
Jury Duty
Students will be excused from class attendance for jury duty upon
presenting evidence of their summons. Students are expected to make
up missed class work expeditiously upon completion of their duty.
Limitation of Time
All coursework must be completed within a seven-year period. The
date of entry into the first course of a student’s graduate program,
including work for which transfer credit is allowed, is viewed as the
starting point of the seven-year period. If a course taken to complete
the requirements for the master’s degree does not fall within the seven-
year period allowed for the degree, the course, with departmental
approval, may be retaken for credit. Otherwise, another course of equiv-
alent credit hours must be substituted in the program.
Name Change
Students may initiate an official name change by presenting of the
following:
—OR—
Select ONE from EACH column
Column 1 Column 2
Personal Information
All students must provide in the first month of attending Alaska
Pacific University the following additional information: date of birth,
gender, ethnicity, race and social security number. The age and ethnicity
are used to report to the federal government, in aggregate only, as
is required in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
(IPEDS). The social security number in combination with the birth date
Graduate Policies and Procedures 186
Alaska Pacific University
Prerequisites
Prerequisites are listed with the course descriptions. Prerequisites
are designed to alert the student to the background expected for the
course. This ensures that the student can more fully benefit from the
course material. Instructor permission is required for any student not
having the prerequisites to enroll in a course. (See individual program
prerequisites.)
Special Consideration
A student whose circumstances may be exceptional may file a
request for Special Consideration form to seek a waiver of an academic
policy. The form is available in the Registrar’s Office or online through
My APU. The specific request must be stated, along with supporting facts
and circumstances. All requests involving waivers of graduation require-
ments are first considered by the Registrar. The Registrar’s Advisory
Committee or the Graduate Studies Committee considers appeals to the
Registrar’s decision. Automatic approval of such requests should not be
assumed. (See Appendix “B” for appeals process.)
Student Records
The university maintains confidentiality of all student records. A
student may, however, obtain specific information contained in these
records as specified by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
of 1974, Public Law 93-380. (See Student Handbook for further infor-
mation.) Both official and unofficial transcripts are available from the
Registrar’s Office.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Business Administration
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Business Administration Concentration
in Finance
Master of Business Administration Concentration
in Health Services Administration (MBA/HSA)
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Entrepreneurship
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Investments
Executive MBA in Information and Communication
Technology (MBAICT)
Education
Teacher Certification Only-Option Program (CO-OP)
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Environmental Science
Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES)
Outdoor Studies
Master of Science in Outdoor and Environmental
Education (MSOEE)
GRADUATE
ACADEMIC
DEGREES
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT
Admissions
The general requirements for admission to graduate studies at APU
are found at the beginning of the section describing graduate programs.
In addition, there are several specific requirements for the MBA program,
and the MBA/HSA program as follows:
1. Resume. Submit a current resume.
2. Letters of Recommendation. Submit three current letters of
recommendation, using the Recommendation Forms in the
admissions packet.
3. Standardized Test. (Unless waived by the program director).
Submit scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Alaska Pacific’s
GRE and GMAT reporting code is 4201. For more information on
score criteria please see below.
4. Official Transcripts. Submit official transcripts from the institution
which conferred the undergraduate degree. General graduate
admission standards for APU are a 3.0 or better for completed
baccalaureate work.
5. Essay. Please submit a 500-800 word essay addressing your
personal and professional goals as they relate to your motivation
to obtain an MBA or a MBA with a concentration in Health
Services Administration.
6. Admission Deadline. Application deadline: August 1 for Fall
semester, December 1 for Spring semester, and April 1 for
Summer semester.
Prerequisites
Students are adequately prepared for MBA entry if they have a
bachelor’s degree in business or a related discipline which includes
courses in accounting, finance, economics, and management, with math
competency through algebra and statistics. The faculty encourages
students with a wide variety of undergraduate experiences to apply for
admission. Students with non-business majors are welcome. If, however,
a student’s undergraduate transcript does not demonstrate adequate
preparation in mathematics and business, the student may be admitted
and required to take prerequisite courses. Prerequisite courses do not
count toward the MBA MBA/HSA, or MBAICT degrees. Students may also
demonstrate that they have acquired prerequisite knowledge through
work experience or self-study.
Economics Menu
MBA 62400 Managerial Economics 3
I: Non-Thesis Option:
MBA Electives (May include MCT 66700 Technological
and Organizational Innovation or ES 66000) 11 or 12
TOTAL 36
MBA students may take up to six (6) credits of upper division under-
graduate course work in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements.
The student’s advisor and Program Director must approve the courses
in advance of enrollment.
Graduate Academic Degrees 191
Alaska Pacific University
Concentration in
Finance
For those interested in finance, the MBA with a Concentration in
Finance provides the breadth of the MBA with the depth required for a
career in finance. It also offers the opportunity to further learn about
securities, portfolio management, bonds, and investment theory, and to
gain hands-on experience managing the Student Fund. Requirements
for admission are the same as those for the MBA program.
Economics Menu
MBA 624 Managerial Economics 3
Finance Menu
MBA 616 Fundamentals of Financial Instruments
and Institutions 1
MBA 670 Corporate Finance 3
MBA 675 Investments 4
2 semesters of MBA 683 Fund Management Practicum 2
Marketing Menu
MBA 642 Marketing Management 3
Quantitative Menu
MBA 652 Intermediate Statistics for Management 3
MBA 653 Spreadsheet Modeling and Simulation 3
TOTAL CREDITS 36
concentration in
Health Services Administration
Health Services Administration is a concentration within the MBA
Program at APU. This program builds foundational, analytical, and
integrated knowledge of the health service industry. The program is
aimed at current and future managers and administrators in organi-
zations involved with providing health services, major customers of
health service providers, and entities involved with developing and
implementing health service policies. The program is based on solid
business fundamentals with applications to a variety of health service
settings, including the private sector (both for profit and not-for-profit),
Graduate Academic Degrees 192
Alaska Pacific University
the public sector (local, state, and federal), and Native health service
providers. Courses are scheduled to accommodate the needs of working
professionals and can be completed in two years based upon a sustained
enrollment in 2 courses per semester (including summers and/or shorter
block courses).
The following are the degree objectives for Health Services Admin-
istration:
• Learn the business of health services such that its strategies
and growth are soundly based in effective leadership and other
business practices
• Enhance skills in critical thinking, ethics, and information literacy
leading to better leadership decisions
• Contribute to the community of health services administration
in Alaska while mastering business management skills
• Apply knowledge of systems to health services in Alaska,
relating it to the national and global markets as a business, and
to demographics as a provider of care to individuals
• Investigate technology options that increase the health
services administrator’s ability to provide services locally while
simultaneously participating in national initiatives of information
interoperability and security
AND
OR
EXECUTIVE
master of business administration
IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY
The only degree of its kind in the state of Alaska.
The following are the degree objectives for the MBAICT program:
• A basic understanding of the major technologies currently in
use in the telecommunications and information industries,
including emerging developments. Included are circuit switched
technologies, packet switched technologies, both wireless
and wireline analog and digital services, LANs, WANs, WiFi,
WiMax, 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, cable television, cable modems, radio
technologies, satellite, broadcast, internet, etc.
• An appreciation of the benefits and costs of using various
technologies to meet the needs of a variety of end-users
• An understanding of the major regulatory regimes that govern
each type of telecommunications service, including the rationale
for such regulations and a critical view of regulatory issues. This
includes an overview of how regulatory practice has evolved in
other countries
• A broad range of managerial skills including the importance and
practice of accounting, finance, marketing, management, and
law. Students will appreciate the importance of these functions
to the operation of telecommunications firms, as well as be able
to integrate these areas in the context of particular business
models
• Exposure to, and analysis of, a variety of strategic options,
including financial, technical, value chain, marketing, and
organizational dimensions
• An appreciation for the importance of, and boundaries for, ethical
management decisions
• An understanding of how globalization provides both opportunities
and constraints on stakeholders in the industry
Admissions
The general requirements for admission to graduate studies at APU
are found at the beginning of the section describing graduate programs.
In addition, there are several specific requirements for the MBAICT
program as follows:
1. Resume. Submit a current resume.
2. Letters of Recommendation. Submit two current letters of
recommendation, using the Recommendation Forms in the
Admissions packet.
3. Work Experience. A minimum of 2 years appropriate managerial
experience required; 5 years preferred; or concurrent enrollment
in another APU MBA program.
4. Undergraduate work. Undergraduate degree or equivalent.
Submit official transcripts from all previous institutions.
5. Application Deadline. August 1 for Fall semester, December 1 for
Spring semester, and April 1 for Summer semester.
Prerequisites
Students are adequately prepared for MBAICT entry if they have
a bachelor’s degree in business or a related technical discipline, along
with managerial work experience in the telecommunications/infor-
mation technology sector. Coursework or work experience in accounting,
finance, economics, and management, with math competency through
algebra and statistics is expected. Students with non-business majors
are welcome, and the faculty encourages students with a wide variety
of undergraduate experience to apply for admission. If, however, a
student’s undergraduate transcript does not indicate adequate prepa-
ration in mathematics and business, the student may be admitted and
required to take some prerequisite courses. Students may also demon-
strate that they have acquired prerequisite knowledge through work
experience or self-study.
MBAICT
Degree Requirements
Satisfactory completion of 36 semester hours to include 16 credits of
required MBA courses as follows:
Quantitative Menu 3
MBA 65200 Intermediate Statistics
MBA 65300 Spreadsheet Modeling and Simulation
MBA 65400 Systems Thinking and Simulation
Required MCT Courses 9
MCT 66100 Information and Communication Technology
and Theory
MCT 66300 Telecommunications and Information Policy
and Regulation
MCT 66500 Technology and Intellectual Property Marketing
and Strategy
Electives 11+
ES 66000 Introduction to GIS (Geographic Information
Systems)
ES 66500 Applied GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
MBA 62700 Entrepreneurship
MBA 62800 E-Business
MCT 66000 Overview of Information and Communication
Technology
MCT 66200 Managing Network Security
MCT 66700 Technological and Organizational Innovation
MCT 66900 Financial Technology and Systems
MCT 68000 Directed Study
MCT 68500 Internship
MCT 69200 Special Topics
International Study
Several courses are available in two week blocks in Austria and
China. Check the website for current offerings and details.
MBA ICT students may take up to six (6) credits of upper division
undergraduate course work in partial fulfillment of the degree require-
ments. The student’s advisor and Program Director must approve the
courses in advance of enrollment.
COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY
AND HUMAN SERVICES
DEPARTMENT
Master of Science
in Counseling Psychology
The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP) is a
selective, rigorous program for the creative adult who plans to become
a mental health practitioner or enter a doctoral program. It is eclectic
in theoretical orientation and committed to celebrating diversity within
the range of professional mental health approaches and techniques.
While training students in a wide variety of counseling modalities, the
MSCP program also encourages students to explore and develop their
own special interests within the field, to formulate their own philosophy
of counseling, and to prepare for state licensure as a Professional
Counselor.
The following are the degree objectives for Master of Science in
Counseling Psychology:
• To have increased knowledge and understanding of subjects
across the breadth of the counseling field
• To have demonstrated professional level counseling skills in a
variety of counseling modalities
• To have developed a greater understanding and recognition of
their own passions and interests within the field of counseling
as well as recognition of their own strengths and weaknesses
related to the practice of counseling
• To have polished written and verbal communication skills to the
level of being able to conduct professional presentations; to
meet academic and internship requirements of licensure as a
Professional Counselor.
Admissions
The catalog section on Graduate Student admissions lists university
requirements. In addition, there are several specific requirements for
the MSCP program as follows:
1. Essay. Please address as completely as possible the following
areas:
a) What are your reasons for wanting to obtain an advanced
degree in Counseling Psychology?
b) What are your short-term and long-term goals, or how do
you see yourself as contributing toward the improvement
of a social or community problem in your area?
c) The MSCP Program is designed to be an academically
intense and experientially demanding program. If
admitted, we (the faculty) plan to create and maintain an
intellectually and personally challenging experience for
you. Therefore, please describe how you plan to balance
graduate school, work, and personal life (i.e.
relationships, family, etc.).
Prerequisites
Students must have met the following prerequisites before beginning
the MSCP program:
The program director will advise students who have questions on the
prerequisites whether their specific coursework is applicable. Students
may complete prerequisites at Alaska Pacific as non-degree seeking
students.
Admission to Candidacy
After the student has completed a full academic year (24 credits), a
first year evaluation will be conducted. The student must pass the first
year review and have received at least a ‘B’ in all coursework in order
to be admitted to degree candidacy. The student must be admitted
to candidacy before he or she will be approved for the internship and
subsequent completion of the Counseling Psychology program.
education department
Certification Only – Option Program
Program Description
The Certification Only-Option Program for teachers (CO-OP) has
been designed for those individuals who have completed a bachelor’s
degree and wish to obtain their K-8 teaching certificate in the state of
Alaska. The program allows one to complete the 27 credits of training
and course work at his/her own pace to become licensure eligible. Candi-
dates gain valuable practical experience by completing structured and
supervised practicums in elementary and middle school classrooms and
environments.
The Certification Only-Option Program (CO-OP) leads to teacher
licensure. Students completing the program will meet the following State
of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Standards
for teachers.
A teacher:
• can describe the teacher’s philosophy of education and
demonstrate its relationship to the teacher’s practice.
• understands how students learn and develop, and applies that
knowledge to the teacher’s practice.
• teaches students with respect for their individual and cultural
characteristics.
• knows the teacher’s content area and how to teach it.
• facilitates, monitors, and assesses student learning.
• creates and maintains a learning environment in which all
students are actively engaged and contributing members.
• works as a partner with parents, families, and with the
community.
• participates in and contributes to the teaching profession.
• knows technology and its educational utilization.
Admissions
1. Complete the Alaska Pacific University Graduate Program
application
2. Include transcripts from all universities attended
3. Pass the PRAXIS I or other state approved qualifying exam with
scores at or above the Alaska requirements
4. Provide a copy of an Alaska State Troopers Background Check to
the Education Department
5. Provide references from three (3) education professionals; at
least one must be a school Principal
Examination Requirement
Meet Alaska scores on the Elementary PRAXIS II (either exam) and/
or on at least one Middle School content area PRAXIS II the semester
before student teaching
Program Description
This degree is specifically designed for people who have completed
the Certification Only Option Program for teachers (CO-OP). The MAT
Program provides optimal learning, as courses build upon the knowledge
and experience gained in preceding semesters, allowing the candidate
to research their own teaching practices in developing a research project
to be submitted at the end of the MAT program. This project must be
approved by the university’s Institutional Review Board and appropriate
school district where the research is conducted.
Admissions
The general requirements for admission to graduate studies at APU
are found at the beginning of the graduate program’s section. Up to
25% of the credits required for graduation may be transferred in at the
discretion of the MAT Program Director. In addition, there are several
specific requirements before a student may be admitted to the MAT
program:
Research Project
Successful completion and presentation of an action research
project is required for graduation from the MAT program. Candidates
are expected to design an action research study that focuses on a
passionate educational interest. During the research project process,
they design, carry out, evaluate and critique their own learning and
teaching practices. By practicing action research in a classroom, candi-
dates apply a model of professional development and teacher inquiry
they may use to improve their own practices. This research model also
provides an opportunity to improve and better understand a particular
aspect of practice by applying qualitative and quantitative research
methods. Candidates discover that learning from teaching is inherent to
the teaching profession.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT
Master of Science
IN Environmental Science
Alaska Pacific University’s Master of Science in Environmental
Science (MSES) Program focuses on the relationship between (1) field
based environmental science and (2) the local, state, federal, and
international politics and economics that affect policies, with special
emphasis on Alaskan and northern issues. The science portion empha-
sizes both knowledge and practical field abilities in biology, chemistry,
and geology. The policy portion emphasizes the historical development
of current policies, agreements, laws, and regulations, as well as their
use and effects.
The following are the degree objectives for Master of Science in
Environmental Science:
• Increase knowledge of environmental science and policy by
articulating these concepts and understandings in field and
laboratory settings, both academic and applied
• Sharpen skills in written and oral communication to the level
of delivering professional presentations and crafting publishable
papers
• Apply analytic techniques including modeling, statistical
inference, and database management and display, in field and
laboratory settings, both academic and applied
• Design, undertake, analyze, write and defend an original
research project as a graduate thesis
Admissions
The general requirements for admission to graduate studies at
APU are found at the beginning of the section describing the graduate
program. In addition, there are several specific requirements for the
MSES program as follows:
1. Letters of Recommendation. Submit three current letters of
recommendation
2. Resume. Submit a current resume.
3. Standardized Test. Submit scores from the Graduate Record
Exam (GRE) general test which are no more than four years old.
Alaska Pacific’s reporting code is 4201.
4. Essay: Write and submit a 500 word essay outlining your
motivations for seeking the Master of Science in Environmental
Science Degree. Include your professional interests, career
goals, and research topic(s) you wish to pursue for your thesis.
Please note the faculty members whose research interests are
similar to your own.
5. Admission Deadlines: We recommend that students begin their
MSES in the Fall semester.
• Priority deadline Fall semester—February 15 (If you
are interested in receiving a graduate assistantship
Graduate Academic Degrees 203
Alaska Pacific University
your application must be complete by this date and
include an application for a graduate assistantship)
• Final deadline for Fall semester—June 1
• Final deadline for Spring Semester—November 1
LIBERAL STUDIES
INTERDISCIPLINARY
Master Of Arts
Program Description
Alaska Pacific University’s Master of Arts Program (MAP) is designed
specifically for the working professional who is interested in pursuing
advanced learning, but not interested in a traditional classroom
approach.
The MAP is a 36-credit, individualized contract-learning degree
program. Students typically complete the degree requirements in three
phases as self-directed learners, working with their academic advisors to
develop semester study plans that identify the learning goals, projects
to be accomplished, and methodology. Candidates must therefore
demonstrate their ability to work independently in their proposed field
of study.
Alaska Pacific University seeks creative people who are motivated
by the love of learning and the desire to discover.
Some students may be drawn to the program because of past
experience in the field and the desire to expand on their learning. Some
may wish to enhance some aspect of their professional or intellectual
background. Others may be looking for a career change or to contribute
to the body of knowledge in a particular area of interest. The MAP
provides the opportunity and flexibility to work closely with at least one
faculty advisor to design and implement a learning plan that will allow
the student to explore and discover new ideas and information in an
interdisciplinary environment that extends beyond the confines of the
classroom and traditional opportunities in graduate schools.
Faculty-supervised, self-directed learning may be complemented by
appropriate course work drawn from other relevant graduate learning
endeavors, including graduate-level work at Alaska Pacific University
and transfer credits from other graduate programs or learning venues.
Admissions
The General University Requirements for admission to graduate
studies at APU are addressed in that section of this catalog. In addition,
there are several specific requirements for the MAP. Please see the MAP
application brochure for full details. (Also available from our Admissions
Office, or on the APU website: www.alaskapacific.edu. Follow links to
Graduate Programs.)
The specific requirements for MAP are as follows:
1. Letters of Recommendation. Submit three references from
academic or professional sources, addressing your capability to
complete advanced work though a self-directed Master of Arts Program.
In addition, the letter must address your critical thinking, analytical and
communication skills. Recommendation letters must include the writer’s
address, telephone number, title, and relationship to you.
2. Standardized Test. Please see MAP Director for assistance in
determining which test (the Graduate Record Exam (GRE),
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Miller Analogies
Test (MAT), or PRAXIS II) would be best suited for your
Academic Program
The MAP is a three-phase, 36-credit graduate program that includes
Research, Practicum experience, and a Project Demonstrative Mastery.
The program begins with an orientation course (MAP 60000) where all
new students have the opportunity to meet and share experiences with
peers and faculty. Study plans and curriculum are finalized during this
time. The semester-long MAP 60000 is designed to help all students get
up to running speed with their respective research.
Bi-monthly colloquia during the academic year provide all MAP
students with opportunities to network and to share their MAP learning
(progress, problems, discoveries, and more) both formally and infor-
mally. Students are required to make formal presentation here of their
MAP projects as a prerequisite to graduation. The colloquial gatherings
ensure that students receive peer support and offer individuals the
chance to demonstrate their progress.
Phase I Research
Under the supervision of the faculty advisor, the student’s obligation
in this phase is to discover and understand the best and most important
things that are or have been thought, said, and executed in their subject
area. Students take one required seminar (3 credits) to prepare them
for the journey ahead. Students may also take, with their advisor’s
approval, courses from the existing APU graduate curriculum that are
relevant to the course of study. They earn credits (3-9) by the successful
accomplishment of supervised independent learning contracts.
Phase II Practicum
Under the supervision of the faculty advisor, students in the Practicum
phase put into practice what they have discovered and articulated during
the Research phase. With the advisor’s approval, students may take
courses from the existing graduate curriculum that are relevant to the
study plan. Credits are earned by completion of advisor-directed study.
Program Variations
While the program is designed to be a three-phase academic effort,
there may be variations on this model. Variations occur due to specific
circumstances that affect the overall goals and objectives of the study
plan. For example, a student may choose to pursue 12 credits one
semester (this is considered full-time study), and attempt 6 the next
because her or his work schedule-or other commitments-preclude the
pursuit of more. Students may wish to focus proportionately more credits
on their research than their practicum, or vice versa. Some students
may also need to acquire more than the 36 credits required by APU,
in the case of a certification requirement. It might also be appropriate
for the student to participate in outside seminars or trainings; some of
these may be included in the 12 transferable credits while others may
be additional activities.
The variations to the basic program are negotiated between the
student and the academic advisor while developing the study plan. It is
the responsibility of the advisor to assure that this process works effec-
tively.
Academic Advising
Typically the academic advisor will be a full-time faculty member at
Alaska Pacific University. Advisors need not be subject matter experts
in all of the areas in which the student seeks to increase his or her
knowledge, but they will be expert in the academic process of organizing
the learning program for the student. Students also work with mentors
who are experts within the field of study. Students are encouraged to
work with more than one mentor during their MAP programs and must
have a minimum of two committee members on their thesis committees.
(The additional member need not be a full-time APU faculty but his or
Student Evaluation
The MAP is not a traditional letter-graded academic program but
rather Credit/No Credit. “Credit” is understood to represent a grade of
B or better, for those whose employers or future learning institutions
require it. Students receive a narrative evaluation of their progress at
the end of each successful semester and these evaluations, in turn,
become part of the student’s official transcript.
Narrative evaluations include the ability for the advisor (and mentors)
to document and comment upon the student’s degree of success or
failure in accomplishing agreed-upon goals. In cases where a student
does not meet the academic standards of the university, no credit will
be awarded on the transcript.
Students are expected to perform at the graduate level and to
demonstrate written and oral communication, critical thinking and
analytical skills, as well as content knowledge and the ability to apply
theoretical concepts consistent with a graduate program.
OUTDOOR STUDIES
DEPARTMENT
Master of Science
IN Outdoor And Environmental Education
The Master of Science in Outdoor and Environmental Education
(MSOEE) provides graduate students training in outdoor and environ-
mental education literacy, pedagogy, and programming using APU’s
active learning model. The 36 credit degree program aims to develop
graduate level competencies by offering intense, hands on education
utilizing the Kellogg and APU Campuses. Students will finish their degree
by completing either a research or project-based thesis.
Student areas of focus have included Environmentally Responsible
Behavior, School & Community Gardens, Place Attachment, Place-Based
Learning & Curriculum Development.
Admissions
The general requirements for admission to graduate studies at APU
are found at the beginning of the section describing the graduate program.
Successfully complete twelve (12) semester credit hours of science or
natural history courses at the undergraduate level. In addition, there
are several specific requirements for the MSOEE program as follows:
1. Letters of Recommendation. Submit three current letters of
recommendation.
2. Resume. Submit a current resume.
3. Standardized Test. Submit scores from the Millers Analogy Test
(MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
4. Essay. Submit an essay (750-1000 words) outlining your their
interest in the program and professional goals.
5. Admission Deadline. The deadline to submit an application is
July 1 for Fall semester, November 1 for Spring semester. * Pre-
acceptance recommendation (see below)
GRADUATE
ACADEMIC COURSES,
ABBREVIATIONS,
AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Course/Subject Abbreviation
Education ED
Environmental Science ES
History HI
Master of Arts MAP
Business Administration MBA
Information and Communication Technology MCT
Outdoor and Environmental Education OEE
Psychology PY
ES - MASTER OF SCIENCE IN
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(Offered through the Environmental Science Department)
resources and the impact of Alaska’s local, state, and national legis-
lation, regulation, and political action on those resources. Offered Fall.
HI – HISTORY
(Offered through the Liberal Studies Department)
PY – Psychology
(Offered through the Counseling Psychology and Human Services
Department)
UNIVERSITY DIRECTORY
Administration
FACULTY
FACULTY EMERITI
STAFF EMERITA
JEANETTE BROOKS, Registrar Emerita, 2006
Board of Directors
Officers FOR 2009-2010
Harry McDonald, Chairman
Trigg Davis, Vice Chairman
Dave Karp, Secretary
Jan Sieberts, Treasurer
Trustees Emeriti
Eunice Beene* Larry Carr Frederick Hood Jr., M.D.
V. Louise Kellogg* Arthur Kelly Frances Mlakar
John Overbey Robert Pease Leah Peterson *
Raymond Peterson Reverend A.C. Wischmeier*
John Seawell John Woods, MD Gordon Wear
Barbara Dadd Shaffer
Honorary Trustees
Robert Atwood* Joe Hays Harusuke Imamura
James Kross
APU Foundation
2009-2010 Board of Directors
Officers
Chris Swalling, Chairman
Larry Carr, Vice Chairman
David McGuire, M.D., Secretary
Jan Sieberts, Treasurer
Bonnie Mehner
Steve O’Hara
Harry McDonald
Eric Wohlforth
Roger Chan
* Deceased
A 3-4 credit hour course in the social or behavioral sciences. Common examples include
SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, or history (political/social).
A 3-4 credit hour course in world religions, history of religion, or ethics that is non-
ETHICAL AND RELIGIOUS VALUES
denominational and inclusive, rather than narrow or specific.
A 3-4 credit hour writing course or combination of writing courses, which require researched,
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
A 3-4 hour credit course in fundamentals of speech communications, public speaking, or small
SPEECH COMMUNICATION
group communication.
A 3-4 hour credit course as follows: Intermediate algebra for AA degree students. For BA and
QUANTITATIVE REASONING
BS degree students, college algebra, applied statistics, math concepts, or symbolic logic.
Two 3-4 credit hour courses in humanities; literature; cultural anthropology; history
HUMANITIES (2 courses)
(intellectual/cultural); philosophy; or the history of art, music, or drama.
ORIENTATION: INTRODUCTION TO ACTIVE Required for all but senior transfer students but may be waived by advisor depending on
LEARNING SELF & SOCIETY IN CONTEXT individual students’ educational experiences.
A 3-4 credit hour course in a language that is not the primary language. An English proficiency
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Appendix A - Transfer Matrix
Required for all but senior transfer students but may be waived by advisor depending on
SOPHOMORE SEMINAR
individual students’ educational experiences.
241
Final decisions on transfer credits are made by the Registrar
ACADEMIC POLICIES APPEALS PROCESS
Student turns in written Waiver: To refrain from insistence that a student complete a specific assignment
grievance to the Dean of Students Equivalency: Consider a class as equal in value, measure or meaning to another class
Office within 15 days of Substitution: Allow a class to serve in place of another class
the incident
* Has authority to waive, substitute, and/or grant equivalencies within the department
Informal Conference boundaries. Decisions by department chairs should be stated on Substitution and/or
Equivalency Form with the original copy forwarded to the Registrar's Office for the
Students meets with inclusion in the student's file.
University Grievance Committee
(presiding officer, 2 faculty members, ** Has authority to waive specific university-wide graduation requirements for AA,
2 students) BA, and Master's candidates.
Appendix B - Academic Policies Appeal
242
If you have questions about the appeals process or need clarification, contact the Registrar, the Academic Dean, or the Dean of Students.
fleX PlAn mATriX
(Available to undergraduate full time students who pay consolidated full time tuition fee)
Institutional aid equal to 1 - 4 semester hours (S.H.) credit for May block course(s) will be awarded students who register and complete 12-
17 S.H. in the Spring Semester (January - April). The chart below provides examples of some variations for credit distributions. Students
who wish to carry more credits in the block than covered by the FLEX Plan Award may make up the difference out of pocket at the current
tuition rate. The FLEX plan does not apply to courses offered in Summer (except for students taking senior project or practicum), Full
Semestser, Session 1 and 2.
Keep in mind that the may block is nOT part of the spring semester. It is part of the Summer Semester and course work taken in
May does not count as hours taken and/or completed in the Spring Semester. (Example: Students who enroll full time for the Spring
Semester and who withdraw from enough courses so that their Spring Semester Course load is less than 12 semester hours may not use
the May Block course as hours completed in the Spring Semester for financial aid purposes.)
Example 3 4 S.H. in Jan Block + 3 S.H. in Full Semester + 8 S.H. in Session = 15 3 Total = 18
Appendix C - FLEX Plan Matrix
Example 4 2 S.H. in Jan Block + 8 S.H. in Full Semester + 8 S.H. in Session = 18 0 Total = 18
Example 5 2 S.H. in Jan Block + 6 S.H. in Full Semester + 8 S.H. in Session = 16 2 Total = 18
243
Example 6 4 S.H. in Jan Block + 13 Hours in the Session = 17 1 Total = 18
Appendix D - Financial Policies/Procedures Summary
If payments are missed, late fees will be charged and you will not
be allowed to register for the upcoming semester until the account is
paid in full.
Payment Collection
Payment in full or defined Tuition Management Systems (TMS)
payment plan arrangements are due by the end of the first week of
classes.
Payment in Full options: cash, personal or cashier’s check, money
order, VISA, MasterCard, Discover or debit.
Payment Options:
Students may pay their account balance with cash, personal check,
money order, cashier’s check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover or debit.
Financial Aid
If you have expected financial aid, all paperwork should be filled
out and submitted well in advance of the beginning of the semester. To
receive financial aid checks you must have a valid picture ID. If you are
receiving scholarships, a copy of the letter/letters stating the amount
awarded must be submitted to the Student Financial Services when
making payment arrangements. Any remaining balance after expected
financial aid is determined, is due the first week of classes. Please
contact the Student Financial Services Office for any questions - 907-
564-8341 or sfs@alaskapacific.edu.
Payments not received by the due date will be assessed a late fee
by TMS.
Employer Reimbursements
Students must pay their billing account in full or set up a payment
plan through Tuition Management Systems (TMS). At the student’s
request, SFS will send a statement to the employer showing their billing
account has been paid in full allowing the student to be reimbursed.
Index
3+2 Program 204
A
Academic
Advising 35, 180
Calendar 12-15
Class Standing 35
Courses, Abbreviations, and Course Descriptions 105, 209
Degrees 64, 189
Good Standing 41, 184
Policies and Procedures 16, 167
Probation 41, 184
Program Variations 206
Semester Honors 42, 184
Standing 41, 184
Study Plan 206
Suspension 42
Warning 41
Accounting Course Descriptions 105
Accounting Information for Management Major 66
Adding Courses 36, 180
Additional Information 19
Address Changes 42, 184
Administration 232
Admissions 16, 167, 191, 201, 204, 208
Categories 21, 169
Candidacy 200
Denied 22, 170
Hold 21, 169
Methods 16
Pending Final Documentation 21
RANA Distance Education Students 19
Standards 17, 168
Advanced Placement 36
Alaska Residents Award 29
Anchorage Higher Education Consortium Library 10
APU Foundation 238
APU Interest-Free Monthly Payment Plan 26, 172
Associate of Arts OFFERINGS 15
Business Administration 65
Education 80
Human Services 72
Career And Technical Education 94
Atwood Center 10
Auditing 36
B
Bachelor of Arts offerings 15
Accounting Information For Management 66
Business Administration And Management 68
Earth Sciences 83
Education 81
Environmental Policy and Planning 88
Environmental Science 85
Environmental Studies 90
Health Services Administration 70
Human Services 75
Liberal Studies 95
Marine Biology 92
Outdoor Studies 101
Psychology 73
Bachelor of Science offerings 15
Earth Sciences 83
Index 246
Alaska Pacific University
Environmental Science 85
Marine Biology 92
Benefits of the APU Interest-Free Monthly Payment Plan 26, 172
Biological Science Concentration 87
Board of Directors 238
Business Administration Course Descriptions 107
Business Administration and Management Major 68
Business Administration and Management Minor 69
Business Administration Department 65, 189
Business Administration and Management Course Descriptions 110
C
Calendar 12
Campus Map 11
Campus Undergraduate Program Degree Offerings 54
Career and Technical Education Course Descriptions 116
Carr Gottstein Academic Center 10
Census Date 37, 181
Certificate Offerings 15
Graduate Studies in Entrepreneurship 197
Graduate Studies in Investments 197
Class Attendance 42
Commercial Recreation/Tourism 103
Communication and Environment Concentration 91
Communication Course Descriptions 114
Competency Courses 53
Competency Courses Minimum Grades 43
Complete Withdrawal Policy 37, 181
Comprehensive Examinations 184
Concentration Areas
Biological Science 87
Commercial Recreation/Tourism 103
Communication and Environmental Concentration 91
Culture and Environment 91
Environmental and Nonprofit Leadership 91
Earth Systems Science 86
Environmental Science 86
Environmental Studies 90
Finance 193
General Environmental Science 87
Health Services Administration 193
Land Mangement 103
Literature 96
Outdoor Education 103
Philosophy 96
Pre-Law 97
Religious Studies 98
Science and Environmental 91
Wilderness Therapy 103
Writing 98
Continuous Enrollment 36, 180
Contract Learning 43
Counseling Psychology and Human Services Department 72, 198
Course Add/Drop/Withdraw Policy 36, 180
Course Numbering System 43, 184
Course Descriptions 105, 209
Accounting (AC) 105
Business Administration (BA) 107
Business Adminstration and Management (BAM) 110
Communication (CO) 114
Cultural Studies (CS) 115
Career and Technical Education (CTE) 116
Education (ED) 117, 209
Environmental Science (ES) 212
Exectuive MBA in Information and Communication Technology (MCT) 225
Fine Arts (FA) 121
General Studies (GS) 122
History (HI) 124, 217
Human Services (HS) 124
Index 247
Alaska Pacific University
Health Services Administration (HSA) 127
Humanities (HU) 129
Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) 130
Language, Literature and Writing (LL) 131
Liberal Studies (LS) 134
Marine Biology (MAR) 136
Master of Arts Program (MAP) 136
Master of Business Administration (MBA) 218
Mathematics (MT) 219
Outdoor and Environmental Science (OEE) 140
Outdoor Studies (OS) 142
Physical Education (PE) 147
Philosophy (PH) 147
Psychology (PY) 148, 229
Religious Studies (RS) 154
Science (SC) 156
Social Sciences (SS) 165
Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) 33, 178
Credit By Choice 20
Credit by Examination 43
Cultural Studies Course Descriptions 115
Culture And Environment Concentration 91
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) 27
D
Deferred Applicant Policy 21
Degree Completion Program 18, 58
Degree Offerings 15
DEL Folder 44
Departments 65-104, 189-208
Business Administration 65, 189
Counseling Psychology and Human Services Department 72, 198
Education 77, 201
Environmental Science 83, 203
Liberal Studies 94, 206
Outdoor Studies 100, 210
Directed Study 43, 57, 185
Disbursement Rules 171
Discontinuance of Attendance 26, 173
Documented Experiential Learning Credit 44
Double Majors 38
Dropping Courses 37, 181
E
Early Admission 169
Early Honors Program 17, 30, 62
Earth Sciences Major 83
Earth Systems Science Concentration 86
EcoLeague Exchange Program 63
Education Course Descriptions 117, 211
Education Department 77, 201
Electives 50
Elmo Sackett Broadcast Center 10
Email Address 44, 185
Employer Reimbursements 29, 175
Enrollment and Registration 35, 180
Environmental And Nonprofit Leadership Concentration 91
Environmental Policy and Planning Major 88
Environmental Science Major 85
Environmental Science Concentration Areas 86
Environmental Science Department 83, 203
Environmental Science Minor 87
Environmental Studies Concentration Areas 90
Environmental Studies Major 89
Environmental Science Course Descriptions 214
Ethical and Religious Values 49
Executive MBA In InformationAnd Communication Technology 194,227
Expedition Requirement 102
Index 248
Alaska Pacific University
F
Faculty 235
Faculty-Initiated Drop 37, 181
Faculty Emeriti 239
FAFSA Application Information 24, 171
Federal and State Financial Aid Disbursement Rules 25, 171
Federal Refund Formula (Return of Title IV Funds) 32, 178
Fees 30, 175
Field Course Electives 90
Finance 193
Financial Aid 22, 170
Reinstatement 29, 175
Suspension 28, 174
Fine Arts Course Descriptions 121
FLEX Plan 24, 243
Full-Time Consolidated Tuition 29
Full-time Enrollment and Full-time Employment 44
Full Admission 21, 169
G
General Environmental Science Concentration 87
General Studies 122
General University Requirements 47, 51
Glenn Olds Hall 10
Gould Hall 10
Grace Hall 10
Grade Change Policy 35, 180
Grading System 33, 178
Graduate
Academic Courses, Abbreviations, and Course Descriptions 211
Academic Degrees 189
Assistantships 170
Deferred Applicant Policy 169
Policies and Procedures 167
Programs 188
Graduation
Application 38, 182
Honors 38
Residency Requirement 53
Grant Hall 10
Guaranteed Consolidated Tuition Plan 32
GURs 51
H
Health Services Administration 70, 127, 192
History Course Descriptions 124, 219
History of APU 8
Homer and Ruth Moseley Sports Center 10
Honorary Trustees 240
Honor Policy 44, 185
Housing and Meal Plan Costs 31, 176
HSA Degree Requirements 70, 192
Humanities 49, 129
Human Services Major 74, 124
Human Services Minor 76
I
Incomplete Courses (I) 34, 179
Incomplete Process 34, 179
Independent Study 43
Interdisciplinary Studies 130
International Students 18, 167
International Study 198
Interruption in Enrollment 38, 182
Introduction to Active Learning 48
Investments Certificate 197
In Progress (IP) 179
Index 249
Alaska Pacific University
J
Jim Mahaffey Trail System 10
Junior Practicum 57
Jury Duty 44, 185
K
K-8 Professional Development Certificate 79
L
Laboratory Science 49
Land Management 103
Language Requirement 50
Language, Literature and Writing Course Descriptions 131
Leave of Absence 38, 182
Liberal Studies Course Descriptions 134
Liberal Studies Department 94, 206
Liberal Studies Minor 99
Limitation of Time 185
Literature Concentration 96
M
Main Campus 10
MAP Program Course Descriptions 220
Map of Campus 11
Marine Biology Major 92
Marine Biology Course Descriptions 136
Marine Biology Electives (Lower Division) 93
Marine Biology Electives (Upper Division) 93
Marine Biology Minor 93
Marketing Menu 193
Master Degrees 15
Master of Arts 206
Master of Arts In Teaching 202
Master of Science in Counseling Psychology 198
Master of Science in Environmental Science
Master of Science in Outdoor And Environmental Education 210
Master of Arts In Teaching & Co-Op Course Descriptions
Master of Arts Program Course Descriptions 220
Master of Business Administration Course Descriptions 221
Master of Business Administration Programs 191
Master of Science in Environmental Science Course Descriptions 214
Master of Science in Outdoor and Environmental Education 229
Mathematics 140
Mathematics for Environmental Sciences Minor 88
Maximum Credits Per Term 39, 182
MBA Course Descriptions 221
MBAICT Degree Requirements 196
MBA Degree Requirements 191
MCT Course Descriptions 227
Meningitis, Alaska Postsecondary Immunization Act 44, 185
Message from the President 7
Milestones 55
Military Service/School Experience Credit 45
Minimum Graduation GPA Requirement 53
Minimum Major/Minor GPA Requirement 53
Minors
Counseling Psychology 74
Education 82
Environmental Science 87
Human Services 76
Liberal Studies 99
Marine Biology 93
Mathematics for Environmental Science 88
Outdoor Studies 104
Mission Statement 8
MSES Degree Requirements 204
Index 250
Alaska Pacific University
MSOEE Degree Requirements 210
N
Natural History Requirement 101
Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Students 168
Non-Profit Management Emphasis 67, 69, 71, 76
Non-Thesis Option 191
O
OEE Course Descriptions 229
Off-Campus Enrollment 39, 182, 183
Online Courses 61
Optional Concentrations 96
Other Policies 42, 184
Outdoor Education 103
Outdoor Skill Requirement 102
Outdoor Studies 142
Outdoor Studies Department 100, 210
Outdoor Studies Minor 104
P
Part-time Tuition 29
Payment Collection 244
Payment Options 244
Payment Plan Arrangement Options 244
Personal Information 45, 46, 186
Phase III Project Demonstrating Mastery 208
Phase II Practicum 207
Phase I Research 207
Philosophy Course Descriptions 147
Philosophy Concentration 96
Physical Education 147
Placement 39
Policies and Procedures 16, 167
Policy and Planning Electives 89
Policy Electives Menu 84
Portfolio 56
Practicum/Internship/Work Experience 50
Pre-Law Concentration 97
Prerequisites 46, 192, 201, 187
Probation for Financial Aid 27, 173
Professional Expectations for Students 100
Programs 47, 188
Program Description 206
Program Variations 208
Provisional Admission 169
Psychology Course Descriptions 148, 231
Psychology Minor 74
Q
Quantitative Menu 193
Quantitative Reasoning 48
R
RANA 60
Registration and Enrollment 180
Registration Requirements 39, 40, 183
Regis University 198
Reinstatement 175
Reinstatement to Graduate Degree Seeking Status 184
Religion Studies Concentration 98
Religious Heritage 8
Index 251
Alaska Pacific University
Religious Studies Course Descriptions 154
Required MCT Courses 196
Research Methods Requirement 102
Resource Electives 89
Repeat Courses (Financial Aid) 174
Rural Alaska Native Adult Program (RANA) 60
S
Satisfactory Academic Progress (Financial Aid) 27, 173, 184
Science Course Descriptions 156
Science And Environment Concentration 91
Science Electives Menu 84
Second Baccalaureate Degree 40
Second Masters Degree 183
Segelhorst Residence Hall 10
Semester Credit Hour 35, 179
Semester Information 40, 183
Senior Project 50, 57
Sharing Financial Aid Funds Between Institutions 26, 173
Social/Behavioral Science 49
Social Sciences Course Descriptions 165
Social Security Number Corrections 46
Sophomore Seminar 57
Special Consideration 46, 187
Speech Communication 48
Staff Emerita 239
Student Evaluation 209
Student Records 46, 187
Student Risk Management Plan 46, 187
Suggested Courses 97
T
Thesis Option 193
Transcripts and Test Scores 22
Transfer Credit 40, 183, 198
Transfer Students 17
Trustees Emeriti 240
Tuition And Fees 29, 175
Tuition Refund Policy 32, 177
U
Undergraduate Academic Degrees 64
Undergraduate Enrollment in Graduate Courses 41
Undergraduate Policies and Procedures 16
Undergraduate Programs 47
University Directory 234
Upper Division Credit Hour Requirement 53
W
Waitlisted 170
Wait Listed 22
Wilderness Therapy 103
Withdrawal (W) 34, 179
Writing Concentration 98
Written Communication 48
Index 252
Catalog Statement
As the official course catalog of Alaska Pacific University (APU), this publication
lists all courses and programs in the current curriculum, graduation requirements,
and official academic policy effective for the 2009-2010 academic year. This catalog
is not a contract. APU reserves the right to change the policies, fees, and procedures
outlined in this publication, and to add, modify, or withdraw degree programs at any
time. However, when changes are made, advanced notice with effective dates will
be communicated to all concerned persons. Contingent upon continuous enrollment,
students have the right to complete any degree program offered by APU as of the
date of their first enrollment in the university. The university reserves the right to
ask students to withdraw for cause at any time.
APU makes available upon request, all consumer information required by the
U.S. Department of Education. Consumer information includes, but is not necessarily
limited to, the following: admissions catalog, academic programs, educational costs,
financial aid, academic progress requirements, student retention rates, and career
planning services. This information is available from the Office of Admissions (907)
564-8248. Documents describing university accreditation, licensure, and approvals
may be reviewed in the Office of the President.
APU policy requires all students enrolled to obtain an APU email address. All
official University communications are sent via APU email addresses. Grades are not
mailed but are available through the Student Portal.
APU is an Independent, Non-Profit Institution.
Nondiscrimination Policy Alaska Pacific University makes available to current students and,
APU is committed to providing equal opportunity for employment and upon request, prospective students, university policy concerning
educational pursuit. It does so by providing services and benefits to all students and campus security and the annual reports of criminal offense
employees without regard to religion, creed, race, color, disability, national origin, or
any other classification protected by law. The university will make reasonable
occurrences as well as information on drug and alcohol abuse
accommodations for qualified individuals as required by law unless doing so would education programs.
result in undue hardship to the university.
The university is regulated by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of Contact:
1964, Title XI of the 1972 Amendments to Higher Education Act, Sections 799A and Dean of Students Office
845 of the Public Health Service Act, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, and other application federal regulations.
Alaska Pacific University
4101 University Drive
Accreditation Anchorage, AK 99508
APU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (907) 564-8287
and is authorized as a university by the Commission on Postsecondary Education, (907) 564-8317 FAX
State of Alaska.
The APU Teacher Education Program (K-8) is approved by the National Council
for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Alaska State Department of Education. Graduation Completion Rate
The APU Education Department provides the Institutional Recommendation for Contact: Registrar’s Office
teacher certification, which is then issued by the Alaska State Department of Alaska Pacific University
Education. 4101 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 564-8210
Front Cover Picture: Silvertip Creek, Alaska
Photo by Dan Gray (907) 563-5640 FAX
Office of Admissions
4101 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
2009-2010 Catalog
2009-2010
Expedition Glacier Travel
Cashman Pass above the Tazlina Glacier
Catalog
Photo by Heather Thamm
Catalog Statement
As the official course catalog of Alaska Pacific University (APU), this publication
lists all courses and programs in the current curriculum, graduation requirements,
and official academic policy effective for the 2009-2010 academic year. This catalog
is not a contract. APU reserves the right to change the policies, fees, and procedures
outlined in this publication, and to add, modify, or withdraw degree programs at any
time. However, when changes are made, advanced notice with effective dates will
be communicated to all concerned persons. Contingent upon continuous enrollment,
students have the right to complete any degree program offered by APU as of the
date of their first enrollment in the university. The university reserves the right to
ask students to withdraw for cause at any time.
APU makes available upon request, all consumer information required by the
U.S. Department of Education. Consumer information includes, but is not necessarily
limited to, the following: admissions catalog, academic programs, educational costs,
financial aid, academic progress requirements, student retention rates, and career
planning services. This information is available from the Office of Admissions (907)
564-8248. Documents describing university accreditation, licensure, and approvals
may be reviewed in the Office of the President.
APU policy requires all students enrolled to obtain an APU email address. All
official University communications are sent via APU email addresses. Grades are not
mailed but are available through the Student Portal.
APU is an Independent, Non-Profit Institution.
Nondiscrimination Policy Alaska Pacific University makes available to current students and,
APU is committed to providing equal opportunity for employment and upon request, prospective students, university policy concerning
educational pursuit. It does so by providing services and benefits to all students and campus security and the annual reports of criminal offense
employees without regard to religion, creed, race, color, disability, national origin, or
any other classification protected by law. The university will make reasonable
occurrences as well as information on drug and alcohol abuse
accommodations for qualified individuals as required by law unless doing so would education programs.
result in undue hardship to the university.
The university is regulated by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of Contact:
1964, Title XI of the 1972 Amendments to Higher Education Act, Sections 799A and Dean of Students Office
845 of the Public Health Service Act, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, and other application federal regulations.
Alaska Pacific University
4101 University Drive
Accreditation Anchorage, AK 99508
APU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (907) 564-8287
and is authorized as a university by the Commission on Postsecondary Education, (907) 564-8317 FAX
State of Alaska.
The APU Teacher Education Program (K-8) is approved by the National Council
for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Alaska State Department of Education. Graduation Completion Rate
The APU Education Department provides the Institutional Recommendation for Contact: Registrar’s Office
teacher certification, which is then issued by the Alaska State Department of Alaska Pacific University
Education. 4101 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 564-8210
Front Cover Picture: Silvertip Creek, Alaska
Photo by Dan Gray (907) 563-5640 FAX