For Immediate Release
Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010

The University of Alaska Board of Regents approved a graduate certificate in advanced human service systems and a bachelor’s degree program in environment and society at the University of Alaska Anchorage as it wrapped up its two-day meeting in Fairbanks today.

The graduate certificate would allow students who’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree in human services, social work or a related field to further their education for supervisory careers in human services. The human services profession connects clients with services available in the community, both as case managers and through organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Catholic Community Services, senior centers, and government organizations at the state and local level.

UAA anticipates about 20 students enrolling in the 18-credit program by spring 2011. Tuition revenue will cover the cost, said UAA Provost Mike Driscoll. The human service sector is a growing area of Alaska’s
workforce, with the state Department of Labor routinely noting shortages in health, behavioral health and associated human service occupations. This is particularly true in mid-level management and supervisory positions, Driscoll said.

“The whole point of human services is getting the necessary services to the individual,” he said.

The other program the regents approved would provide students with a bachelor’s degree (either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) in environment and society at UAA, which Driscoll described as a connection between hard science and policy.

Graduates of the interdisciplinary program would fill high-demand jobs in a wide variety of Alaska industries, including petroleum, fishing, tourism and others. »The new program will repackage existing courses already offered at UAA, with the addition of one new course at minimal expense. »The program is expected to attract about 25 students.

-30-

For more information call Kate Ripley at 907/450-8102 or 388-3506.

NR4-10