Alaska offers environmental science degrees at bachelor's and master's levels through the University of Alaska system, with programs at Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Southeast campuses. Environmental scientists in Alaska earn competitive salaries reflecting the state's high cost of living and unique environmental challenges. The field is projected to grow steadily, driven by Alaska's ongoing environmental research needs in Arctic climate change, fisheries management, and natural resource conservation.
Alaska's environment defines the state. From the majestic mountain ranges to the shifting seasons, from Arctic climate challenges to the enormous responsibility of managing more than half a million barrels per day of oil from the North Slope, environmental science isn't just academic here-it's essential to Alaska's future.
Twenty years after the Exxon Valdez disaster, soil samples from beaches across Prince William Sound continue to reveal contaminated sediments from Prudhoe Bay crude. As one of the world's premier fisheries, Alaska faces new environmental challenges, including thawing permafrost and the retreat of iconic glaciers. These challenges require well-trained environmental scientists who understand Alaska's unique ecosystems.
Alaska Environmental Science Programs Overview
The University of Alaska system offers comprehensive environmental science education across three main campuses, each with distinct program strengths and geographic advantages.
| Institution | Degree Levels | Program Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | Bachelor's, Master's, PhD | Arctic and Northern Studies, Fisheries, Environmental Chemistry, Geoscience programs; strongest research focus |
| University of Alaska Southeast (Juneau) | Bachelor's | Earth science, biology, chemistry, spatial analysis; extensive field work opportunities |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | Bachelor's | General environmental science with an interdisciplinary approach |
| Alaska Pacific University | Bachelor's, Master's | Environmental science and policy integration; private institution option |
What Can I Do with an Environmental Science Degree in Alaska
Alaska's environmental science job market centers heavily on government positions. With vast acreage managed by federal and state agencies, including the National Park Service, the Division of Mining, Land and Water, and the Bureau of Land Management, public-sector opportunities dominate the field.
However, the private and nonprofit sectors also offer substantial opportunities. Compliance work in oil and gas operations remains critical, with companies like Sealaska hiring project managers and environmental technicians for spill prevention and NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) compliance. Organizations like the Bering Straits Native Corporation seek specialists for mitigation efforts addressing past corporate and federal pollution.
Research positions span both public and private sectors, from environmental program managers for state fisheries to university research assistants studying Arctic climate impacts.
Salary and Job Outlook in Alaska
Environmental science careers in Alaska offer competitive compensation that reflects the state's high cost of living and demanding work environments. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental scientists and specialists in Alaska earn an annual mean wage of approximately $84,880 as of May 2022.
Conservation scientists in Alaska earn a mean salary of $76,540 as of 2022, while geoscientists working in private sector roles often earn six-figure salaries due to oil and gas industry demand.
The job outlook for environmental scientists in Alaska remains stable, with projected growth of 5% through 2030, according to Alaska state labor projections. Alaska's unique environmental challenges-from climate change impacts to resource management-ensure continued demand for qualified professionals.
Master's in Environmental Science in Alaska
Graduate education in environmental science reflects the field's importance in Alaska. Three of the four universities with environmental programs offer master's degrees, providing both public and private institution options.
Alaska Pacific University, the state's sole private option, delivers a comprehensive program integrating environmental science with policy expertise. This dual focus prepares graduates to influence Alaska's environmental future from both scientific and regulatory perspectives.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers the most extensive selection of graduate programs. Options span Arctic and Northern Studies, Fisheries, Environmental Chemistry, and Geoscience. This variety allows students to align their graduate education precisely with their career goals and research interests.
Bachelor's in Environmental Science in Alaska
The University of Alaska system anchors undergraduate environmental science education in the state. All three main campuses offer bachelor's degrees in environmental sciences, each with unique strengths.
UA-Southeast in Juneau combines coursework in earth science, biology, chemistry, and spatial analysis with extensive field research. The campus location provides an exceptional natural laboratory, and all Alaska programs leverage this advantage through substantial fieldwork components.
Alaska offers an unexpected advantage for students: affordability. Despite high living costs, the state provides some of the nation's most competitive in-state tuition rates for bachelor's degree programs, making quality environmental science education accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What environmental science programs are available in Alaska?
Alaska offers bachelor's and master's degrees in environmental science through the University of Alaska system (Fairbanks, Anchorage, Southeast) and Alaska Pacific University. UA Fairbanks provides the most comprehensive options, including PhD programs in specialized areas like Arctic Studies, Fisheries, and Environmental Chemistry.
How much do environmental scientists earn in Alaska?
Environmental scientists in Alaska earn competitive salaries that reflect the state's cost of living and unique environmental challenges. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental scientists and specialists earn approximately $84,880 annually as of May 2022. Conservation scientists earn a mean salary of $76,540, while geoscientists in private industry often earn six-figure salaries.
What types of environmental science jobs are available in Alaska?
Alaska's environmental science jobs are concentrated in government agencies (National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management), oil and gas compliance positions, fisheries management, environmental consulting, and university research. Unique opportunities include Arctic climate research, permafrost studies, and marine ecosystem management.
Can I study environmental science online in Alaska?
While some Alaska universities offer select online courses, most environmental science programs require substantial field work and laboratory components that necessitate on-campus attendance. Contact individual programs directly to inquire about hybrid or distance learning options for specific courses or certificate programs.
What makes Alaska unique for environmental science education?
Alaska provides unparalleled access to diverse ecosystems, from Arctic tundra to temperate rainforests. Students gain hands-on experience with real environmental challenges, including climate change impacts, resource management, and ecosystem conservation. The state serves as a living laboratory for environmental research unavailable in most other locations.
Key Takeaways
- Program Options: Alaska offers bachelor's and master's degrees through University of Alaska campuses and Alaska Pacific University, with UA Fairbanks providing the most comprehensive graduate options, including PhD programs.
- Competitive Salaries: Environmental scientists in Alaska earn approximately $84,880 annually (as of May 2022), with conservation scientists earning $76,540, reflecting the state's high cost of living and unique environmental challenges.
- Government-Centered Job Market: Federal and state agencies dominate environmental science employment in Alaska, though private sector opportunities exist in oil and gas compliance, consulting, and research.
- Unique Field Advantages: Alaska's diverse ecosystems-from Arctic regions to coastal rainforests-provide unmatched field research opportunities and hands-on learning experiences in climate change, permafrost, glaciology, and fisheries management.
- Affordable Education: Despite Alaska's high living costs, in-state tuition rates remain competitive nationally, making quality environmental science education accessible to Alaska residents.
Ready to explore environmental science programs in Alaska? Discover degree options that align with your interests in Arctic research, fisheries management, climate science, or conservation.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for Environmental Scientists and Specialists reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.
