Alaska Computer Science Schools

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Alaska has one of the highest concentrations of computer programmers in the country. In addition, since the state is so massive, technology has become a vital way to operate in Alaska — the sector employed more than 19,000 tech workers, according to CompTIA’s report Cyberstates 2019.

Students enrolled in computer science degree programs in Alaska may benefit from the importance of technology in The Last Frontier as there are a variety of organizations that are likely to find their education valuable and hire them as a result.

Alaska’s Technology Education Initiatives

Alaska’s technology education initiatives are designed to help promote online computer science programs in the state and ensure there are qualified employees to fill Alaska’s open tech positions. A few of these initiatives include:

• Supporting computer science in high schools: Alaska passed a policy to allow computer science to count as a mathematics, science, or local CTE/technology credit for high school graduation. Although districts can decide whether they’d like to implement this policy, they are encouraged to do so.
• Offering computer science advanced placement courses: High schools in Alaska are giving their students the opportunity to take a computer science AP course and use it toward their college degree. Eight schools offered this course in the 2017-18 school year.
• Creating computer science standards for educators: The goal of the Alaska Computer Science Standards is to establish a baseline literacy in computer science for all Alaskan students. They also strive to guide teachers in designing appropriate computer science curriculum and assessments.

Southern New Hampshire University

• Some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
• Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
• Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access
• Offering over 200 online degree programs

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Purdue University Global

• Experience world-class education online with more than 175 programs at associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.
• Apply eligible work experience and prior college credits toward up to 75% of your undergraduate degree.
• You have the option of trying out a Purdue Global undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week period. There’s no cost beyond the application fee.
• Competency-based ExcelTrack™ programs may allow you to earn your degree faster and for less money

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Spotlight on Computer Sciences Schools in Alaska

These computer science schools in Alaska feature programs that are particularly interesting.

• University of Alaska Anchorage: UAA offers students the opportunity to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in computer science. While the B.S. focuses on science and math, the B.A. gives students the chance to complement the computing courses with courses from other disciplines. Those who are interested in the field of information security can participate in the Cyber Security Club. Students who are also Alaska Natives or American Indians can join the American Indian Science & Engineering Society.
• University of Alaska Fairbanks: At the University of Alaska Fairbanks, students can pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science simultaneously. The B.S./M.S. Computer Science program consists of 141 credits and must be completed in seven years. UAF’s Department of Computer Science aims to prepare students to be involved in a variety of career paths that could involve robotics, game design, computer security and even infectious diseases.

IT Salaries and Career Outlook in Alaska

Information security analysts, software developers, and computer systems analysts are some of the in-demand tech occupations in Alaska, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Bering Straits Information Technology, which provides technology services to local organizations and companies in Alaska as well as the lower 48 states, typically hires these types of professionals. Additionally, tech startups such as Quick Cup, a company that allows customers to find their quickest drive-thru option and Indemnis, a safety solutions provider to the commercial UAV community are two examples of may also look to employed graduates of IT degree programs in Alaska.

2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.

Computer Science Scholarships for Alaska Students

To save money on computer science degree programs in Alaska, students may apply for program-specific scholarships such as the following ones.

• Don R. Withey Memorial Scholarship: This award, available through the University of Alaska Anchorage, is for full-time juniors or seniors who are enrolled in a bachelor of science program in computer science. Applicants must hold a minimum GPA of 2.88.
• CIO Roundtable Technology Scholarship: Awarded by the University of Alaska Anchorage, this scholarship is for students who have completed the King Career Center’s Computer Information Technology program or the Electronics and Telecommunications Technology program.

Other state-specific scholarships can be found through the scholarship database on our partner site, Schools.com.

Alaska Professional Organizations and Resources

Students enrolled in IT degree programs in Alaska may benefit from the following organizations and resources:

• Alaska Web Developers: This meetup group for web developers and other IT professionals in Anchorage holds two meetings per month and offers networking opportunities as well as guest speakers.
• CompTIA Training Classes: CompTIA, a leading technology industry association hosts hands-on IT courses in Anchorage and the surrounding areas. A few examples of these courses include CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Network+.