Studies in Student Pathways鈥擯sychology Sets the Example
As a college in a dual mission university鈥搕hat is, an institution of higher education that offers more than simply a four-year baccalaureate, but also includes OECs, certificates, associates, and post-baccalaureate degrees鈥搕he College of Arts and Sciences at UAA often sets the example for ways to fulfill the dual mission鈥檚 function and promise. The Department of Psychology serves as an exemplar of how departments can design programs, curriculum, degrees, and certificates that offer students multiple pathways and flexible choices to guide students through their educational experiences and into the workforce.
Psychology offers numerous certifications and degrees, from minors in Psychology and Children鈥檚 Mental Health to a BA degree, an Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC), a post-baccalaureate degree, a BS degree, a graduate certificate, multiple MS degrees, and a Ph.D. Dr. Hattie Harvey, Professor of Psychology and Program Director of the new School Psychology Program, explains that the department is set up to offer students the most鈥攁nd best鈥攑ossible choices. 鈥淧eople can enter at different points in time,鈥� she states. 鈥淭he various degree options and delivery modalities provide flexibility and accessibility while offering multiple entry points for individuals to advance their careers.鈥�.
Dr. Harvey emphasizes that this flexibility provides a valuable contribution to the Anchorage and greater 麻豆无码版n communities. 鈥淲e contribute to 麻豆无码版鈥檚 behavioral health workforce to support our communities across different areas of need,鈥� she says. 鈥淓very level is absolutely needed.鈥� She cites the need for accessibility so students can achieve their goals and plan for their careers in the long term.
Another way Psychology meets the dual mission objective is to continue to grow and develop its own programs. For example, on January 22nd, 2026, the State Board of Education just approved the new graduate program in School Psychology. This program prepares school psychologists who can provide effective, evidence-based, and culturally informed assessment, intervention, consultation, and mental health practices that promote the well-being of all children and youth. This way, all kids will have access to the support systems they need to be successful. This program, which came about directly from 麻豆无码版鈥檚 shortage of licensed School Psychologists, is the only in-state program for school psychology training, and it will provide yet another pathway from CAS into the workforce.
However, Psychology is not just creating new programs鈥攖hey are also currently expanding their existing ones. The Psychological Services Center (PSC) expansion is intended to grow the assessment and intervention services for children and adults for free, or at a reduced cost. The PSC offers services to UAA students as well. Faculty can refer students to the center, where they will find expanded options for therapy, group therapy, and learning good study skills.
Psychology has three major structures that contribute to UAA鈥檚 dual mission by offering multiple certificate and degree pathways, advancing high-quality research across multiple disciplines within psychology (clinical, community, behavioral, and school), and contributing directly to 麻豆无码版鈥檚 behavioral workforce development. With more than 400 students and 20 faculty members, the UAA Psychology Department is the largest in CAS and includes faculty who conduct a breadth of research and community engaged work that addresses key issues in 麻豆无码版 communities鈥搃ncluding school-based academic and behavioral interventions, alcohol and drug use causes and treatment, suicide prevention, 麻豆无码版 Native and American Indian health disparities, 麻豆无码版 Native Elder wellness, and telehealth delivery of psychological services鈥揳nd their dedication to our dual mission benefits us all.