division of population health sciences
The Division of Population Health Sciences (DPHS) prepares students to address the root causes of health issues in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ and beyond. DPHS is home to the , the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, a minor in Public Health, the Graduate Certificate and Master of Public Health programs, and the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies. Through a blend of education, research, and community engagement, DPHS empowers students to drive meaningful change in population health.
Unlike clinical care, which focuses on individuals, population health looks at the big picture—improving health outcomes across communities through policy, prevention, and systems-level solutions. It includes:
Join us to make an impact that goes beyond treating illness to help build healthier communities from the ground up.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Meet the public health challenges of an aging society, including providing competent care in medical settings and essential community resources and end-of-life support.
Set up a successful career in health education and health promotion, public and community health, disease prevention, rehabilitation, or health care delivery.
Meet the challenges of the diverse and complex field of public health, with a particular focus on the needs of Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ and the Circumpolar North.
NEWS & Stories
MiLee Yu is a graduate of the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. In September 2025, MiLee was awarded the BSW Student of the Year award at the Biennial National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Chapter Conference.
The CAFE Oh Wow (COW) Awards are put on by the Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence (CAFE) and honors faculty who show excellence in teaching, research/creative activity, mentorship, and more.
MSW student Keyshon China is dedicated to serving youth and underserved communities, gaining hands-on experience through UAA's School of Social Work and various extracurricular organizations.
UAA faculty, including those from the College of Health, are recognized for their published research, academic papers, and books.
The UAA Hunger and Homelessness Support Network (HHSN) was created to identify and combat housing insecurities that students face. UAA Alumni and current Academic Advisor Jennifer Spencer is one of the three people serving as HHSN Chair. She explains how she uses her personal experiences with homelessness to help find solutions for students.
INSTITUTES, CENTERS, AND PROJECTS
Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies
The CAAS was established by the Board of Regents in 1972 to address the problem of substance misuse in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ.
Our team works to understand the shifting sociocultural landscape for aging adults and identify service needs to facilitate healthy aging-in-place.
Researchers in our lab are working to solve the global plastic pollution problem by developing insulation that is recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable.
Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies
Housed under the Office of Research, ICHS partners closely with us while conducting applied research that supports public health and offers valuable research experience for students.
Contact Us:
Phone: (907) 786-6545
Email: dphs@alaska.edu
UAA Div. of Population Health Sciences
UAA Professional Studies Building
2533 Providence Dr., Suite 206
Anchorage, AK 99508
Mailing Address:
UAA Div. of Population Health Sciences
3211 Providence Dr., PSB 206
Anchorage, AK 99508
