Course Catalog
ED - Master Of Arts In Teaching
(Offered through the Education Department)
ED 510 Math Concepts (3) - Prerequisite Course
A review of mathematical concepts including elementary set theory, the real number system, algorithms of arithmetic, logic and geometry, the metric system, calculators and computer programming, and probability and statistics. Prerequisite: MT 101 or equivalent.
ED 605 Foundations Of Education (3)
An examination of historical philosophical theories and practices in education with a focus on trends and current school policies in Alaska and the nation.
ED 607 Advanced Educational Psychology (3)
The study of principles of human growth and development and the relationship of teaching/learning theories to physical, social, intellectual, and emotional development.
ED 648 Introduction To Exceptionalities (3)
Introduction to historical trends, laws, and identification of characteristics and educational needs of various exceptionalities included in mainstreaming and special education populations. Practical field experiences are required. Prerequisite: Admission to the MAT Program.
ED 653 Multicultural Education (3)
Examination of the meaning of culture and the influences of culture in education. Specific study of teaching, administration, and effectiveness of schooling as they relate to multicultural student populations. Practical field experiences are required.
ED 663 Technology And Media (3)
Introduction to the use of computers and other technology to enhance teaching and learning. Topics include operating information, current research regarding Computer Aided Instruction (CAI), and applications of technology in a learning community environment. Practical field experiences are required.
ED 671 Curriculum, Instruction And Evaluation I (6)
Students will begin their field-based classroom experiences with the teaching and learning of reading, language arts, science, mathematics, social studies, health, physical education, art, and music in local elementary school environments. The primary focus will be the integration of these subjects in both teaching and learning contexts in kindergarten through sixth grade classrooms. Attention will also be paid to the history and trends that have affected the field of education, criteria for selecting appropriate teaching strategies and resources, and appropriate assessments. Pre-service teachers will develop guidelines and assessments for analyzing and evaluating materials, resources, and teaching modalities. Prerequisite: Admission into MAT program.
ED 672 Curriculum, Instruction, And Evaluation II (6)
Students will continue their experiences with the teaching and learning of language arts, science, mathematics, social studies, health, physical education, art and music in local middle school environments. The primary focus will be the integration of these subjects in both teaching and learning contexts in seventh and eighth grade classrooms. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ED 671.
ED 673 Curriculum Development And Research (3)
This course will examine various curricula including historical foundations, influencing factors and other issues related to effective school teaching with implications for creating best teaching practices and reaching higher standards. Students will explore creative expression including music, art and dramatics as a way of encouraging and achieving learning goals. Students will interpret, write and present their Master's action research projects.
ED 675 Research And Writing (3)
This course will provide a survey of educational research with an emphasis on qualitative methods. Topics include theory, research design, trustworthiness, questioning, qualitative data collection techniques, data analysis, and outcome communications. Writing for publication using the current American Psychological Association (APA) requirements will be introduced and practiced. Students are expected to design an action research study, complete a literature review, field test their data collection techniques, and present a written synopsis of their results in APA format.
ED 676 Learning Community Accountability And Partnerships (3)
ED 676 interconnects the structures, theories, strategies and practices of home, community and society with the educational institution and processes for teaching, learning, evaluation and accountability. The class explores how to develop effective partnerships among families and communities, examines research, projects and approaches for working with students and their families, develops knowledge of evaluation methodology and approaches for designing assessments that meet classroom, school and community needs for accountability in teaching.
ED 680 Directed Study (1-3)
Designed for students who wish to pursue topics not available in regularly scheduled classes. A plan of study is developed with the assistance of an MAT professor. Approval of advisor, program director, department chair, and Academic Dean required.
ED 682 Independent Research (2)
MAT candidates will design an action research project to be carried out in a school setting, using the information and skills developed during completion of a pilot project in the research and writing class. A formal research proposal will be presented to the university's Institutional Review Board and the school district where the research will be conducted.
ED 684 Advanced Practicum In Teaching (6)
Designed for students with extensive teaching experience. This course focuses on comprehensive classroom management skills development normally addressed in the student teaching experience. Documented teaching experience and approval of advisor, director, and Teacher Education Committee are required.
ED 685 Practicum (1-4)
Designed for students desiring additional field experience in K-8 classrooms. Cooperative guidance provided by an Education Department faculty member and an on-the-job supervisor. Approval of advisor required.
ED 686 Internship In Student Teaching (6-9)
A 15-week practicum designed to progress through the full range of teaching responsibilities in a school environment. Daily evaluation by the supervising teacher and periodic observations by a university supervisor assess student teaching progress. A weekly seminar conducted by university faculty addresses meeting the challenges of the teaching profession. Prerequisite: All MAT coursework and approval of the Teacher Education Committee.
ED 692 Special Topics (1-3)
Certain courses are designed to accommodate specific groups of interested students. These courses are offered for one to three credits depending on the amount of work and class meetings involved.
ES - Master Of Science In Environmental Science
(Offered through the Environmental Science Department)
ES 601 Research Methods (3)
Application of the scientific method to environmental science and natural resource research problems. Overview of research design and methods appropriate to a wide variety of research settings. Emphasis on student development of a thesis proposal containing problem statement, hypotheses, research design, and methods.
ES 602 Environmental Assessment: Case Studies (3)
Methodologies used to characterize environmental situations, including field surface and subsurface investigation and sampling techniques, overview of laboratory methods, environmental monitoring methods, scheduling of public meetings, and report preparation. Students will complete individual or team case studies.
ES 610 Environmental Ethics (3)
Various perspectives and philosophies concerning the natural environment and resource utilization are explored in order to give the student a basis to develop his or her own ethical perspective. The human factor in addressing natural resource issues is emphasized.
ES 613 Environmental Geology (3)
Applied geology course that focuses on the entire spectrum of possible interactions between people and the physical environment. Topics include: earth materials, geologic hazards, hydrology, waste disposal, environmental health, minerals, energy, and an introduction to environmental law and land-use planning. Lab included. Prerequisite: A course in geology or instructor permission. Lab fee required.
ES 614 Riparian And Aquatic Restoration (3)
Examination of the disciplines necessary to restore riparian and aquatic habitats, assuring permanent improvement, and maximization of biological productivity, aesthetics, recreation potential, and system cost effectiveness. As part of the course a restoration plan will be developed for a specific section of a spring fed stream in Anchorage.
ES 615 Conservation Biology (3)
Examines the ecological factors that create and maintain biodiversity, as well as the forces that lead to extinction. Other topics include habitat fragmentation, the design of nature preserves, and restoration ecology. These concepts and models supply the tools for application to population and system level concerns in natural communities, concerns tempered by economic and political considerations. Lab included. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: Ecology or instructor permission.
ES 620 Natural Resource Planning And Politics (3)
Relationships between the political process and natural resource inventory, planning development, management, and conservation are covered in this course. Emphasis is placed on Alaska's renewable natural resources and the impact of Alaska's local, state, and national legislation, regulation, and political action on those resources.
ES 621 Global Resources And International Conservation (3)
Examination of major global environmental issues using the science of ecology as a framework for analysis. The interaction of cultural practices, resource utilization, and economic development is emphasized.
ES 625 Coastal Ecosystems (3)
Selected Topics: So. CA Bight, Gulf of AK, Bimini, Bahamas, Hawaii, Galapagos.
A field-oriented block course that explores the physical and biological characteristics and processes of coastal ecosystems. Focus will be on understanding the influence of bathymetry, climate and currents on primary productivity and community composition and diversity. Land-ocean interfaces and human dimensions will also be examined, including marsh and estuarine dynamics and coastal development, land use and conservation. May require international travel (passport, inoculations required) and exposure to harsh weather and rugged conditions. Travel costs are expected to range between $1000 and $2000. Prerequisites: MAR 202 and SC 301 or equivalent.
ES 635 Land Use Planning (3)
Overview of land use planning at the municipal, county and state levels and on public or private lands that have their own planning jurisdiction. Coverage of the history, legal framework, and processes needed for successful land use planning. Requires project based exercise that utilizes Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
ES 637 Collaboration In Environmental Management (4)
Theoretical and applied concepts of collaboration and conflict resolution in both public and private sectors of natural resource and environmental management, historical and legal mandates, government agency responsibilities, applied methods and techniques, case studies, and hands on experience.
ES 640 Tropical Ecology (3)
A field-oriented block course that explores the ecology of a tropical region. Emphasis is placed on the structure, function, and biodiversity of natural ecosystems. Logging, agriculture, sustainable development, and conservation are also discussed. This course often requires difficult and uncomfortable travel through under-developed rural and wilderness areas by minibus, boat, and foot. Students are expected to have a passport, necessary inoculations, and wilderness experience. Additional costs between $1500 and $2000 are required of the student for travel to, from, and within the destination countries. Instructor permission and prior college-level courses in ecology and statistics are required.
ES 641 Introduction To GIS (Geographic Information Systems) (3)
This course is an introduction to the theory and use of Geographic Information Systems, including the fundamental concepts of GIS, capabilities of GIS, and applications for dealing with spatial data. Key issues for discussion include vector data input, data models, database design and database queries, sources of spatial information, spatial analysis, and cartographic display. These topics are discussed within an environmental context using ArcGIS, a PC-based GIS software package. The course is presented in a classroom/laboratory format. Lab fee required.
ES 642 Applied GIS (Geographic Information Systems) (3)
This course is an advanced GIS course dealing with spatial modeling. Key issues of discussion include raster modeling, specifically hydrologic and distance modeling, as well as surface interpolation. The course is project-based, with classroom and laboratory components. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: SC 341 or instructor permission.
ES 645 Applied Geomorphology (3)
This course examines the physical, environmental aspects of the land resource including the soils and sediments that comprise the landforms of the earth's surface. The course presents the detailed study of landforms and the processes that control their formation, whether erosional, depositional, tectonic, or volcanic. An introduction to land capability is included. Laboratory work includes field-sampling techniques, analysis of soils, and interpretation of landforms on air photos and topographic maps.
ES 652 Water Resources Management (3)
Major concepts involved in water resources management. Basic hydrology, water use, water rights, water quality, groundwater, planning, floodplain management, and dams. Emphasis will be placed on the interrelationships among the technical, legal, economic, and political aspects of water resources management by examining Alaskan water resources laws and current issues.
ES 653 Quantitative Methods For Environmental Sciences (3)
Analytical, statistical, and research methods needed for examination of the social, political, and ecological aspects of environmental issues and problems. Prerequisites: A college level course in statistics and ES 601.
ES 655 Environmental Chemistry (3)
Extensive examination of the chemical aspects of environmental issues. Presumes knowledge of kinetics, elementary thermodynamics, and equilibria. The course is broad-based and interdisciplinary in nature and touches upon topics such as water quality, air pollution, and hazardous wastes. Prerequisites: Precalculus and chemistry or instructor permission.
ES 661 Water Quality (3)
This course examines fundamental concepts related to water quality issues. An introduction and review of scientific principles necessary to understand water quality issues (such as nutrient cycles), general aspects of water legislation, and contemporary issues in the field.
ES 667 Ground Water Geology (3)
Ground water occurrence, flow, aquifer relationships, well discharge data, and aquifer yield. Introductions to field investigations including geophysical methods. Other topics include containment migration and groundwater modeling. Lab included. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: A course in geology or instructor permission.
ES 669 Environmental Law (3)
Introduction to laws and regulations governing environmental and natural resource management. Designed to introduce non-law students to the legal process in general and the role of the judiciary in environmental and natural resource management.
ES 671 Coral Reef Ecology (3)
A field-oriented block course that examines the ecology of coral reefs and associated organisms. Topics include: coral taxonomy, reproduction, morphology and ecology, reef structure and zonation, coral identification, symbionts on coral reefs, and coral reef ecosystems. No SCUBA certification required. Lab included. Lab fee required. Additional costs of travel to and within the tropics are required of the student. Instructor permission and a prior college-level course in ecology is required.
ES 672 Scientific Diving (3)
Meets requirements for Scientific Diver under the guidelines of Alaska Pacific University and the Association for Advancement of Underwater Science. Topics may include: data gathering techniques, collecting, common biota, behavior, installation of scientific apparatus, site location and relocation, organism identification, ecology, tagging, photography, scientific dive planning, appropriate governmental regulations, AAUS scientific diving regulations, research vessel diving, aquarium diving, and animal handling. An emphasis is placed on dive safety while conducting scientific work underwater. Lab included. Lab fee required. Additional costs for travel are required of the student. Students provide their own SCUBA gear (required). First aid certification and open-water dive certification required before a student's first dive. Prerequisites: Instructor permission.
ES 673 Human Impacts In Marine Systems (3)
This course addresses the major human impacts on marine systems at local, regional, national, and international scales. Mitigation, management, conservation, and policy actions are examined in the context of balancing ecological with economic impacts and conflicts among stakeholders and policymakers. Course includes an in-depth dilemma-based case study. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
ES 674 Seminar Readings In Marine Biology (1-3)
Small groups which meet with faculty members for in-depth study and discussion of particular topics. Examples have included: Top-down Control of Marine Populations, Cephalopod Biology and Ecology, Ecology of Modular Organisms, and Marine Research Methods. Appropriate course descriptions are published as seminars are offered; student initiated topics welcome. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
ES 680 Directed Study (1-3)
Individual study in a given field under the guidance of a faculty member and by permission only.
ES 681 Thesis Research (1-6)
Students perform a research project under the guidance of a 3-member graduate advisory committee, involving an in-depth study of a subject in the student's area of professional interest. The project includes, but is not limited to, a statement of the problem, data collection, compilation, analysis and interpretation, and writing of a thesis, which documents all aspects of the study. The thesis must be successfully defended before the graduate advisory committee during an oral presentation to the university community. Final approval of the written thesis is required prior to graduation.
ES 685 Practicum (Internship) (3-12)
Practical work experience in a given area of concentration under the cooperative guidance of a faculty member and an on-the-job supervisor.
ES 690 Seminar (3)
Small groups which meet with faculty members for in-depth study and discussion of particular topics. Appropriate course descriptions are published as seminars are offered.
ES 692 Special Topics (1-3)
Special topics in various fields are offered as needed. Appropriate course descriptions are published as topics are developed.
MAP - Master Of Arts Program
(Offered through the Liberal Studies Department)
MAP 600 Graduate Seminar For Master Of Arts (3)
The initial course taken by all MAP students. Concepts and issues covered include discussions and activities dealing with critical thinking, research development concepts, and other issues involved in self-directed learning models and methods. Students who need additional background in research methods, quantitative or qualitative methods, writing methods, or other advanced skills needed to complete the program may be advised to enroll in such courses or develop the skills through independent study. Since the range of interests and skills in the MAP may be broad and diverse, this course concentrates on the development of the cohort and the critical analytical skills and abilities needed.
MAP 620, 640, 681 Contract Learning Experiences (21-36)
A MAP student may enroll in one or more sections of MAP 620, 640, or 681 depending upon the nature of the contract learning for a given semester. The credit is variable to allow the student to design a curriculum to meet the goals and objectives of the study plan. For example, a student may sign up for 3 credits of Research while concurrently pursuing 6 credits of Practicum, for a total of 9 credits to be earned in that semester. Each enrollment requires the student and advisor(s)/mentor to develop specific goals, outcome measures, learning objectives, and evaluation methods for that semester. Students are required to participate in periodic colloquia.
Students who, as part of their studies, participate in outside learning experiences (workshops, seminars, residencies, travel, and other events) still register for that semester, except for other graduate-level courses that may be included in the 12 transferable credits. These added experiences may become part of the goals, objectives, and outcomes for the study plan. Students are responsible for any added cost of the outside learning experience even though they may be included in the learning objectives. (Total credit recommendations may vary, depending upon individual need.)
MAP 620 Contract Learning Experiences: Research (3-12)
Under the supervision of the faculty mentor, students acquaint themselves with the best that has been (or is being) thought, said, or done in their subject area. They will articulate the ways in which their particular topic is embedded within at least one comprehensive area of thought. Students may take, as an option and with their academic advisor's approval, courses from the existing graduate curriculum that are relevant to their study plan or complete separate directed study courses.
MAP 640 Contract Learning Experiences: Practicum (3-12)
Under the supervision of the faculty advisor, students engage in a practicum experience in which they put into practice what they have discovered and articulated during the MAP 620 Research Phase. Students may take, as an option and with the advisor's approval, courses from the existing graduate curriculum that are relevant to the study plan or complete separate directed study courses.
MAP 680 Directed Study (1-3)
Designed for students who wish to pursue topics not available in regularly scheduled classes. A plan of study is developed with the assistance of an appropriate regular or adjunct faculty member. Approval of advisor, program director, department chair, and Academic Dean required.
MAP 681 Contract Learning Experiences: Thesis (3-12)
Under the supervision of the faculty advisor, students write or otherwise complete a thesis or major product, in which they make an original, significant contribution to the area of study. Students may take, as an option and with the advisor's approval, courses from the existing graduate curriculum that are relevant to the study plan or complete separate directed study courses.
Other Graduate Courses
Other graduate courses taken at Alaska Pacific University that are part of the study plan's 36 credit hours of requirements are listed in this catalog and course schedules. Students as part of the study plan may also be enrolled in graduate level course work at another school. Prerequisite courses are not usually part of the 36-credit requirement. In addition, depending on the study plan, students may enroll in more than the 36-credit requirement in order to obtain additional learning experiences.
MBA - Master Of Business Administration
(Offered through the Business Administration Department)
MBA 610 Government And Not-For-Profit Accounting (3)
Governmental and not-for-profit entities utilize special accounting rules and procedures. MBA 610 involves the study and research of these special accounting rules and reporting practices set forth by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board and other professional accounting organizations. Prerequisite: Advanced undergraduate accounting course or equivalent.
MBA 611 Accounting For Executive Action (3)
Systems and procedures for budgeting and control, including cost and profit planning, responsibility accounting, cost behavior patterns, operating and capital budgeting, and accounting data for decision making. Prerequisite: Introductory course(s) in accounting or equivalent.
MBA 616 Fundamentals Of Financial Instruments &Institutions (1)
This course will familiarize students with the fundamental concepts, models and theories of financial markets, instruments and institutions. Students will be provided a basic survey of (a) the nature and forms of financial markets; (b) the financial instruments available for investing, financing operations and managing various kinds of financial risk and the markets which trade these instruments; and (c) the role and operation of financial institutions and regulatory bodies.
MBA 618 Accounting For Decision Making (3)
This course will introduce students to the accounting concepts and use of accounting information in decision making. Topics include basics of financial statements, measurement of assets, equities and income, financial statement analysis, cost behavior and measurement, cost and profitability analyses, long-term investment analysis, relevant cost, and performance measures.
MBA 621 Organizational Behavior (3)
Focus on individuals and groups within organizational systems including organizational dynamics, behavior, design, and other factors impacting organizational success.
MBA 624 Managerial Economics (3)
This course will familiarize students with the fundamental concepts, models and theories of economics with a focus on their relevance to business decision making. The interaction of information, economic incentives and market competition and how these interact to determine prices, products available, profits, and patterns of trade and organization will be explored. At the end of this course, students should be able to understand how basic economic reasoning can lead to improved managerial decisions.
MBA 627 Entrepreneurship: Venture Management (3)
This course immerses students in the dynamic, cash driven environment of the entrepreneur by studying case histories of lifestyle ventures, smaller profitable ventures, and fast-growth ventures. This comprehensive course focuses on new venture management and the process of developing strategies and plans for successful entrepreneurial operations.
MBA 628 E-Business (3)
The subject of E-Business is an exciting and cutting edge component of entrepreneurial studies. This course is designed to educate the student to the level whereby he or she will be able to plan for and implement an e-business start-up or be able to lead the transition team of a traditional bricks and mortar business that is expanding to include e-business solutions in its business strategy.
MBA 630 Entrepreneurship: Venture Funding (3)
Explore the many tools, tactics, and strategies available to the successful small business for obtaining cash to finance fast-growth, such as private placement exemptions, uniform limited offerings and public offerings. Special emphasis is placed on the emerging trends of Direct Public Offerings and navigating SEC regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to determine effective funding strategies and be able to complete funding plans or simple prospectuses that would be successful in raising capital in today's marketplace. Prerequisite: MBA 618.
MBA 631 Human Resource Management (3)
Strategic planning, development, and management of human resource capital focusing on both human and regulatory issues within the organization. Title VII, labor relations, task and work analysis, performance management, compensation, and other HRM topics examined as they affect supervisors and managers.
MBA 636 Health Care Systems (3)
Examines the structures, functioning, and financing of the U.S. health services system. Emphasizes foundational concepts for understanding and analyzing patterns of health and illness; health care cost, quality, access, and utilization; workforce; competition in health care markets; and supplier, provider, and payer effectiveness and efficiency.
MBA 637 Health Care Policy And Economics (3)
Topics include consumer behavior, determinants of demand for health services, determinants of costs in health care organizations, production theory, the role of competition and regulation in the health care industry, health risks and their economic impact, insurance and alternative financing mechanisms, cost-benefit analysis of health programs, and theories of health care cost inflation. Also examines international alternative health policies. Prerequisite: MBA 636.
MBA 638 Informatics: Health Information Systems And Technology (3)
Analyzes current information and management systems including workforce planning and productivity, financial planning and monitoring, quality assurance, staffing and scheduling, administrative information systems, patient care systems, and legal/regulatory requirements for security and confidentiality. Evaluates alternative uses of computer technology in health care, including tele-health technologies.
MBA 639 Program Evaluation And Outcome Assessment (3)
This course considers health data sources and program evaluation methods, and the means to incorporate the findings into effective health care service delivery. Topics include: cost-benefit analysis, activity analysis, outcome assessment, design of program evaluations, and reporting of results. Students learn to measure the magnitude of problems posed by different diseases, determine who is affected by the problems, identify causes, and evaluate the efficacy of prevention and treatment intervention. Prerequisite: MBA 652.
MBA 640 Quality Management Practices (3)
Practical applications of major quality management systems and models focusing on the integration of a number of models and approaches in order to ensure successful implementation.
MBA 642 Marketing Management (3)
Techniques and strategies for management of marketing in a global environment. The course guides the student through the changing role of marketing management from planning, pricing, promotions, and product and brand management in the domestic environment to distribution and channel strategies in international marketing. The course focuses on developing the correct marketing strategy to match the market opportunity.
MBA 643 Internet Marketing (3)
Covers the various impacts of the expanded use of the Internet on marketing. Includes the effects of Internet characteristics (connectivity, interactivity, and essentially unlimited information capacity, together with non-geographically contained reach) on the function of current marketing media, evaluation of web page design criteria, and the relation of the Internet to other aspects of the Marketing Mix, that is, to physical distribution, product development, and pricing. Prerequisite: MBA 642 or permission of instructor.
MBA 644 Ethical And Legal Issues In Health Care (3)
This course explores the health care delivery system in the United States, the laws that govern that system, and the inherent ethical issues involved with the delivery of health care services. Students can expect to gain a broad sense of the relationship between the structure of the health care system and the law of health care. The course covers private insurance and state and federal law, including ERISA, COBRA, the ADA and HIPAA; basic Medicare and Medicaid law; antitrust law; federal fraud and abuse law; and basic law of managed care. The course will also explore emerging issues of biotechnology, services rationing, and collection and disclosure of patient information.
MBA 645 Health Care Marketing (3)
Fundamental theories, concepts, and techniques of marketing applied to the distinctive properties of health care services. Emphasizes the role of marketing in aligning organizational capacity and health care needs; market analysis and planning; strategic marketing management; tactical marketing mix design; developing and managing new services and systems of delivery.
MBA 646 Informatics: Integration And Application (3)
Informatics - the intersection of technology, information, and health care - impacts health care on national and local levels. Health care personnel are developing ehrs (electronic health records), electronic billing systems, patient and practitioner portals, and other manifestations of the information age universally - yet few systems communicate with one another. As informatics continues its consumption of resources both human and monetary, all in the field of health care need to understand what it is, how it affects their services, and how to direct its efforts to improvement of health care delivery. Prerequisite: MBA 638.
MBA 647 Practice Management (3)
Provides a practical overview of management skills and tools necessary to assist a physician group with an efficient delivery organization. Discusses issues in larger healthcare business environment that affect physician professional practice, and the operational factors that define a successful organization now and in the future. Prerequisite: MBA 636.
MBA 648 Reimbursement Systems (3)
An examination of the challenges associated with organizing and managing health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and other types of managed care systems. The course places special emphasis on the organization and management of physician practices. Other topics include: contractual relationships with hospitals, utilization review and quality assurance systems, and marketing.
MBA 652 Intermediate Statistics For Management (3)
An intermediate level course in statistics covering a review of point and interval estimation type I and II errors and hypothesis testing, with an extension to the analysis of simple survey designs, followed by a rigorous development of simple and multiple regression, elementary ANOVA, discrete data analysis, and nonparametric methods. Students will learn to work with the MINITAB statistical package and other spreadsheet programs.
MBA 653 Spreadsheet Modeling And Simulation (3)
This is a spreadsheet-based course in building decision models and simulating the uncertainty inherent in decision-making. It will build on basic statistical concepts in developing random simulations. Spreadsheet tools for conducting simulation analyses will be covered. Integration of data, modeling, and presentation of results will be stressed.
MBA 654 Systems Thinking And Computer Simulation (3)
Systems dynamics is a perspective and a set of conceptual tools that enable you to understand the structure and dynamics of complex systems. Systems dynamics is also a rigorous modeling method that enables you to build formal computer simulations of complex systems and use them to design more effective policies and organizations. The goal of this course is to develop your intuition and conceptual understanding of business processes.
MBA 662 Law And Corporate Leadership (3)
Focus on understanding the legal environment in which managers and executives operate, including broad legal principles involving corporate legal issues.
MBA 663 Business Ethics (3)
This course explores the ethical traditions of business including: the relationship between capitalism, corporations, and ethics; issues of justice and economic distribution; the relationship between business ethics and the environment; and ethical issues and current challenges in the workplace. Students will learn how to spot potential ethical issues before they become problems.
MBA 664 Leadership (3)
An experiential course that enables the student to examine several leadership styles, traits, and behaviors. The student will also discover a variety of group creative problem-solving techniques and processes. The students will examine their leadership role within a team-building environment. Students participate in class exercises and in an outdoor experiential lab environment.
MBA 669 Health Care Finance (3)
Examines theory and techniques of corporate financial management as applied to health services providers and insurers including time value of money, capital budgeting techniques, cost flow analysis, capital structures planning, mergers and acquisitions, managed care financing, contract negotiation, and capital acquisition and investment analysis. Prerequisite: MBA 618.
MBA 670 Corporate Finance (3)
Students will gain knowledge of financial and economic needs and processes within the organization, including financial needs and sources of funds, behavior of the economy, institutional structures and markets, internal financial decision making, performance and risk management and measurement. Prerequisite: MBA 616
MBA 674 Domestic/Global Securities And Financial Markets (3)
A survey introducing students to domestic and global financial markets, how they developed and how they are likely to change in the near future. An overview that examines variety and differences among financial instruments and a review of how they are valued and traded.
MBA 675 Investment Theory And Practice (With Lab) (4)
Course will cover return concepts, policy statements, investment alternatives and historic returns, efficient markets theory, Markowitz mean/variance portfolio theory, the capital asset pricing model and extensions, asset pricing theory, portfolio strategies, and performance evaluation. Management of the student fund is an integral part of the class. Prerequisite: MBA 652 or permission of instructor.
MBA 677 Financial Securities And Derivatives (4)
Course will cover three step decision process, theory of valuation, dividend discount model, relative valuation, analyzing the entire market, industry, and sector analysis, specific stock selection models, and technical analysis. Management of the student fund is an integral part of the class. Prerequisite: MBA 675.
MBA 680 Directed Study (1-3)
Individual study in a given field under the guidance of a faculty member.
MBA 681 Thesis (3-6)
Compilation, evaluation, interpretation, writing, and oral presentation of significant research in a business or management area. Research proposal and final product must be approved by the thesis committee. Prerequisite: Recommend course in design and principles of research.
MBA 683 Fund Management Practicum (1)
This is a 100% practical, lab-based course offered in summer to help students gain hands-on experience in applying the basic concepts of equity securities selection and modern portfolio theory by managing a real-life, institutional caliber equity portfolio.
MBA 685 Internship (1-6)
Practical work experience or experiential opportunity in a given area of concentration under the guidance of a faculty member and onsite supervisor. Completion of a written report or document.
MBA 690 Seminar (1-3)
Small group meets with faculty member for in-depth study and discussion of particular topics. Appropriate course descriptions published when offered.
MBA 692 Special Topics (1-3)
Examination or study of a special topic or area. Offered as needed. Course description published when offered.
MBA 693 Special Finance Topics (3-4)
Special topics offered depending on demand and program development, these topics will include: The Art of Trading, Options, Derivatives and Futures, Pensions, Commodities, and Managing the Student Fund. Prerequisite: MBA 652.
MBA 695 Research Project (3)
Undertaking of major research project under guidance of a faculty member. Involves in-depth study of a specific area. Quantitative or qualitative research methods are used in the completion of the project. Prerequisite: Recommend course in design and principles of research
MBA 697 Capstone Course (3)
Integration and application of the skills learned in competitive strategy, finance, human resource management, marketing, accounting, operations management, and other functional areas through an interactive management simulation conducted in teams. This course is normally taken in the last semester of the student's enrollment in the MBA, MBAICT or MGF program. Prerequisites: Completion of at least nine (9) MBA, MCT or MGF courses representing a cross section of functional management disciplines or instructor permission.
MCT - Executive MBA In Information And Communication Technology
(Offered through the Business Administration Department)
MCT 660 Overview Of Information And Communication Technology (3)
Overview of information and telecommunications technologies, business models and public policy issues. The emphasis is on attaining basic knowledge of voice and data communications, including circuit switched technologies, data networks, wireless communications, satellite communications, and convergence. Field visits will be utilized for first-hand exposure to these technologies. (formerly MTM 660).
MCT 661 Information And Communication Technology And Theory (3)
This course provides an understanding of the technologies, standards, and protocols used to provide digital communications services. It will include both wired and wireless technologies. Topics include the OSI model, layered communications protocols, packet switching, frame relay, ATM, cable networks, satellite networks, local area networks, wide area networks, broadband networks, licensed and unlicensed spectrum. Emphasis will be on the cost, quality, and lifecycle dimensions and tradeoffs of the various technologies. (formerly MTM 661).
MCT 662 Managing Network Security (2)
Practical and theoretical knowledge of network security. Topics covered include security policies and their place in information technology and business plans, virtual private networks, firewalls, public key infrastructures, and intrusion detection. Emphasis will be placed on risk analysis and network security strategies rather than detailed analysis of &quo;how to" provide network security. Prerequisite: MCT 661.
MCT 663 Telecommunications And Information Policy And Regulation (3)
The Telecommunications Act of 1996, along with parallel international legislation and continued evolution of domestic and international policies, form the basis for this course. Topics reviewed include: obligations and rights of common carriers; universal service in the information age; market entry and exit; pricing rules; network access by consumers, competing providers, and information providers; and strategies for interacting with regulatory agencies. (formerly MTM 663).
MCT 665 Technology And Intellectual Property Marketing And Strategy (3)
Rapid technological change, high investment costs, unique product life cycles, and the central role played by intellectual property all pose strategic marketing challenges to the information and communication sectors. Topics studied include: information society demand drivers, customer value expectations, the global networked society, convergence, patent and copyright issues, and evaluation of competitive strategies. (formerly MTM 665).
MCT 667 Technological And Organizational Innovation (2)
Innovation in the information and telecommunications industry is a complex process that requires a constant stream of new ideas, technical competence, appropriate organizational design, and "public places" that facilitate the collaboration and discourse. Disruptive innovations pose challenges for existing market leaders, while incremental innovations appear to evade the grasp of market entrants (Christensen, The Innovator's Dilemma, The Innovator's Solution). This course will explore how innovation is fostered or hindered by the structure and interaction of firms, consumers, regulators, and other stakeholders in the industry. Case studies will be used to examine multiple aspects and applications of the innovation process.
MCT 669 Financial Technology And Systems (2)
This course will introduce students to the challenging interface between cutting-edge information and telecommunications technology and financial systems and applications. The consolidated nature of the financial services industry, involving banking, insurance and investment services, has created an urgent need for customer relationship channels across multiple products and brands. This course will expose students to a variety of integrated e-CRM applications in the financial services industry including web inquiry, online transactions and product recommendations. Other facets of financial technology that will be covered in the course include web and wireless-based information processing and transaction-enabling applications, secure on-line banking, smart card devices, mobile networks, e-commerce and mcommerce systems, electronic brokerage and program trading applications. Apart from the technical insight required to comparatively appraise several "off-the-shelf" applications that are currently available in the market, students will also acquire the necessary decision-making skills in order to be able to select the proper technology precisely suited for the job at hand given organizational budget and resource constraints. Prerequisites: MBA 618 and MBA 670.
MCT 680 Directed Study (1-3)
Individual study in a given field under the guidance of a faculty member. (formerly MTM 680).
MCT 685 Internship (1-3)
Practical work experience or experiential opportunity in a given area of concentration under the guidance of a faculty member and onsite supervisor. Completion of a written report or document. (formerly MTM 685).
MCT 692 Special Topics (1-3)
Examination or study of special topic or area. Offered as needed. Course description published when offered, but examples include: wireless data services, managing IT departments, telecommunications contracting, etc. (formerly MTM 692).
OEE - Master Of Science In Outdoor and Environmental Education
(Offered through the Environmental Science Department)
OEE 605 The Science Literacy Of Outdoor And Environmental Education (3)
This course will provide a wide variety of outdoor and environmental curricula offered in Alaska through field trips, hands-on training, and readings on their history, philosophy, methods, and issues. Students will incorporate natural history and science into curricula. The course will also explore certification and training options for the students enrolled in the Outdoor and Environmental Education graduate program.
OEE 607 Teaching Science In The Outdoors (3)
This course will cover in detail the theories and methods used in outdoor and environmental education. Students will learn to integrate the natural sciences into standard outdoor and environmental teaching methods. The emphasis is on practical techniques utilized in both formal and non-formal education in an environmental context.
OEE 609 Assessment Of Outdoor And Environmental Education (3)
This course will focus on the assessment and evaluation of environmental and outdoor education programs, curricula, and materials by using formal measures (e.g., rubrics and standardized tests) as well as informal observational techniques. Emphasis will be on the design of assessment and evaluation tools used to measure outcomes of environmental and outdoor education programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
OEE 611 Curriculum Design For Experiential Educators (1-9)
This course will explore the role of the curriculum design as a foundation of successful outdoor and environmental education by making students familiar with the educational materials and curricula that are offered nationally and locally. Focus will be on students' ability to design their own curriculum and to adapt it to different audiences.
OEE 680 Directed Study (1-3)
Designed for students wishing to learn about and experience new topics not available in regular scheduled classes.
OEE 681 Thesis Research (1-9)
Students will study an area of their interest in outdoor and environmental education, developing a research question, collecting, compiling, and analyzing data, and writing a professional paper summarizing their thesis. Work will be supervised by a thesis committee with a presentation and defense of work, and approval of thesis before graduation.
OEE 685 Practicum (3)
This course involves supervised fieldwork in a professional setting with emphasis on organizing, leading, and assessing outdoor and environmental education programs. Students will work with professional organizations that deliver curriculum, assisting them with learning organizational and teaching techniques, and developing project and research proposals.
OEE 692 Special Topics (1-3)
Designed for faculty and students wishing to learn and experience new topics not available in regularly scheduled classes.
PY - Psychology
(Offered through the Counseling, Psychological Studies and Human Services Department)
PY 500 Understanding Psychological Research (3)
Overview of basic research methods in psychology. Active participation in problem formulation, research design, data collection, analysis and interpretation, and use of APA style in writing research reports. Prerequisites: Baccalaureate degree (or permission of instructor) and one statistics course.
PY 601 Professional Counseling: Theory, Skills, And Practice I (4)
This course is designed to review, compare, and contrast prevailing theories of counseling, to practice some of the basic methods of counseling, and to develop skills necessary to enhance the counseling relationship. Emphasis is upon communication, self-awareness of one's own behavior and its effect upon others, and the development of one's ability to accurately interpret the behavior of others. Under faculty supervision, some limited opportunities are provided to practice these skills.
PY 603 Assessment In Counseling (4)
Foundation for conducting psychological assessments in the counseling setting. Hands-on experience with testing and assessment procedures common in the field. Administration of tests, such as the TAT, MMPI-2, Wechsler series intelligence tests, etc.
PY 604 Professional Counseling: Theory, Skills, And Practice II (4)
This course is designed to practice additional methods of counseling and develop more sophisticated skills necessary to enhance the counseling relationship. Emphasis is upon a variety of counseling paradigms including RET, Behavior Therapy, Adlerian techniques, and Gestalt processes. Under faculty supervision, opportunities are provided to practice these skills. Students also begin to identify internship sites during this course.
PY 605 Advanced Human Development (4)
Exploration of significant issues within developmental psychology as they relate to counseling, utilizing a life-span developmental perspective is encouraged.
PY 606 Advanced Abnormal Psychology (4)
Through this course, the student becomes familiar with current psychological perspectives on pathological behavior. The conceptual and structural models of the most current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) are emphasized.
PY 607 Group Counseling (4)
Foundations of various methods of group therapy. Exploration of individual, interpersonal, and group processes that occur within the parameters of group counseling. Prerequisite: PY 604
PY 608 Couples And Family Therapy (4)
Introduction to current methods of couples and family therapy, e.g., structural, systems, behavioral, etc. The application and efficacy of these methods are emphasized. Prerequisite: PY 604
PY 609 Social And Cultural Foundations Of Counseling (4)
Exploration of a broad range of topics relevant to the mental health practitioner. Of particular importance are cross-cultural counseling, drug and alcohol issues, gender issues, geriatric issues, domestic violence, and preventive models.
PY 610 Design And Principles Of Research (4)
Quantitative and qualitative approaches to conducting research. Foundation of concepts necessary for professional consumption of research literature. Practice in requisite conceptual, speaking, and writing skills for effective professional communication of ideas.
PY 611 Professional Orientation And Ethics (4)
This course provides an understanding of all aspects of professional functioning, including history, roles, organizational structures, ethics, standards, and credentialing. A special emphasis is given to providing a solid foundation in professional ethics.
PY 640 Brief Therapy (4)
Introduction to the cooperative therapeutic model of solution focused counseling and other brief therapy models. Includes various application and intervention approaches used by the brief therapist.
PY 660 Career And Lifestyle Counseling (4)
This course provides a theoretical foundation and opportunities for practical application of career and lifestyle counseling strategies. It focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to provide professional career counseling services to an adult population in a variety of transitional life stages. Students will have an opportunity to examine major theories of career choice and development, career assessment instruments and their use, and the counseling models associated with these theories and measurements. They will also explore lifestyle and career needs of young, middle, and older adults.
PY 680 Directed Study (1-4)
Individual study in a given field or topic area under the guidance of a faculty member.
PY 690 Professional Seminar (4)
This seminar is taken in the final semester, affording each student an opportunity to pursue a topic of special interest. The seminar meets biweekly in order to discuss the problems and issues that arise in doing one's own work. The culminating professional paper may take many forms. A traditional paper might be a quantitative or qualitative research report. A nontraditional paper might be a description and evaluation of an action project carried out during the semester or an interpreted debate representing opposing points of view. Components might include video, performance, or other creative formats. At the end of the semester students present their work to faculty and peers.
PY 699 Counseling Internship (8)
Experience as an intern counselor at a professional site in the community. This involves at least 15 hours a week, including the course meeting time, for a total of 600 hours over two semesters. The internship site must be approved by the MSCP Director in advance. Prerequisite: Admission to degree candidacy.
PR - Pacific Rim
(Offered through the Liberal Studies Department)
PR 627 History And Culture Of Alaska Natives (3)
A survey of Aleut, Yup'ik and Inupiat Eskimo, Athabascan, and southeastern peoples and cultures. Entrance into Alaska, prehistory, and traditional adaptations including economic, social, and ideological components. Historic contact, culture change, contemporary position, and ongoing concerns are also examined.
