Alaska Top Colleges and Universities: University of Alaska Anchorage, Alaska Pacific University, and University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Top Industries: Oil and gas, health services, and government
Alaska Top Employers: Providence Health & Services, Wal-Mart, and ASRC Energy Services
Though Alaska is a fairly large state, much of its land is rural, and as a result, there are only 11 accredited post secondary institutions within the state, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Of those 11 colleges and universities, only eight colleges offer online education, four of which offer advanced degrees. Though it is difficult to find online PhD programs in Alaska, students can opt to attend universities located in other states. Online education does not require that enrolled students be located within the university’s state. In fact, many online doctoral degree programs encourage out-of-state students to apply.
Alaska has a multi-state initiative known as the Internet Course Exchange. Put together by the Western State Commission for Higher Education, this initiative aims to give students the opportunity to access online classes offered by member schools through Alaska institutions. This increases the availability of online education for students and encourages colleges and universities to provide diverse classes that meet students’ needs. It also helps students who are pursuing online doctoral programs in Alaska to get access to specialized programs that may not be offered by their home institutions.
Your Online PhD In Alaska
According to Alaska’s Department of Labor and Workforce Analysis, the largest employer in Alaska is Providence Health & Services, which employs various medical professionals. Students interested in pursuing advanced career positions within Providence — such as coordinators, senior administrators, or managers — can pursue online doctoral programs in nursing or online PhD programs in health management. In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nurses who combine their experience with business education can manage health business, like home care and chronic care.
Another top employer is ASRC Energy Services, which is an oil and gas company that employs engineers, industrial hygienists, and mechanical professionals. Individuals who wish to pursue careers with ASRC should consider earning a doctoral degree in engineering, industrial hygiene, safety, and even cost analysis. By earning a Ph.D. in one of those fields, a graduate can seek out high-level management and supervisory opportunities.
Other top employers in Alaska include Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, and Carrs Safeway. Individuals who wish to become high-level managers within these companies will be more marketable if they have graduate degrees in business, management, finance, or a related degree.
PHD in Economics, Associate Professor, Department of Business Process Management, Faculty of Market Technologies IOM