Welcome to the UAF Department of Political Science
Why study political science?
A political science education makes our political system knowable, and is thus invaluable for developing engaged citizens who seek positive change in our world. The Political Science Department at UAF offers an array of cutting edge classes focusing on international and domestic security, resource governance, democracy, and reconciliation in settler societies. Our graduates go on to pursue a variety of exciting careers upon graduation, in the Alaska state or federal bureaucracy, the Alaska Legislature, or in the private sector working for non-governmental organizations or as lawyers or members of the media.
Open to students from UAF, UAA and UAS, the Senator Ted Stevens Legislative Internship Program provides the opportunity to spend a semester working in the Alaska Legislature while earning academic credit and building professional connections.
UAF's growing pre-law program combines personalized advising with accelerated and direct-admission partnerships that can help students transition smoothly to law school while saving time and money.
Political science students explore the issues shaping Alaska, the Arctic and the world through guest speakers, public events and discussions that connect classroom learning to current affairs.
I now serve as chief of staff to a representative in the Alaska State Legislature. I would not be in this career had it not been for the political science program at UAF and the UA Legislative Internship Program where I got my start in state government. The critical thinking skills I honed during my political science classes are incredibly valuable in my job, where attention to detail and understanding alternative viewpoints are essential. Joseph Byrnes, 2013, B.A.
News & Events
Advancing Arctic Knowledge: Brandon Boylan's Impact in the Classroom and Beyond
February 23, 2026
Brandon Boylan's teaching, research and Arctic leadership continue to shape students and programs at UAF.
UAF Model UN earns honors, builds momentum at statewide conference
February 09, 2026
UAF students earned top honors at Alaska's 2025 Model UN while sharpening diplomacy, research and leadership skills.
Courts, Rights, and Representation: Carol Gray at IPSA 2025
November 17, 2025
UAF's Carol Gray brings Alaska's legal and human rights perspectives to the global stage at the IPSA World Congress in Seoul.
Department of Political Science Contact Information
Email: uaf-polisci@alaska.edu
Phone: 907-474-7126
Fax: 907-474-5247
Physical address:
1747 South Chandalar Drive
Gruening Building, Room 605D
ËÄ»¢Ó°Ôº, AK 99775
Mailing address:
UAF Department of Political Science
PO Box 756420
ËÄ»¢Ó°Ôº, AK 99775
Alex Hirsch, PhD
Professor of Political Science
Office: Gruening Building, Room 603
Email: arhirsh@alaska.edu
Phone: 907-474-7126
All UAF College of Liberal Arts (CLA) administrative assistants are off contract through
the summer and will not return until Monday, August 10th, 2026.
If you need any assistance this summer, please contact Isabel Norris in the CLA Dean's
Office by phone at (907) 474-7231 or via email at uaf-cla@alaska.edu.
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Laura Schneider
Office: Gruening Building, Room 605D
Email: uaf-polisci@alaska.eduPhone: 907-474-7126
At times, navigating your way through college can be tricky. Throughout your academic
journey, you’ll need guidance from different advisors to stay on the path to success.
Visit our advising page to ensure you're reaching out to the right advisor at each stage of your journey.
Here is a brief outline of some of the different types of advising available to you.
UAF Academic Advising Center (First-Year Students: 0–24 credits)
Designed for first-year students, this service helps you lay a strong academic foundation,
equipping you with the resources and guidance needed to succeed in your degree program.
CLA Undergraduate Comprehensive Advising (Students with more than 24 credits)
Once you’ve completed 24 credits, you’ll work with one of our CLA undergraduate advisors
for help with registration, petitions, major changes, and navigating college-related
questions.
CLA Undergraduate Department/Program Advising (Declared Majors/Minors)
In addition to your CLA undergraduate comprehensive advising, once you’ve declared
a major or minor, faculty advisors within your department supplement specialized guidance,
helping with upper-division-level course selection within the major, internships,
practicums, and capstone projects.
CLA Graduate Advising
Graduate students do not meet with CLA Undergraduate Comprehensive Advisors. Graduate
students will appoint an advisory committee. The graduate advisory committee guides
the student in developing and completing their degree program. CLA has designated
department graduate coordinators who will guide you through this process.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Advising is also available for students who are not pursuing a degree but just want
to take a class and want help with course selection and academic planning. This happens
through UAF Admissions.
Please visit our advising page for more information and contact details.