1. University of Alaska Anchorage – College of Business and Public Policy (CBPP)
Overview
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) offers an MBA program through its College of Business and Public Policy (CBPP). This program is designed for professionals looking to advance their careers in Alaska’s unique business environment. The curriculum focuses on leadership, strategic thinking, and ethical decision-making, tailored to the economic and cultural realities of Alaska. UAA’s MBA offers flexibility with evening and online classes, making it ideal for working professionals. The program places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with opportunities to engage with local businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Program Highlights
- Business Week Ranking: Not ranked nationally
- Number of Students: Approximately 50-70 students
- Acceptance Rate: Around 60%
- Average GMAT Score: 550 (though GMAT is not always required)
- Average Starting Salary: $75,000
- Top Hiring Companies:
- ConocoPhillips
- Alaska Airlines
- Alaska Native Corporations
- Providence Health & Services
- BP Alaska
Notable Alumni
- Mayor Ethan Berkowitz – Former Mayor of Anchorage
- Mead Treadwell – Former Lieutenant Governor of Alaska
- Evan Patterson – Vice President, Northrim Bank
2. University of Alaska Fairbanks – School of Management
Overview
The MBA program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is offered through the School of Management. UAF’s MBA program is known for its focus on finance, strategic leadership, and global business practices, with an emphasis on Alaska’s unique economy. The program is flexible and designed to accommodate working professionals, with options for evening and online courses. UAF’s proximity to key industries such as oil, mining, and public administration allows students to engage in internships and projects with leading employers in the region. The program also highlights sustainability and indigenous economic development, aligning with Alaska’s cultural and environmental priorities.
Program Highlights
- Business Week Ranking: Not ranked
- Number of Students: 40-50 students
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Average GMAT Score: 540 (GMAT waiver available for qualified applicants)
- Average Starting Salary: $70,000
- Top Hiring Companies:
- Alyeska Pipeline Service Company
- GCI Communication Corp
- Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
- Doyon, Limited (Alaska Native Corporation)
- Alaska Department of Administration
Notable Alumni
- Jason Metrokin – CEO, Bristol Bay Native Corporation
- Denali Daniels – Founder and CEO, Denali Daniels & Associates
- Dan White – President, University of Alaska Fairbanks
3. Alaska Pacific University – Institute of Business and Public Policy
Overview
Alaska Pacific University (APU) offers a Master of Business Administration program with a focus on sustainability, rural development, and entrepreneurship. This program is particularly attractive to students looking to pursue careers in Alaska’s nonprofit sector or indigenous organizations. APU’s MBA program integrates sustainable business practices into its curriculum, which is well-aligned with Alaska’s environmental and social challenges. APU’s smaller class sizes allow for more personalized attention and a strong sense of community among MBA students. The program is available in both hybrid and online formats, making it accessible to students throughout the state.
Program Highlights
- Business Week Ranking: Not ranked
- Number of Students: 20-30 students
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average GMAT Score: GMAT not required
- Average Starting Salary: $65,000
- Top Hiring Companies:
- Alaska Native Corporations
- Nonprofit Organizations in Alaska
- Renewable Energy Sector
- Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
- Alaska Public Interest Research Group (AKPIRG)
Notable Alumni
- Dr. Ellen Frankenstein – Documentary Filmmaker and Nonprofit Executive
- Roberta Graham – Vice President, Alaska Communications
- Tara Sweeney – Former Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior
Comparison of Alaska MBA Programs
University of Alaska Anchorage – College of Business and Public Policy
- Focus: Strategic management, leadership, public policy, and Alaska-specific industries
- Program Format: Full-time, part-time, online
- Key Strengths: Industry ties with Alaska’s oil and gas sector, public administration focus, flexible program structure
University of Alaska Fairbanks – School of Management
- Focus: Finance, leadership, sustainability, and indigenous economic development
- Program Format: Flexible, with options for full-time, part-time, and online study
- Key Strengths: Emphasis on sustainability and indigenous business, strong connections with regional employers in mining, oil, and government
Alaska Pacific University – Institute of Business and Public Policy
- Focus: Sustainability, nonprofit management, rural and community development
- Program Format: Hybrid and online
- Key Strengths: Focus on sustainable business practices, personalized attention due to small class sizes, strong engagement with Alaska’s nonprofit and indigenous sectors
MBA Program Details Summary
| School | Ranking | Avg. GMAT | Acceptance Rate | Avg. Salary | Top Hiring Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Anchorage | Not ranked | 550 | 60% | $75,000 | ConocoPhillips, Alaska Airlines, BP Alaska |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | Not ranked | 540 | 65% | $70,000 | Alyeska Pipeline, GCI, Doyon, Ltd |
| Alaska Pacific University | Not ranked | GMAT not required | 70% | $65,000 | Alaska Native Corporations, Nonprofits |
Advantages of Pursuing an MBA in Alaska
- Industry Ties: Alaska’s MBA programs offer strong connections with local industries like oil, mining, healthcare, and telecommunications. Graduates often find employment with top employers in the state, including ConocoPhillips, Alyeska Pipeline, and Alaska Airlines.
- Unique Focus Areas: MBA programs in Alaska are tailored to address the state’s unique economic landscape, including indigenous business, rural development, sustainability, and public administration.
- Flexibility: Many of Alaska’s MBA programs are designed for working professionals, offering flexible scheduling options such as evening, part-time, and online courses to accommodate different work schedules and life commitments.
- Smaller Class Sizes: MBA programs in Alaska generally have smaller cohorts compared to other states, which allows for more personalized attention and closer interaction with faculty and peers.
- Local and Regional Impact: Graduates from MBA programs in Alaska often remain in the state, contributing to local economic development, indigenous communities, and the nonprofit sector. Many programs also integrate Alaska-specific case studies and business challenges, providing students with practical skills relevant to the region.
- Emphasis on Sustainability and Indigenous Business: Alaska’s focus on environmental conservation and indigenous economic development is reflected in its MBA curricula. This focus offers students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge issues around sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and the role of indigenous corporations in Alaska’s economy.
Challenges of Pursuing an MBA in Alaska
- Limited Program Variety: Compared to larger states, Alaska has fewer MBA programs, meaning less diversity in specializations and fewer overall choices for students seeking highly specialized career paths.
- Smaller Business Ecosystem: While Alaska offers opportunities in key industries like oil and gas, the overall business ecosystem is smaller compared to other states, which may limit networking opportunities and job placement options for some graduates.
- Geographic Isolation: Alaska’s remote location can present challenges for students who may want to explore business opportunities or industries that are more prominent in other parts of the U.S.