College of Liberal Arts
with these answers to frequently asked advising questions.
All degree-seeking students must meet with an academic advisor before registering for classes. The registration form, found on your UAonline account, requires an academic advisor鈥檚 signature.
First-year students and those with fewer than 30 credits are advised through the UAF Academic Advising Center.
CLA undergraduates with 30 or more credits work with CLA advisors Daniel Darrow or Grace Carroll.
Graduate students are advised by the graduate program coordinator in their department.
With more than 40 undergraduate majors and 24 minors, CLA covers everything from Art and Political Science to Psychology, History, English, Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies, Journalism, Arctic & Northern Studies, and beyond. Students can pursue Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or B.F.A. degrees鈥攁nd many programs offer opportunities to combine disciplines or declare a minor that aligns with your passions and career goals.
The major difference between a BS and a BA is the structure of the program. A Bachelor of Science (BS), requires a higher level of math (at least Calculus I) and a sequence (2 semesters) of natural science. A Bachelor of Arts (BA), has greater emphasis on the humanities and requires both a major (30 credits) and a minor (15 credits).
A student must earn 30 credits each year to complete their degree in four years. Some students take 15 credits in the fall, 15 in the spring, and none during the summer. Some students take 12 credits in the fall and spring and 6 or more during the summer. First time freshmen are encouraged to take 12 credits during their first semester. 12 credits is full time and allows a student to get used to college life without being overwhelmed.
If a student has not previously taken college level English, placement into ENGL F111X is based on ACT/SAT or Accuplacer test scores. English F111X is part of the baccalaureate communication core and is often a pre-requisite for other classes.
Math placement is based on previous math classes taken. If a student hasn鈥檛 taken college level math, s/he will need to take the online ALEKS math placement test. The ALEKS test can be taken at home and offers study modules, after which a student can retake the test to get the best placement score. BA students need MATH F113X (Core) and one other math class.BS students need Calculus I and one other math class.
Find information about placement tests at UAF eCampus Testing Services.
All students should become familiar with Degree Works, the electronic degree audit in UAonline, which tracks the student鈥檚 degree progress. In Degree Works a student can see which classes they鈥檝e completed (with grades) and which degree requirements or classes are still needed. In addition to information about Core, major and minor requirements, transfer credits, and general electives, Degree Works has projection tools such as the 鈥淲hat if鈥 scenario and 鈥淧lanner鈥 to map out future semesters.
Both and the Class Schedule in UAonline will show all classes in a specific subject being offered in the coming semester.
There are so many benefits to getting a degree in the liberal arts! A Liberal Arts Degree prepares you for many careers and a changing economy. Learn all about why a degree in the Liberal Arts is a smart investment here.
