Department
Social Sciences
The mission of the UAS Social Sciences Department is to provide an interdisciplinary learning experience. Our program facilitates student learning in the following areas:
- Diverse experiential learning experiences and opportunities.
- An integrated liberal arts education.
- Selected disciplines prepare students for careers and graduate studies.
The Social Sciences Department has a commitment to maintaining learning environments that are grounded in and informed by multiple cultural perspectives, and we commit to operating with cultural safety in mind while exposing students to multiple world views. We strive to be welcoming to all people regardless of race and ethnicity, age, genders and gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, religion, socioeconomic background, cultural background, and language. We hope you feel that you can be yourself and have equal opportunities for success, and that you do not feel like you have to change who you are in order to succeed at UAS.
Social Sciences
Program coordinator: Dr. William Urquhart
With concentration areas in:
- Anthropology
- History
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
Integrative Behavioral Health
Program coordinator: Sarah Niecko
Integrative Behavioral Health: Holistic Approach to Health
The bachelor’s degrees in Integrative Behavioral Health integrate natural and social sciences with applied wellness practices to explore the full spectrum of human health. With seven additional certifications available, students can tailor their learning to match their career goals. Practicum training with local industry partners provides hands-on experience and valuable professional connections. The B.A. degree prepares students to work in behavioral health, re-entry and recovery programs, and social services, while also laying a strong foundation for graduate studies in mental health and counseling. The B.S. degree is designed for students pursuing careers in behavioral health and healthcare, and it meets admission requirements for medical school and other graduate-level allied health programs.
"As a non-traditional student, being part of the Behavioral Health program has helped me reconnect with my purpose. The courses are practical, thought-provoking, and deeply relevant to the real-world issues I care about. The faculty are supportive, and the content feels both meaningful and timely. I’m proud to be one of the first students working toward the new B.A., and while I’m excited about where it’s leading me, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about making a difference in our communities." — Nona Dimond, current Behavioral Health student, UAS Juneau Campus
Start at UAS, Study Law at Willamette University with the Direct Admission Program
The 4+3 Direct Admission Program allows undergraduate students studying at UAS and UAS alumni to gain admission to Willamette Law based on certain academic credentials. When a student meets these credentials, they will be admitted to the Willamette School of Law and be guaranteed a Direct Admission scholarship of $10,000, renewable each year the student is enrolled at Willamette Law and remains in good standing.
“For UAS students considering a career in the law, our agreement with Willamette Law is a great opportunity which allows you to attend beautiful Willamette, receive your Juris Doctorate, and receive scholarship funding to support your time in law school.” — Dr. Glenn Wright, Faculty, UAS Social Sciences
Administrative Assistant
Faculty
Forest S. Haven, Ph.D. (she/her)
Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Alaska Native Studies
View profile and contact infoErica Hill, Ph.D.
Professor of Anthropology
Effective January 15, 2020, Erica will be serving as program director for Arctic Social Sciences at the National Science Foundation in Alexandria, VA. While she maintains her employment with UAS, she is not currently teaching any courses or accepting any advisees. She can be reached via her UAS email.
View profile and contact infoDaniel Monteith, Ph.D.
Professor of Anthropology, Social Sciences Department Chair
View profile and contact info
Kasia Polanska, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology & Political Science
View profile and contact infoWilliam Urquhart, Ph.D. (he/him)
Ketchikan Campus Director / Professor of Sociology
View profile and contact infoGlenn D. Wright, Ph.D.
Professor of Political Science; Statewide Coordinator, Senator Ted Stevens State Legislative Internship Program
For Glenn, the study of politics is a vocation as well as a pastime, though he also enjoys skiing and sea kayaking. He writes on environmental issues, resource governance, and Alaska state politics and spends about 150 days a year on skis or in a kayak.
