FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 8, 2026
UTQIAĠVIK, Alaska — Iḷisaġvik College is proud to announce the approval and implementation of its new General Science Program leading to an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in General Science. This new program and A.S. degree was approved by Iḷisaġvik’s accrediting agency, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCUU) on May 11, 2026. The General Science Program is now accepting students, and Iḷisaġvik welcomes interested parties to reach out.
The new General Science degree program represents a major step forward in expanding science education opportunities for students across the North Slope and Alaska. The Associate of Science in General Science is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and laboratory sciences while integrating Iñupiaq language, culture, and Indigenous knowledge systems alongside Western scientific approaches. The degree prepares students for transfer into science-related bachelor’s degree programs, as well as for careers in science support, research, environmental monitoring, and related fields.
“The implementation of this program reflects Iḷisaġvik College’s commitment to creating educational pathways that are both academically rigorous and culturally grounded,” said President Justina Wilhelm. “This degree will help prepare local students to pursue careers and leadership roles in science while strengthening regional workforce capacity in Arctic and Alaska Native communities.”
The new program was developed in response to growing regional demand for locally trained science professionals and support staff. Curriculum development was led by longtime faculty member in Biology and Chemistry, Dr. Linda Nicholas-Figueroa, and was designed with the local Arctic communities in mind. Community and industry partners, including Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC) Science and the North Slope Borough Wildlife Management Department were consulted, and have identified ongoing workforce needs in laboratory sciences, research support, and environmental and Arctic sciences.
The 60-credit Associate of Science degree includes coursework in general biology, chemistry, mathematics, and laboratory sciences, along with electives allowing students to explore specialized areas such as microbiology, climate science, Indigenous sciences, physics, calculus, and statistics. The program is also being structured to align with transfer pathways through future articulation agreements—which are currently in early stages of development.
In addition to expanding academic offerings, the program supports Iḷisaġvik College’s broader strategic priorities related to student enrollment growth, Indigenous education, and workforce development. The College has secured grant funding to support laboratory renovations, equipment purchases, instructional staffing, and undergraduate research opportunities connected to the program.
“This program creates an important local pathway for students interested in science and research careers while ensuring those opportunities remain connected to community, culture, and place,” said Dean of Academic Affairs Clarke Leichte. “We are excited to support the next generation of Indigenous scientists, researchers, and leaders.”
Additional information about admissions, course offerings, and program requirements is available as the College looks to Fall 2026 registration. Please contact Iḷisaġvik College directly for more information.
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About Iḷisaġvik College
Iḷisaġvik College is Alaska’s only Tribal college and is located in the northernmost village in the United States, Utqiaġvik (Barrow). Iḷisaġvik College provides quality post-secondary academic, career, and technical education in a learning environment that perpetuates and strengthens Iñupiat culture, language, values, and traditions. It is dedicated to serving its students and developing a well-educated and trained workforce who meet the human resource needs of North Slope employers and the state of Alaska.
Iḷisaġvik College Contact:
Dr. Clarke Leichte
Dean of Academic Affairs
907-852-1825
academics@ilisagvik.edu
Iḷisaġvik College Admissions and Registration
907-852-1757
registration@ilisagvik.edu
https://www.ilisagvik.edu/apply/index.html