Welcome to the UAF Department of Science & Environmental Journalism
Photo credit Charles Mason
Join UAF Journalism alumnus and Pulitzer Prize–winning Reuters reporter Nate Raymond
as he returns to Alaska. With 20 years covering high-stakes litigation, courts, and
legal battles, he’ll share insider stories and explore how the judicial and media
landscapes have evolved. Don’t miss this compelling look behind the headlines!
Thursday, October 8 | 7-8:30 p.m. | BP Design Theater and Zoom
Journalism students at UAF learn to report from the front lines of environmental and scientific change in Alaska and beyond.
Katie Orlinsky, 2018 Snedden Chair of Journalism discusses her photojournalism career during a public lecture.
The first of three rockets from the AWSOME research project led by Mark Conde launches from Poker Flat Research Range
UAF’s location gives journalism students uncommon access to scientists, field research and environmental stories unfolding in real time.
At UAF, students explore how journalism can inform public understanding of science, the environment and the changing Arctic.
Snedden Lecturer Dorothy Parvaz (Al Jazeera) discusses the global refugee crisis during a 2017 public lecture at UAF.
Surrounded by leading Arctic research, journalism students gain firsthand experience covering issues with global impact.
Journalism students at UAF develop the skills to report thoughtfully on science, policy, climate and the communities most affected by change.
From climate science to rural communities, journalism students at UAF are uniquely positioned to tell stories that matter globally.
From the trail to the checkpoint, journalism students gain rare opportunities to report on northern traditions through events like the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and Yukon Quest.
Science and environmental journalism students explore how reporting can bridge complex research and public understanding.
Bernie Karl, owner of Chena Hot Springs Resort, discusses geothermal energy use with Journalism students.
Why earn a Journalism degree?
Journalism is a boots-on-the-ground field, a profession that puts you where the action is. We’re detectives, truth seekers, researchers, writers, analysts, storytellers. Journalists are at the heart of what’s happening in the world, from the backwoods to the backyard.
UAF’s Science and Environmental Journalism program is one of just a handful in the country. That means we’re at the forefront of a growing and in-demand area of the profession. And here you’ll do more than study journalism – you’ll practice journalism. The basics start in the classroom, but that’s only a part of your education. Attending a rocket launch? Investigating cutting-edge research? You’ll be there with your microphone, video camera or notebook capturing the moments that matter. Faculty with decades of real-world experience will guide you.
Journalists are constantly learning, constantly contributing to society. They serve the public good. They’re agents of change. They make a difference. They write the first draft of history.
Come join us!
Science and the environment is such a complex topic, and having a full major dedicated to science and the environmental journalism, having a whole degree focused on how to cover the climate, how to cover all of these crazy scientific topics is super helpful because it taught me how to write in a concise way... I have all this scientific information–how can I make it make sense to the general, everyday reader who doesn't know all the jargon, right? I think that's the purpose of journalism, is to just inform the public, no matter your age, no matter your race, no matter your social class, no matter your education level. There is no boundary for journalism. It's just delivering the information to the readers.Lizzy Hahn '26 B.A., Journalism: Science and Environment
Featured Courses
Learn how to report on the discoveries shaping our world. Cover topics from climate and medicine to technology and space while developing interviewing, research and data reporting skills to produce clear, engaging science stories across multiple media.
Learn how to turn complex science into compelling stories people actually want to read. By studying publications like National Geographic, Scientific American and Wired, students will sharpen their reporting and storytelling skills while producing their own science features.
Journalism lectures and media
News and events
Courts and the Press: Two Decades on the Legal News Beat
October 06, 2026
Pulitzer-winning Reuters reporter Nate Raymond shares insights from 20 years covering high-stakes legal news and court reform.
Reporting Across Alaska: Lizzy Hahn
July 31, 2026
Journalism student Lizzy Hahn gained hands-on reporting experience while preparing to tell stories across Alaska.
The Last Frontier: Telling Northern Stories to Southern Audiences
April 01, 2026
Neil Shea explores how Arctic stories are told and why northern lives and landscapes resonate beyond the North.
Department of
Science and Environmental Journalism Contact information
Email: uaf-journalism@alaska.edu
Phone: 907-474-7007
Physical address:
1747 Chandalar Drive
Gruening Building
Fairbanks, AK 99775
Mailing address:
Department of Science and Environmental Journalism
PO Box 756120
Fairbanks, AK 99775
Lynne Snifka
Associate Professor of Journalism
Office: Gruening Building, Room 512D
Email: lmsnifka@alaska.edu
All UAF ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ 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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Miriam Stelges
Phone: 907-474-7932
Email: uaf-journalism@alaska.edu
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.