The Circumpolar Studies (formerly known as BCS) program gives you the opportunity to learn about the lands, peoples, and issues of the Circumpolar North and prepares you for advanced study or professional employment in fields as diverse as sustainable resource management, self-government, Arctic engineering, and northern tourism. Special emphasis is given to matters concerning Indigenous people of the Circumpolar North. The Circumpolar Studies core curriculum has been developed as a collaborative effort of UArctic member institutions, involving leading experts on circumpolar issues.
The Circumpolar Studies program consists of two required components: Circumpolar Studies Core and an Advanced Emphasis.
The Circumpolar Studies Core Courses consists of a single lower-level introductory course and six upper-level advanced courses in three interdisciplinary fields of study. Together, the core enables students to gain a broad knowledge and understanding of the lands, peoples, and critical issues of the Circumpolar North.
Advanced Emphases are programs of study, roughly equivalent to a semester of schooling, that focus on the advanced research of an area, issue, or problem of particular relevance to the North and for its people. Circumpolar Studies Core courses and Advanced Emphases are offered on-site at participating UArctic member institutions.