The University of Alabama
at Birmingham
1530 3rd Ave. South
Birmingham, AL 35294
205-934-8221
ENROLLMENT
16,000
COSTS:
Tuition:
$6,940 (In-state)
$10,980 (Non-resident)
Room:
$3,900
Fees, books, misc.:
$950
FACULTY:
1,820 full-time
90% hold Ph.D. degree
Student-faculty ratio:
18:1
The University of Alabama
at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL
College Description/Campus Tour
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a fully accredited, comprehensive, urban, research university and academic health center complex with an annual enrollment exceeding 16,000 students. In a short time, UAB has established outstanding programs through six liberal arts and professional schools, six health professional schools, and graduate programs serving all major units. As the University has grown, so have its contributions to the state, the nation, and the world. UAB is committed to education, research, and service programs of excellent quality and far-reaching scope. In terms of research and development funding, UAB ranks twenty-sixth nationally and first in the state of Alabama, receiving more funding than all Alabama universities combined. In such an environment, undergraduate students can pursue a wide array of research opportunities and gain valuable experience that pays off later in graduate studies or career development.
As an autonomous campus of the University of Alabama System, the University of Alabama at Birmingham resides in the largest metropolitan area in the state and offers unique educational opportunities with day and evening classes. Both commuting and residential students learn in an environment supportive of the needs of the individual.
Birmingham earned the name "The Magic City" during its first boom days. The expression still rings true as the metropolitan area continues to mirror UAB's phenomenal growth and reflects the many cultural opportunities available within the city. With a budget exceeding $1 billion, UAB is the city's largest employer and the second largest in the state. Birmingham is easily reached by automobile from major national routes (Interstates 20, 59, and 65), and UAB is only minutes away from the Birmingham International Airport.
Academic Life
UAB's undergraduate instructional programs are broad based and designed to serve the needs of its diverse student body while providing a strong general education foundation. All programs of study leading to the baccalaureate degree have as an essential component a common Core Curriculum. The minimum total credit hours required for a baccalaureate degree are 128 semester hours with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (C) in all credit hours attempted. A student may obtain a certain number of semester hours of academic credit for knowledge acquired independently through Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (I.B.), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Credit by Examination (CBE), evaluation of noncollegiate-sponsored courses, armed services courses, and prior learning.
There are two academic semesters and a summer term during a calendar year. The fall and spring semesters each consist of approximately sixteen weeks of classes. Summer term offers several options, including twelve-week, nine-week, three-week, and 41&Mac218;2-week terms.
UAB has 1,817 full-time faculty members, with 91 percent holding doctoral degrees. The student-faculty ratio is 18:1, with the vast majority of freshman- and sophomore-level courses taught by full-time faculty.
Majors and Degrees
UAB's degree programs offer strong career preparation. With fifty-one majors from which to choose, UAB's broad curriculum allows students to explore new interests while receiving specialized training. Students may also integrate different areas of knowledge by choosing a minor in an additional field of study or by exploring the possibilities for developing an individually designed major.
The School of Arts and Humanities offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in African-American studies, communication studies (concentrations in broadcasting, communication arts, journalism, mass communication, and public relations), English, French, music (concentration in music technology and music education), philosophy, Spanish, studio art, (concentrations in art education, art history, ceramic sculpture, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture), and theater.
The School of Business offers the Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, economics (concentrations in economic analysis and policy and quantitative methods), finance (concentrations in financial management, investments and institutions, and real estate), industrial distribution, management (concentrations in general management, human resource management, management information systems, and operations management), and marketing.
The School of Education offers the Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education, elementary education, health education, high school education, physical education, and special education.
The School of Engineering offers the Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical civil engineering, electrical engineering, materials engineering, and mechanical engineering.
The School of Health Related Professions offers the Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences, cytotechnology, health information management, medical technology, nuclear medicine technology, radiologic sciences (concentrations in advanced imaging, radiation therapy, and radiographer studies), respiratory therapy, and surgical physician assistant studies.
The School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics offers the Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry, computer and information sciences, mathematics, natural science, and physics.
The School of Nursing awards the Bachelor of Science degree. Students interested in pursuing the nursing degree and who meet the University's admission requirements are admitted to UAB as prenursing students. To be eligible for admission in good standing to the School of Nursing, students must successfully complete a prescribed set of courses with an acceptable grade point average.
The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology, economics, history, international studies, political science, and sociology and the Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice, psychology, and social work.
Campus Life
Part of the UAB experience is student life–a rich mix of academic organizations, honor clubs, social fraternities and sororities, volunteer groups, and activities ranging from sports to performing arts. With more than 200 campus organizations to keep students involved, UAB offers the chance to make lifelong friendships while assisting in the development of skills essential to leadership and teamwork. Student housing is limited and is available on a priority basis; early application is encouraged.
Facilities and Resources/Campus Map
The UAB campus occupies more than 100 major buildings, more than 10 million gross square feet, and 75 square blocks near downtown Birmingham. The undergraduate area of campus is concentrated within a five-square-block area, however, giving students the convenience and togetherness that is so important to the college experience.
The Mervyn H. Sterne Library houses a collection of more than a million items selected to support teaching and research at UAB. In addition to books and subscriptions to more than 2,400 periodicals, the collection consists of microforms and other print and nonprint materials. Study areas and photocopying machines for the convenience of patrons are located throughout the library. The online catalog provides rapid access to the collection and to other major library collections in Alabama. The Educational Technology Services Department (ETS) includes dozens of microcomputers and is available to anyone with a valid UAB ID card. In addition to Sterne Library, the Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences provides a comprehensive collection of materials for medical study and research.
The Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center features concert halls and practice facilities that are state-of-the-art. This beautiful venue draws national and international performers, enhancing the strong cultural opportunities in Birmingham.
Sports/Varsity Athletics
Alabama is the place for sports year-round, and UAB is no exception. The athletic program is a Division I member of the NCAA and a founding member of Conference USA, which includes twelve universities. UAB athletes participate in seventeen intercollegiate sports, including men's and women's basketball, golf, rifle, soccer, and tennis; men's baseball and football; and women's cross-country, track, softball, synchronized swimming, and volleyball. Intramural sports, aerobics, and outdoor recreation are also available.
Cost
For the academic year, tuition was $165 per semester hour for in-state students and $296 per semester hour for out-of-state students. Based on a full load for the academic year, tuition and fees for Alabama residents is estimated at $4,992 and $11,732 for nonresidents. A typical amount for books and supplies total approximately $900 per academic year. A shared room in a residence hall ranges from $1732 to $3316 per academic year.
Financial Aid/Scholarships
UAB's financial aid package (loans, employment, grants, and scholarships) enables students from all economic backgrounds to attend UAB. UAB offers a growing number of scholarships to provide support for eligible students attending UAB. Newly admitted students are considered for all academic scholarships for which they are qualified. Awards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis; students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Financial aid applications are available in early January for the following academic year, with a priority packaging deadline of April 1.
Admission Requirements/Application
UAB is an equal educational opportunity institution. The requirements for regular admission for entering freshmen include a high school GPA of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in academic subjects and a minimum ACT score of 20 or SAT I score of 950. For tentative action, a transcript may be sent during the student's senior year in high school. A final transcript must be sent upon graduation.
Transfer students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) after completing 24 semester hours (or 36 quarter hours) of college-level work. Students with previous college work must submit an official transcript from each institution attended and must be eligible to enroll at the last institution attended. UAB also encourages international students who have academic, linguistic, and financial capabilities to apply for admission.
All students who wish to attend UAB must complete an application for admission and submit proof of immunization against measles. An application may be submitted as early as one year prior to admission. A completed application, a nonrefundable $25 application fee ($30 for international students), and all supporting documentation must be received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by the deadline for the term for which admission is requested. The application deadline for fall term is July 1. For an application and other information, students should contact:
UAB Undergraduate Admissions
Hill University Center, Room 260
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
1530 3rd Avenue, South
Birmingham, Alabama 35294-1150
Telephone: 205-934-8221
E-mail: undergradadmit@uab.edu
