The University of Alabama

University of Alabama Overview

Founded in 1831, the University of Alabama is the state's oldest public university and has been ranked as one of the top 50 public universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report for the last eight years running. Known as a student-centered research university, the University of Alabama is a large school, offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 200 fields of study. However, with an average student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, students still receive the individual attention and support that a smaller college has to offer.

With over 250 student organizations and an exceptional athletics program, the University of Alabama offers many cultural and social opportunities, providing far more than just an academic experience.

Admissions and Enrollment Information

The admissions process at the University of Alabama is fairly competitive and takes into consideration high school grade point average, standardized test scores and high school course schedules. An application can be completed online or printed and mailed and must be accompanied by an application fee. Applicants must also submit ACT or SAT results and a recent official high school transcript. All applications for the fall semester must be received by February 1. International and transfer students may need to complete additional steps that can be found on the school's official website.

The University of Alabama Academic Departments

College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences is the University of Alabama's largest academic department, with more than 85 degree programs and 7,600 students. Offering both undergraduate and graduate programs, it is the most comprehensive liberal arts college in the state. Twenty-two different departments make up the College of Arts and Sciences, including anthropology, music and political science. There are also 13 doctoral programs and 31 master's programs to choose from, such as economics, international studies and pre-law studies.

College of Commerce and Business Administration

The Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business was the first business school established in the state and has awarded more than 40,000 degrees since its formation in 1919. Several different departments and programs make up the College of Commerce and Business Administration, including accountancy, economics, management and marketing. Students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in several different areas of commerce and business administration

College of Communication and Information Sciences

Formed in 1973, the University of Alabama College of Communication and Information Sciences is one of the largest communication colleges in the U.S., with over 1,900 students currently enrolled. The college is comprised of five different academic departments, including journalism, communication studies, advertising and public relations, library and information studies and telecommunication and film. Several bachelor's and master's degree programs are offered, as well as a Ph.D. in Communication.

College of Community Health Sciences

Established in 1972, the College of Community Health Sciences is made up of ten separate academic departments, including internal medicine, pediatrics and community and rural medicine. This college also offers training and internships for students in nursing, pharmacy, psychology, dietetics, social work, health education and healthcare management. Since its formation, the college has graduated nearly 350 students who are now working as medical professionals.

College of Continuing Studies

The College of Continuing Studies provides opportunities for adult and non-traditional students to pursue an advanced education. Flexible course options and technology training allow non-traditional students to earn a degree from home or on a more flexible schedule. Nearly 70 different programs of study are offered through the College of Continuing Studies, including minors, online certificate programs, bachelor's and master's degree programs.

College of Education

The current College of Education at the University of Alabama was formed in 1928, but a similar program was established as early as 1844, just 13 years after the university was formed. This college is made up of six different academic departments, which include kinesiology, music education and curriculum and instruction. Undergraduate degree programs include elementary education, secondary education, music education, special education and physical education. Graduate programs include psychology, research, counseling, leadership, kinesiology and curriculum and instruction.

College of Engineering

The University of Alabama was one of the first five schools in the U.S. to offer courses in engineering and the very first in the state. Currently, the College of Engineering has approximately 2,300 students and 100 faculty members; it is comprised of seven academic departments, including mechanical engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering and chemical and biological engineering.

College of Human Environmental Sciences

The College of Human Environmental Sciences is the sixth largest human sciences college in the U.S. and the fastest growing academic department at the University of Alabama. Five academic departments make up the college and nine bachelor's degree programs are offered, including athletic training and fashion retailing. Master's degree programs are available in eight different areas, including sports management and interactive technology. Finally, a doctoral program in health education/health promotion is also offered, which includes an emphasis in nutrition for those seeking a career as a registered dietitian.

School of Law

Approximately 500 students are enrolled in the School of Law at the University of Alabama. With 50 faculty on staff, this makes for a student-to-faculty ratio of only 10:1. Graduate programs include a Master of Laws and a Master in Political Science, a Juris Doctorate and Ph.D.s in Political Science and Economics. The School of Law also offers certificate programs, externship opportunities and nationally recognized trial advocacy and moot court competition teams.

College of Nursing

In 1950, the University of Alabama was the first institution in the state to recognize the need for a bachelor's degree program in nursing. The Capstone College of Nursing was thus established and now offers a bachelor's and master's degree program in nursing, as well as a Doctorate of Nursing Practice and a Doctorate of Education in Nursing Education. The college is Alabama Board of Nursing-approved and has accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

School of Social Work

The School of Social Work was established in 1965 at the University of Alabama and currently has more than 450 students enrolled. The college offers an undergraduate minor in social welfare, a bachelor's and master's degree program in social work and a doctoral program in philosophy. Many graduates move on to become faculty members in social work programs around the world.

Contact Information

• The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
• (205) 348-6010