Catalog - The University of Alabama

353 Pages·2015·1.58 MB·English

The University of Alabama Fall 2015–Summer 2016
Undergraduate Catalog
May 2015
The University of Alabama Fall 2015–Summer 2016 Undergraduate Catalog was
produced by the Office of the University Registrar, in conjunction with the Office
of University Relations, a division of University Advancement, and the Office for
Academic Affairs.
Equal Opportunity in Education and
Employment
The University of Alabama complies with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination,
including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act, Executive Order 11246, Title IX of the Education Amendments
of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era
Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 and
the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. The University does not
discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, national
origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status in admission or
access to, or treatment of employment in, its programs and services. Inquiries and
concerns regarding this policy may be directed to Ms. Gwendolyn Hood, University
Compliance Officer, 171 Rose Administration Building, Box 870300, Tuscaloosa, AL
35487-0300; [phone] (voice); [phone] (TDD). This notice is available
in alternative formats upon request.
The University of Alabama is committed to making its programs and services
available to individuals with disabilities and seeks to be responsive to qualified
students with disabilities. Enrolled students with disabilities are invited to contact
the Office of Disability Services, Box 870185, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0185;
[phone]. Those visiting the University for campus tours or special events
are encouraged to contact the sponsoring office or department in advance so
appropriate provisions may be made.
University of Alabama Bloodborne Pathogen
Policy
The University of Alabama bloodborne pathogen policy, approved in February 1993,
requires each administrative unit of the University to conduct a risk-appraisal survey
during October and November of each year to identify employees and students at
risk for occupational or student academic exposure to bloodborne pathogens. All
units in which students or employees are at risk must then develop an exposure
control plan. Employees and students at risk are required to receive the hepatitis
B vaccination series, submit proof of immunity to the hepatitis B virus (or proof of
vaccination), or sign a statement declining the vaccine. Employees and students
who are at risk are also required to receive training about bloodborne pathogens.
For further information about this policy, contact The University of Alabama, Office of
Environmental Health and Safety at (205-348-5905).
Campus Security Report
Each year, The University of Alabama publishes the UA Annual Campus Security
Report. It contains crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years. It
also details UA security policies and procedures. The Campus Security Report
is provided in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security
Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and is available online to view or print
at safety.ua.edu. The Alabama Department of Public Safety, a state agency,
also provides an online listing of sex offenders currently registered with the state.
This listing is available on the Alabama Department of Public Safety website at
dps.alabama.gov (click on the “National Sex Offender Registry” link). For information
regarding the enrollment or employment of registered sex offenders at The
University of Alabama, or to request a printed copy of the Campus Security Report,
write The University of Alabama, University Police, Attention: Community Services
Division, Box 870180, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0180; or email [email protected].
Academic Calendar
The University’s current academic calendar is available online at registrar.ua.edu/
academics/academic-calendars.
NOTE: Although the publisher of this catalog has made every reasonable effort
to attain factual accuracy herein, no responsibility is assumed for editorial,
clerical or printing errors, or errors made by honest mistake. All information
contained in this catalog is subject to change by the appropriate officials of
The University of Alabama without prior notice.
Table of Contents
Administration ........................................................................................................... 3
About the University ................................................................................................. 4
Admission to the University ...................................................................................... 8
Academic Records and General Academic Policies ............................................... 13
Tuition and Other Expenses ................................................................................... 28
Student Financial Aid ............................................................................................. 31
Support Programs and Services for Students ........................................................ 33
Code of Student Conduct ....................................................................................... 37
Military Programs .................................................................................................... 41
College of Continuing Studies ................................................................................ 43
Honors College ....................................................................................................... 45
Special Academic Programs .................................................................................. 50
Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility .................................................... 52
Cooperative Education Program ..................................................................... 52
National Student Exchange ............................................................................ 52
University Scholars Program .......................................................................... 52
Capstone International Center ................................................................................ 54
College of Arts and Sciences ................................................................................. 58
Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration ........................ 141
College of Communication and Information Sciences .......................................... 156
College of Community Health Sciences ............................................................... 172
College of Education ............................................................................................ 174
College of Engineering ......................................................................................... 192
College of Human Environmental Sciences ......................................................... 210
Capstone College of Nursing ............................................................................... 227
School of Social Work .......................................................................................... 232
Interim Program .................................................................................................... 235
English Language Institute (ELI) .......................................................................... 236
Class Schedule Building Abbreviations ................................................................ 237
Department, Program and Course Alpha Symbols ............................................... 238
Course Descriptions ............................................................................................. 240
Index ..................................................................................................................... 351
Administration
The Honorable Robert Bentley Academic Divisions of the University
• Governor of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences (1910)
• Ex Officio President of the Board of Trustees
• Robert F. Olin, Dean
Thomas R. Bice, Ed.D. Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration (1919)
• State Superintendent of Education • J. Michael Hardin, Dean
• Ex Officio Member of the Board of Trustees College of Communication and Information Sciences (1973)
Trustees, by Congressional District • Mark D. Nelson, Dean
First District College of Community Health Sciences (1971)
• Harris V. Morissette, Saraland • Richard H. Streiffer, Dean
• Marietta M. Urquhart, Mobile College of Continuing Studies (1919)
Second District • Craig S. Edelbrock, Dean
College of Education (1909)
• Joseph C. Espy III, Montgomery
• W. Davis Malone III, Dothan • Peter Hlebowitsh, Dean
College of Engineering (1909)
Third District
• Charles W. Karr, Dean
• Kenneth L. Vandervoort, M.D., Anniston
Graduate School (1924)
• James W. Wilson III, Montgomery
• David A. Francko, Dean
Fourth District
Honors College (2003)
• Paul W. Bryant Jr., Tuscaloosa
• Shane Sharpe, Dean
• Finis E. St. John IV, Cullman
College of Human Environmental Sciences (1931)
Fifth District
• Milla D. Boschung, Dean
• Ronald W. Gray, Huntsville School of Law (1872)
• William Britt Sexton, Decatur
• Mark E. Brandon, Dean
Sixth District Capstone College of Nursing (1976)
• Vanessa Leonard, Rockford • Suzanne S. Prevost, Dean
• John D. Johns, Birmingham School of Social Work (1965)
Seventh District • Vikki Vandiver, Dean
• Karen P. Brooks, Tuscaloosa; President pro tempore of the Board
• Judge John H. England Jr., Tuscaloosa
• Barbara Humphrey, Birmingham
Trustees Emeriti
• Frank H. Bromberg Jr., Birmingham
• Angus R. Cooper II, Mobile
• Oliver H. Delchamps Jr., Mobile
• Garry Neil Drummond, Birmingham
• Jack Edwards, Mobile
• Joseph L. Fine, Montgomery
• Sandral Hullett, MD, Eutaw
• Peter L. Lowe, Huntsville
• Sidney L. McDonald, Arab
• John J. McMahon Jr., Birmingham
• John T. Oliver Jr., Jasper
• Joe H. Ritch, Huntsville
• Cleophus Thomas Jr., Anniston
• John Russell Thomas, Alexander City
Chancellor
• Robert E. Witt, Tuscaloosa
Officers of the University
• Judith L. Bonner, President
• Steven J. Hood, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
• D. Joe Benson, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
• Lynda Gilbert, Vice President for Financial Affairs and Treasurer
• Calvin Brown, Interim Vice President for Advancement
• Samory T. Pruitt, Vice President for Community Affairs
• Carl A. Pinkert, Vice President for Research and Economic Development
The University of Alabama 3
About the University
Our Mission • Office of Institutional Research and Assessment
To advance the intellectual and social condition of the people of the state, the nation • Office of Undergraduate Admissions
and the world through the creation, translation and dissemination of knowledge with • Office of the University Registrar
an emphasis on quality programs of teaching, research and service. • Paul W. Bryant Museum
Our Vision • Technology and Testing
• University of Alabama Museums
The University of Alabama will be the university of choice for the best and brightest
students in Alabama and a university of choice for all students who seek exceptional • University of Alabama Press
educational opportunities. The University of Alabama will be a student-centered • University Writing Center
research university and an academic community united in its commitment to
Accreditation
enhancing the quality of life, not only for all Alabamians, but for citizens of the nation
and world.
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges
Our Strategic Goals and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, educational
specialist and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866
• Advance the University’s academic, research, scholarship and service priorities,
Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call [phone] for questions about
consistent with a top-tier university, and continue to promote growth and national
the accreditation of The University of Alabama.
prominence in these areas.
• Enhance the teaching, research and service mission of the University by retaining In addition, selected programs have been accredited by the AACSB International-
and recruiting outstanding faculty and staff. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business; ABET, Inc.-Accrediting
Board for Engineering and Technology; Accrediting Council on Education in
• Enhance the University’s learning environment to attract and retain excellent
Journalism and Mass Communication; American Association of Family and
students.
Consumer Sciences; American Bar Association; American Library Association;
• Develop a university-wide emphasis on leadership as a primary role of the Alabama State Department of Education; Alabama State Board of Health;
flagship university of the state of Alabama. Accrediting Council for Graduate Medical Education; American Psychological
Location Association; American Speech Language-Hearing Association; Association of
University Programs in Health Administration; Commission on Accreditation of
The University of Alabama (UA) is located in Tuscaloosa, Ala., a city with a Athletic Training Education Programs; Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics
metropolitan population of approximately 90,000 in the west-central part of the state. Education; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Commission on English
The post office address of The University of Alabama is Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. Language Program Accreditation; Council on Social Work Education; Council for
University grounds include more than 1,000 acres. The University maintains a center Interior Design Accreditation; Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related
in Gadsden and a governmental relations office in Montgomery. Education Programs; Council on Rehabilitation Education; Liaison Committee
for Medical Education; National Association of School Psychologists; National
Separate campuses of the University have been established in Birmingham and
Association of Schools of Art and Design; National Association of Schools of Music;
Huntsville. These campuses are known as The University of Alabama at Birmingham
National Association of Schools of Dance; National Association of Schools of
(UAB) and The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).
Theatre; and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Divisions of the University
History of the University
Vice Presidents’ Offices
1818-1820
• Academic Affairs • In 1818, the federal government authorized Alabama Territory to set aside a
• Community Affairs township for the establishment of a "seminary of learning." Alabama was admitted
• Financial Affairs to the Union on March 2, 1819, and a second township was added to the grant.
On December 18, 1820, the seminary was officially established and named "The
• Research and Economic Development
University of the State of Alabama."
• Student Affairs
1827
• University Advancement
• Tuscaloosa, then the state’s capital, was chosen as the University’s home.
Academic Units 1831
• College of Arts and Sciences • On April 18, inaugural ceremonies were held, and the University opened. By
• Culverhouse College of Commerce May 28, 52 students had enrolled. The campus consisted of seven buildings: two
faculty houses, two dormitories, the laboratory, the hotel (now Gorgas House)
• College of Communication and Information Sciences
and the Rotunda.
• College of Community Health Sciences
1837
• College of Education
• The University of Alabama became the first in the state to offer engineering
• College of Engineering
classes. It was one of the first five in the nation to do so and one of the few to
• Graduate School have continuously maintained accreditation since national accreditation began in
• Honors College 1936.
• College of Human Environmental Sciences 1841
• School of Law • President’s Mansion was completed. Its first occupant, Basil Manly, was the
• Capstone College of Nursing University president from 1837 to 1855.
• School of Social Work • Total University enrollment: 63
Support Units 1850
• Capstone International • Alabama Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Kappa established.
• Center for Communication and Educational Technology 1851
• Center for Teaching and Learning • Total University enrollment: 126
• College of Continuing Studies 1859
• Libraries at The University of Alabama • Medical College branch of the University opened in Mobile.
• Oak Ridge Associated Universities 1860
• Office of Disability Services
• The University of Alabama became a military school — martial departmental and
• Office of Information Technology disciplinary systems established.
4 About the University
1861 were more than 5,000 students and 23 major buildings which now form the
central core of the modern campus.
• Total University enrollment: 154
1914-15
1865
• The University band was organized.
• Union troops spared only seven of the buildings on the UA campus. Of the
principal buildings remaining today, the President’s Mansion and its outbuildings 1919
still serve as the president’s on-campus residence. The other buildings have new • The School of Commerce was founded. It became the College of Commerce
uses. Gorgas House — at different times the dining hall, faculty residence and and Business Administration in 1929. It was renamed the Culverhouse College
campus hotel — now serves as a museum. The Roundhouse, then a sentry box of Commerce and Business Administration in 1997. In 2013, the name was
for cadets and later a place for records storage, is a campus historical landmark. shortened to the Culverhouse College of Commerce.
The Observatory, now Maxwell Hall, is home to the Computer-Based Honors
1920
Program.
1868 • The Medical College moved from Mobile to Tuscaloosa.
1921
• The Medical College reopens in Mobile.
1871 • Total University enrollment: 2,134
1924
• During the Reconstruction era, a reorganized University opened to students.
• Total University enrollment: 107 • The Graduate School was officially established.
1929
1872
• Denny Chimes was dedicated. Named for Dr. George H. Denny, president of the
• The School of Law was established. University from 1912 to 1936.
1881-82 1931
• Antecedents of the UA College of Engineering were established with the offering • The School of Home Economics was officially established. It became the College
of a formal, two-year course of study in civil engineering under the aegis of of Human Environmental Sciences in 1987.
applied mathematics in 1837. The College of Engineering was established in
• Total University enrollment: 4,639
1909 with the opening of B.B. Comer Hall.
• Total University enrollment: 154 1939
1891 • Moundville Archaeological Park and its museum opened to the public.
1941
• Total University enrollment: 167
1892 • Total University enrollment: 4,921
1945
• The University’s first football team assembled — the "Thin Red Line" that later
became the "Crimson Tide." • The Medical College moved from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham.
1893 • The University Press was formed.
• The first female students enrolled for the fall semester at the University. This was 1948
due in large part to the successful lobbying of the UA board of trustees by Julia S.
• Introduction of doctoral programs was authorized; first doctorates awarded in
Tutwiler. Tutwiler, then president of the Livingston Normal College for Girls, was a
1952.
lifelong advocate of women’s rights to be self-supporting members of society.
1951
1894
• Total University enrollment: 5,269
• The student newspaper, The Crimson White, makes its first appearance.
1956
1901
• The University of Alabama’s first African-American student, Autherine J. Lucy,
• Total University enrollment: 396
was admitted. She was expelled three days later "for her own safety" in response
1903
to threats from a mob. In 1992, Autherine Lucy Foster graduated from the
• In March, the Alabama Legislature decreed that, after 30 years of student protest, University with a master’s degree in education. That same day, her daughter,
the military system of organization at the University be abandoned. Grazia Foster, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in corporate finance.
1904 1961
• A summer school for teachers began in response to a need for better public • Total University enrollment: 8,257
education in Alabama, becoming the School of Education in 1909. The College of 1963
Education was established in 1929.
• The first sustained enrollment of African-American students at UA — Vivian J.
1906
Malone and James A. Hood — was achieved. Vivian Malone graduated in 1965.
• At the University’s diamond jubilee celebration, President John William James Hood returned to campus in 1995 and received a PhD in interdisciplinary
Abercrombie presented to the board of trustees his plans for the Greater studies in 1997.
University fund-raising campaign, thus ensuring that the state legislature would 1965
no longer be the primary source for financing the University’s growth.
• The School of Social Work was established.
1909
1968
• To meet the demands for specific training in two professions, the College of
• The Computer-Based Honors Program, in which undergraduate students apply
Engineering and the School of Education were established. Formerly part of the
computer technology to research in a wide range of fields, was established.
liberal arts disciplines, these new offspring would function independently of the
now-reorganized College of Arts and Sciences. 1969
1910 • The Graduate School of Library Service was established by act of the Alabama
Legislature. It became the School of Library and Information Studies in 1989.
• The Alabama Museum of Natural History in Smith Hall was dedicated. Smith Hall
The School merged with the College of Communication in 1997 to become the
served as a geological museum for the University’s growing collections and still
College of Communication and Information Sciences.
houses the Museum today.
1970
1911
• New College was established to allow students to pursue individualized courses
• Total University enrollment: 571
of study while maintaining the academic standards of the University.
1912
1971
• Dr. George Denny became University president; the campus consisted of
• The College of Community Health Sciences was established.
652 students and nine principal buildings. His presidency began an era of
unprecedented physical and enrollment growth. When he retired in 1936, there • Total University enrollment: 13,055
The University of Alabama 5
1973 • Crimson Tradition Fund established with $10 million gift by Paul Bryant Jr.
• The School of Communication was established. It became the College of • UA named one of the top 50 public universities in the nation by U.S. News &
Communication in 1988 and, when it merged with the School of Information World Report for 2003.
Sciences, was renamed the College of Communication and Information Sciences • UA student Kana Ellis of Northport, Ala., selected as the first recipient of the
in 1997. Honors Student of the Year Award by the National Collegiate Honors Council
1976 (NCHC).
• College of Community Health Sciences breaks ground for its $12.6 million facility,
• The Capstone College of Nursing was established.
designed to consolidate all services and operations of the Tuscaloosa medical
1981
campus.
• The University celebrates its sesquicentennial.
2003
• Total University enrollment: 16,388
• Greensboro East High School, in collaboration with UA, became the first high
1983 school in Alabama to establish a state-of-the-art Math Technology Learning
• The College of Continuing Studies was established. In the 1970s it was called Center.
Extended Services, then the Division of Continuing Education. • Five students from UA named to the 2003 USA Today All-USA College Academic
1985 Team. UA students garnered the most awards of any college or university,
claiming five of 83 spots on the list.
• The MFA Program in Book Arts, with specializations in printing and binding, was
• UA recognized 40 "pioneers" during three days of events to commemorate the
established within the School of Library and Information Studies. It was one of
40th anniversary of Gov. George C. Wallace’s "stand in the schoolhouse door."
only three in the country to offer such an MFA, and the only one do so within the
Opening Doors, 1963-2003
context of a library school.
• UA named one of the top 50 public universities in the nation by U.S. News &
1986
World Report for 2004.
• The University Honors Program was established. • UA senior Rob Davis selected as one of three 2003 Portz Scholars in the
• The University’s computerized library card catalog, AMELIA, became available for National Collegiate Honors Council’s competition for outstanding undergraduate
use. Honors papers.
1991 • Total University Enrollment: 20,333
• Total University enrollment: 19,366 2004
1994 • University Medical Center, UA’s new multi-specialty clinic and home of the
College of Community Health Sciences, opened on May 11.
• The Stallings Center opened as the new home of the RISE Program.
• UA named one of the top 50 public universities in the nation by U.S. News &
1996
World Report for 2005.
• The Blount Undergraduate Initiative was established (first freshman class • Total University Enrollment: 20,969
accepted in 1999).
1998 2005
• The Second Capital Campaign was concluded, having raised a total amount of • Five UA students named to the 2005 USA Today All-USA College Academic
$224 million in gifts and pledges. Team, the most of any school in the nation. UA’s three-year total of 14 also tops
all other colleges and universities.
• International Honors Program was established.
2008
• Modeled on UA’s RISE Program, the RISE School of Dallas, Texas, opened.
• Renovation of Bryant-Denny Stadium was completed, increasing capacity to • Seven UA students named to the 2008 USA Today All-USA College Academic
82,000. Team, the most of any school in the nation. UA’s total of 31 tops all other colleges
and universities.
1999
• Total University Enrollment: 27,052
• The Student Services Center was completed.
2009
• Renovation of Sewell-Thomas Baseball Field to a capacity of 6,000 seats began.
• UA is ranked 10th in the nation among public universities in the enrollment of
• First freshman class accepted in Blount Undergraduate Initiative. Parker-Adams
National Merit Scholars for the 2009 freshman class.
Hall serves as its temporary headquarters.
• Total University enrollment: 28,807
2000
2010
• English major Bradley Tuggle from Decatur, Ala., named UA’s 15th Rhodes
Scholar. • UA is ranked 6th in the nation among public universities in the enrollment of
National Merit Scholars for the fall 2010 freshman class.
• Historic Barnard Hall rededicated as Oliver-Barnard Hall, the first of two Blount
Undergraduate Initiative academic houses. • With a record of 10 students named to USA Today’s 2010 All-USA College
Academic Team, UA leads the nation in placing students on the national team,
• Construction of 1,500-seat UA Softball Complex completed.
having placed a total of 46 students on the team since 2003.
• Blount Living-Learning Center opens to its first resident class.
• Total University enrollment: 30,232
• Construction of Alabama Institute for Manufacturing Excellence (AIME)
completed. 2011
• Morgan Auditorium reopens after $1 million renovation, the first since its • UA scores a perfect four out of four with Goldwater Scholars in 2011 as all four
construction in 1911. UA students who applied were named recipients of the elite academic award. In
all, UA has claimed a total of 34 Goldwater Scholars in the past 25 years.
2001
• The 2011 entering freshman class, at 5,772 students, is the largest in UA history
• UA alumnus Lt. Col. Jim Kelly pilots a Discovery space shuttle mission. and includes 1,614 students who had a 4.0 or higher high school grade point
• For the third consecutive year, the UA School of Law ranked among the best in average. The freshman class also included 181 National Merit Scholars, ranking
the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. the University second in the nation among public universities in the enrollment of
• UA and Auburn University form the "Alabama-Auburn Alliance" to support fair National Merit Scholars.
funding of higher education. • Total University enrollment: 31,747
• Tide Navigator, a Web-based registration system that is the first of its kind in the 2012
United States, debuts with incoming freshmen.
• Named among the top 50 public universities in the nation by U.S. News and
• Total University Enrollment: 19,633
World Report’s annual college listing for more than a decade, UA ranks 31st
2002 among public universities, its highest ranking ever, for 2012.
• UA Alumni Association establishes FATE: Future Alumni for Tradition and • The 2012 entering freshman class, at 6,397 students, is the largest and best
Excellence. qualified in UA history and includes 239 National Merit Scholars.
• UA’s debate and forensics program wins its 19th national debate championship.
6 About the University
• Three UA students are named Goldwater Scholars and one is named a Truman
Scholar, increasing UA’s totals for the last 25 years to 37 Goldwater Scholars and
eight Truman Scholars.
• Total University enrollment: 33,602
The University of Alabama 7
Admission to the University
The admission process is accomplished by completing the appropriate application to providing a solid understanding of the subjects covered, the core curriculum
for admission and furnishing the required credentials. You may apply online at acquaints students with the ways knowledge is created.
apply.ua.edu. For questions, please contact The University of Alabama, Office of
The core curriculum includes academic courses in writing, humanities, fine arts,
Undergraduate Admissions via email [email protected]; call 1-800-933-BAMA
social sciences, natural sciences (including laboratory experience) and mathematics;
or [phone]; write to The University of Alabama, Office of Undergraduate
it also requires knowledge of a language other than English. To prepare for the core
Admissions, Box 870132, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0132; or visit the website at
curriculum, applicants are encouraged to take maximum advantage of their high-
gobama.ua.edu.
school experiences by accumulating as many academic units as is practical.
More specific requirements for freshman, undergraduate transfer, transient,
Minimum Requirements for Admission
special or international student admission appear in the sections that follow.
Some University of Alabama academic divisions may have different policies or In terms of educational preparation, the college preparatory curriculum minimum unit
requirements regarding admission; see the appropriate division’s section of this requirements for regular admissions are:
catalog for details.
English 4 units
General Undergraduate Admission
Mathematics 3 units, beginning with algebra I, algebra II, and one unit of
Requirements either geometry, trigonometry or calculus
Social Studies 4 units, including world history or comparable course
The University of Alabama employs a competitive freshman admission process Natural Science 3 units, including 2 units with a laboratory
that includes reviewing and evaluating each application on an individual basis for Foreign Language 1 unit
an applicant’s abilities as a scholar. Decisions about the potential for a student’s
Other academic courses 5 units (courses recommended are in fine arts or computer
academic success are based on ACT and/or SAT performance, high-school grade
literacy, with additional courses in mathematics, science
point average and high-school course schedule. The writing section of either
and foreign language)
the ACT or SAT is required. Applicants for freshman admission must submit
official copies of their high-school transcripts. Transfer applicants must submit The Advanced Academic Diploma awarded by Alabama high schools meets all
official transcripts of all college-level work attempted. Currently, there is a $40.00 University of Alabama course requirements. The Credit Based diploma awarded by
nonrefundable application fee for freshman and transfer students. If admission is Alabama high schools is accepted; however, students must have the preparatory
denied, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions may suggest alternative ways to curriculum minimum requirements as listed.
meet admission criteria at a later time.
The University of Alabama employs a competitive admission process that includes
Applications for admission are accepted as early as one year prior to the anticipated reviewing and evaluating each application on an individual basis for an applicant’s
date of enrollment. After an evaluation of the applicant’s credentials, admission abilities as a student and a scholar. Decisions about the potential for a student’s
is granted into various categories, depending on the strength of the applicant’s success at UA are based on ACT and/or SAT performance, high-school grade point
academic background. Once admitted, a student may enroll in courses for their average and high-school course schedule. The writing section of either the ACT or
admitted term and must submit a final transcript. For this reason, prospective SAT is required.
students should ensure that their application credentials are submitted to the Office
The course/unit requirement also applies to transfer students who have completed
of Undergraduate Admissions as early as possible. Also, any student whose first
fewer than 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours of college-level courses.
language is not English will be required to provide proof of language proficiency.
Home-Schooled Students
An Immunization Form, to include proof of current measles (MMR) and meningitis
vaccinations and a negative TB skin test, must be completed by a License Health
Care Professional and submitted prior to enrollment for classes. The immunization The University of Alabama welcomes applications from students who are schooled
form can be downloaded from shc.ua.edu/immunization-policy. in the home. Home-schooled applicants should meet the following requirements for
admission:
More specific requirements for freshman, undergraduate transfer, transient,
special or international student admission appear in the sections that follow. 1. Home-schooled applicants should meet the ACT/SAT requirement, including
Some University of Alabama academic divisions may have different policies or the writing section, as well as the grade point average (GPA) requirement
requirements regarding admission; see the appropriate division’s section of this and the college preparatory curriculum minimum unit requirements, if they
catalog for details. present certified transcripts at the completion of their programs. Refer to the
’Freshman Admissions" tab and review Preparation for College-level Work
Freshman Admission and Minimum Requirements for Admission.
2. Students who do not present certified transcripts must take the GED and meet
Freshman Orientation and Registration
the admission requirements as outlined in The University of Alabama GED
Admission Policy. See the ’Non-graduates of High School’ section under the
An orientation/registration program (Bama Bound) is provided for all new freshman
’Special Programs’ tab.
students to assist with the transition to college. Information about orientation and
registration is sent to admitted students. Special Programs
For all new undergraduate students, initial math placement will be based on ACT
Early Admission
or SAT math score or previous college mathematics credit. If a student does not
have one of these or wishes to try and improve his/her placement, he/she may Students who have exceptionally high grades (B+ or higher grade point average)
take the online math assessment. Foreign language placement is determined by and at least a 28 ACT or a 1250 SAT (math and critical reading only) and who have
several factors. These factors include the following: the number of high-school units strong endorsements from their high school principal, guidance counselor, and
complete; language placement examination scores; or, for those with native or parents or legal guardians may be considered for admission without completing their
heritage competency, faculty evaluation. Students with more than two high school senior year of high school.
units of French, German, Spanish, or Latin should take a placement examination
by logging in to their mybama account, under Academic tab, in the box titled Concurrent Enrollment
Admissions, look for “Foreign language assessment." All assessments should be
completed one week prior to Bama Bound. Students who meet the necessary requirements may attend The University of
Alabama while still in high school. Students in area high schools may enroll as
Each orientation session gives students the opportunity to learn about the University, concurrent high school students/University freshmen. Typical students admitted to
as well as academic programs and services offered to students. Students also this program have a ’B+’ grade point average, at least a 26 ACT or 1170 SAT (math
enroll in classes for their first term at the University. Several orientation sessions are and critical reading only) and the recommendation of their high school principal or
provided each year. For more information, visit orientation.ua.edu. guidance counselor and parents or legal guardians. Students take coursework in
areas for which they have adequate preparation and the approval of their principal
Preparation for College-level Work
and/or counselor.
The University of Alabama Core Curriculum, required of all graduates, provides the
foundation of every undergraduate degree program at the University. In addition
8 Admission to the University
Dual Enrollment/Dual Credit Agreement Transfer Student Orientation and Registration
The University of Alabama participates in dual enrollment/dual credit programs with Attendance at an orientation/registration session (Bama Bound) is required of
local boards of secondary education. Through these programs, certain high school each newly admitted transfer student. Considerable assistance is available at each
students are allowed to enroll in college-level courses in order to earn credits that session, and the groups are kept small to encourage individual attention. For more
apply to both undergraduate degrees and high school diplomas. Students are eligible information, visit orientation.ua.edu.
under the following conditions:
Distance Learning students are not required to attend orientation/registration.
1. The student must be in grade 11 or 12 or have an exception granted by UA Distance Learning students should contact Academic Outreach at
based on the written recommendation of the student’s principal and the local bamabydistance.ua.edu.
superintendent of education and in accordance with Alabama administrative
Transfers within the University
code regarding gifted and talented students.
2. The student must have a ’B+’ average, as defined by local board policy, in
Procedures governing transfers between academic divisions of the University are
completed high-school courses.
administered by the Office of the University Registrar. For further information, please
3. The student must meet the entrance requirements established by UA. refer to the section ’Academic Records and General Academic Policies’ section of
this catalog.
Students who are currently in high school and have concurrent college credit, or
dual enrollment or concurrent college credit, are not considered transfer students. Admission of Special Category Students
Students must have one official transcript sent to the Office of the University
Registrar directly from each college or university previously attended. Adult
Non-graduates of High School
Applicants who graduated from high school at least four years prior to the date of
anticipated enrollment may be admitted to the University without the ACT or SAT,
Admission may be granted to non-graduates of high school who are 18 years of
provided their high-school grade point average is 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
age and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year. Applicants must
However, for placement purposes, the ACT or SAT may be required of all students
score at least 510 on the General Educational Development (GED) Test and submit
who are enrolled.
acceptable ACT or SAT scores. Applicants 23 years of age and older are required to
score at least 510 on the GED test. In addition, they may be required to submit ACT Auditor
or SAT scores for advising purposes.
Applicants who wish to attend credit courses as auditors must follow standard
Undergraduate Transfer Admission
admission procedures. They must be registered for the courses, must pay all
required fees, are expected to attend all class meetings and must conform to all
Applicants who have attended other colleges or universities are considered transfer
requirements of the instructor of the course. In certain cases, admission as an
students, regardless of the period of enrollment or amount of credit earned. Students
auditor may be granted without satisfaction of normal admission requirements;
who are currently in high school and have dual enrollment or concurrent college
however, the University reserves the right to establish appropriate standards for
credit are not considered transfer students. Students seeking to transfer to The
such enrollment. Auditors may not receive credit applicable to the requirements for
University of Alabama must meet the following requirements:
degrees.
• Students must have one official transcript sent directly to the Office of the Dean’s Admission
University Registrar from each college or university previously attended. Faxed
transcripts are not considered official transcripts. The deans of the University may, upon appeal, waive or modify conditions of
• Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester hours (or 36 quarter admission for individual freshman and transfer applicants.
hours) of collegiate work must also have official copies of their ACT or SAT
Crimson EDGE (Education Guarantees Excellence)
scores and final high-school transcript submitted directly to the Office of
Undergraduate Admissions. This two-semester program helps students manage the transition to a university
• An average of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher for all college-level work attempted academic environment. Students in this category are not on probation but are limited
is required for admission. College-level work does not include vocational, to 12-14 credit hours during their first semester and must enroll in an academic
technical or remedial/developmental course work. Some divisions may set support class. A Crimson Edge adviser in each college will help students determine
slightly higher admissions standards. Students must be able to return to the last appropriate course selection for the fall and spring semesters.
collegiate institution they attended.
Irregular Postgraduate
Transferring from Two-year Colleges in Alabama
Applicants with baccalaureate or advanced degrees may be admitted on the basis of
Students transferring from two-year colleges in the Alabama College System may the appropriate degree. Standard admission procedures are followed.
contract with The University of Alabama under STARS (Statewide Articulation
Special Admissions
Reporting System). The STARS program will guarantee the transfer and applicability
of the two-year college credit under the following restrictions:
Undergraduate applicants who are denied admission to the University may appeal
• This agreement will be honored for a period of four years from the date of the the admission decision if they have academic achievements, personal achievements
agreement. The student will be required to satisfy the requirements for graduation or special circumstances that were not considered when the admissions decision
as described in the undergraduate catalog in effect at the time of execution of this was decided. Applicants must contact the Office of the Associate Provost/Executive
agreement. However, UA may change such requirements if the student is given Director of Undergraduate Admissions for additional information.
a reasonable opportunity to comply with the changed requirements. The student Special Student
may choose to comply with the requirements in effect at the time of transfer.
• Under this agreement, the student must be officially admitted and enrolled at Special student enrollment is a non-degree status. Special students may apply
UA immediately following his or her tenure at the two-year college at which for admission as degree-seeking students by requesting a change of status and
the contract was initiated. Should the student enroll in another post-secondary by meeting regular admission requirements. Students who have never enrolled in
institution during the interim, this agreement is void. college are generally expected to have been out of high school for two or more years
before enrollment at the University as special students. Students who are currently
This agreement is subject to termination should changes in UA requirements be
on academic probation or under academic suspension imposed by another college
initiated by any agency outside University control. Such agencies include, but are not
and who have not been enrolled in school for two years may be admitted with special
limited to, the State Department of Education, ACHE, SACS, NCATE, CLN, AACSB,
permission. Enrollment in specific courses will be on a space-available basis. If
ABET and other accreditation agencies.
a course has prerequisites, permission must be granted by the instructor before
Conversion of Credits enrollment in the course. To continue as a special student beyond one academic
year of continuous enrollment, after a break in enrollment, or beyond 12 semester
The University of Alabama is on the semester system. Credits earned as quarter hours of earned credit, permission must be granted by the dean of the school or
hours will be evaluated as semester hours. One quarter hour is equal to two-thirds of college in which the special student is enrolled.
one semester hour; for example, a five-quarter-hours course equals three and one-
Transient Student
third semester hours. However, when a student is seeking to transfer credit that will
be applied toward degree requirements, final authority for evaluating that credit rests
Admission as a transient (visiting) student may be granted for any term. Standard
with the academic division, which may use a different formula.
application procedures must be followed. Approval may be given on the basis of an
The University of Alabama 9
official statement of good standing from the last institution attended. Transient status Academic Second Opportunity
may be granted for only one term.
A student who has been separated from The University of Alabama for at least three
Admission of International Students
academic years may petition the dean of his or her college to apply for readmission
through Academic Second Opportunity. The petition must be received in the dean’s
International applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent resident applicants
office prior to the last day of class for the semester in which the student returns to
interested in admission to The University of Alabama should contact:
the University. If the petition is approved, the student will be readmitted regardless
International Undergraduate Admissions of previous scholastic performance, unless separation from the University resulted
801 Campus Drive, Room 203 SSC from academic misconduct. In cases of academic misconduct, readmission will be
Box 870132 reviewed by the academic dean (or his or her designee) for the school or college in
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0132 which readmission is sought.
Phone: [phone] or 205-348-9418
If the application for Academic Second Opportunity is accepted, all previous
Email: [email protected]
academic work remains on the student’s permanent record, but the grades for
Correspondence concerning undergraduate admission should be initiated at least previous work are not used in computing the grade point average. Grades of ’C’
six months in advance of the anticipated date of enrollment. The initial inquiry should or higher earned during previous college attendance are computed as ’passing
provide information about your educational background and degree interests. hours’ (P) and may be applied to major program, distribution and graduation
requirements. Grades of ’D’ earned during previous college attendance may not
The University of Alabama requires that all freshman international students perform be applied to major program, distribution or graduation requirements. The student
above the average; they must have completed their secondary school cycle or must pursues his or her academic program with no University of Alabama or higher
have qualified by examination for admission to a university in their home country. education grade point average, and thereafter is subject to the conditions of warning,
All academic documents from outside the U.S. must be evaluated by a National probation and dismissal that govern all students. Once invoked, Academic Second
Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member agency and the Opportunity cannot be revoked and it may be awarded only once and may not be
detailed evaluation along with a copy of the evaluated transcript with grade point awarded retroactively. Students who are awarded Academic Second Opportunity
average be sent directly to UA. (Find a NACES member agency) are excluded from candidacy for the Latin honors designations of cum laude,
Students wishing to transfer to the University from other accredited institutions magna cum laude and summa cum laude. These honors may also be referred to as
outside the U.S. should submit a detailed syllabus sent to The University of Alabama University Honors.
so that evaluations of transfer credit may be completed. Such evaluations are made A student who has a degree from another institution but was previously a student at
by the registrar of the college the student plans to enter, after the student has been UA or who has a degree from UA is not eligible for consideration.
officially admitted.
High School Services
More information regarding the admission requirements and deadlines is available
at: http://gobama.ua.edu/international/checklist/
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions assists high school principals, counselors
The University of Alabama requires students to obtain a minimum English test and teachers in the planning and development of enrichment programs in a
score TOEFL IBT of 71, IELTS overall score of 6.0, PTE overall score of 54 or a number of high school subjects, including art, forensics, foreign languages,
satisfactory completion of the English Language Institute (ELI) before a student may health and physical education, journalism, music and the sciences. Workshops,
begin an academic program. clinics, institutes, skills demonstrations, conventions and conferences, held both
regionally and on the University campus, are developed cooperatively by school
Students who meet the academic and financial qualifications, but do not meet the
leaders and representatives of The University of Alabama faculty and the Office of
TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score requirement may apply for conditional admission.
Undergraduate Admissions.
Conditionally admitted students will begin their studies in the English Language
Institute and then enter directly into their academic coursework once they have
Academic Common Market of the
satisfied English proficiency.
English placement for non-native speakers of English Southern Regional Education Board
In order to place non-native speakers of English in appropriate writing courses, each (SREB)
such student who does not have credit from a regionally accredited U.S. institution
with a C or better will be given a University of Alabama language proficiency exam
Updated August 6, 2012
(EPPE) prior to enrollment. Results for the EPPE determine whether student must
enroll in either an English Language Institute (ELI) course, or in the Department of The Academic Common Market (ACM) is a tuition scholarship program that allows
English course that suits their demonstrated abilities. selected students to pursue out-of-state college degrees at discounted tuition rates
through agreements among the states, colleges and universities. The ACM is
The English courses prescribed (ELI, EN 120 English Comp I Non-Native Speaker,
designed for qualified incoming freshmen, incoming graduate students and incoming
EN 121 English Comp II Non-Native Speaker or a combination of these) must be
transfer students. A student must meet both the SREB qualifications and The
completed in sequence, beginning with the first semester of the student’s enrollment
University of Alabama qualifications shown below.
or when the course is offered at The University of Alabama, and the student must
be continuously enrolled in these undergraduate courses until they are successfully Approximately 30 of UA’s degree programs participate in the ACM. The ACM does
completed. This policy applies to all non-native speakers entering The University of not include any programs in the College of Commerce and Business Administration
Alabama for the first time who do not have credit from a regionally accredited U.S. (C&BA) or the College of Human Environmental Sciences (HES), both of which
institution. once had ACM programs. A student who attends UA not meeting ACM minimum
requirements cannot earn an ACM scholarship once here.
Students who have credit for EN 101 English Composition from a regionally
accredited U.S. institution but do not have credit for the second EN course in the General Qualifications of the SREB
series at that institution should register for EN 121 English Comp II Non-Native
Speaker (rather than ) at The University of Alabama. • be a resident of one of the 16 SREB states (home.sreb.org/acm/states.aspx)
Non-native speakers who have attended and graduate from a high school in the • select a program for which residents of your home state are eligible
United States may choose either the English 120/121 track or the English 101/102 (gradservice.aa.ua.edu/acm/programs.aspx)
track. To take English 102/121, non-native speakers must demonstrate the required • complete the admission process at the institution offering the eligible Academic
English speaking and writing abilities through one of the following: Common Market program (gradservice.aa.ua.edu/acm/form.aspx)
• be certified as a resident of your home state by contacting the ACM coordinator
• have a score of at least 18 on both the speaking and writing sections of TOEFL
for your state of residence (home.sreb.org/acm/states.aspx)
• have a score of at least of 6 on speaking and writing sections of the IELTS
UA Qualifications for First-time ACM Certification
• pass the English Proficiency Exam given by the TESOL program
Undergraduate: The undergraduate ACM is for first-time freshmen or
• complete the relevant courses in the English Language Institute (ELI is an undergraduate students transferring to UA from another university. Students must
intensive English program under The University of Alabama’s Office of International have at least a 25 ACT composite score or 1130 SAT composite score (math and
Programs). verbal only) and at least a 3.00 overall high school GPA. UA does not superscore
(i.e., does not combine the best math and verbal from multiple test administrations)
10 Admission to the University