- Students and professionals currently working in nonprofit-related fields.
- Individuals wanting to prepare to succeed in nonprofit careers.
Service and leadership.
The undergraduate certificate in Interprofessional Nonprofit Leadership is designed to train leaders of nonprofit organizations how to use the latest management and strategic best practices to benefit their organizations and stakeholders.
This unique collaborative program is shared by the Collat School of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, and the School of Public Health. Our interdisciplinary approach emphasizes the interprofessional perspective application of best practices in leadership, management, and organization.
To earn the certificate, students will take two management courses that include hands-on learning projects with local non-profits and two courses within other disciplines based on their career objectives and approval by academic advisor. This requirement allows students to explore the study of nonprofit organizations from the perspective of another discipline.
Required core courses
- MG 305: Nonprofit Organizationl Management/SL
- MG 405: Nonprofit Strategy and Entrepreneurship
- Individuals looking to transition into the IT industry.
- Professionals looking to gain information systems knowledge to enhance their already established career.
- Prospective students who want to prepare for success/entry in UAB's MSMIS opens a new website online degree program.
Bridging the gap to IT.
The Information Systems (IS) Certificate provides a bridge for aspiring students with backgrounds in unrelated fields to enter UAB's Master of Science in Management Information Systems opens a new website(MSMIS) degree program. The 100% online Information Systems Certificate consists of six courses and is intended to help students transition into the IT industry.
The certificate consists of six courses and covers some of the basics of networking, computer programming, databases and systems analysis. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in each course.
- BUS 350: Business Communications
- IS 204: Introduction to Business Programming
- IS 301: Introduction to Database Management Systems
- IS 302: Business Data Communications
- IS 303: Information Systems
- IS 321: Systems Analysis
Current students: learn more about admission.
This undergraduate certificate program benefits students with a non-accounting undergraduate degree who:
- Are looking to transition into the accounting industry.
- Are seeking the foundational accounting knowledge needed to prepare for the CPA exam.
- Are looking to gain accounting knowledge to enhance their already established career.
- Are seeking the foundational accounting knowledge needed to take more advanced accounting courses in the UAB MAc program.
- Would like to take courses through the MAc program that would allow them to also earn a graduate certificate in an area such as information systems, finance or other business courses in addition to the MAc.
Fast-track your accounting skills.
The Accounting Certificate is designed to transition individuals into the accounting industry by providing those with an undergraduate degree in something other than accounting with a solid foundation in accounting principles and how to apply them in practice.
The Accounting Certificate can prepare students for the CPA exam and further their career in accounting. The certificate provides students without a bachelor’s degree in accounting with the foundational accounting knowledge needed for the advanced Master of Accounting (MAc) degree courses. Students with an undergraduate degree in something other than accounting can pursue a MAc degree without completing the accounting certificate, but their MAc courses will focus more heavily on fundamental accounting knowledge. Non-accounting-degree students wanting to take more advanced accounting courses in the MAc should complete the undergraduate Accounting Certificate before starting the MAc program.
Pursuing CPA Licensure
Thinking about becoming a CPA? UAB can help you get there.
CPA licensure requirements:
- Requirements vary by state for sitting for the CPA exam and licensure.
- Check with the Board of Public Accountancy in the state where you plan to practice for specifics. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy provides a complete list of state licensing boards.opens a new website
- Questions about CPA licensure? Contact the MAc program advisor.
The Accounting Certificate consists of eight courses covering principles of accounting, financial accounting, cost accounting, and income taxation.
- The Accounting Certificate requires that students earn a B or better in AC 300 and a C or better in the other seven courses.
- Admission to the UAB MAc program requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the Accounting Certificate program courses.
Required courses
- BUS 202: Know Your Accounting Numbers
- AC 300: Financial Reporting and Decision Making
- AC 304: Accounting Information Systems
- AC 309: Intermediate Accounting I
- AC 310: Intermediate Accounting II
- AC 401: Cost Strategies and Decision-Making
- AC 402: Income Taxation I
- AC 430: Intermediate Accounting III
Current students: learn more about admission.
The Collat School of Business has partnered with other UAB schools to meet the growing demand for specialized education at the master’s level by providing graduate dual degrees that offer balanced course schedules and reduced total credit hour requirements.
Why Choose an MBA Dual Degree?
Choosing an MBA dual degree program can be a game changer. The knowledge acquired can help you understand and apply business principles to guide and affect change in your specific field, and increase your authority in business-focused decision making and other roles that drive the bottom line and future success.
An MBA, the most popular master’s degree in the world, is a versatile degree that can open new career opportunities and advancements, boost income, and broaden professional networks. A field-specific master’s degree coupled with an MBA provides a skill set that sets you apart from others and demonstrates your commitment and ambition.
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Why Get Your MBA at UAB?
The UAB Collat School of Business offers a world-class business education in the heart of Alabama’s economic center. It is fully accredited by AACSB International, the most prestigious accrediting agency for business education in the world. Students have unfettered access to Birmingham’s business elite, who provide real-world instruction in applying theoretical learning to actual business situations. Additionally, UAB’s MBA faculty include some of the most sought-after thought leaders in their fields, those pushing the boundaries with topical, practical research that goes beyond the “why” to also ask “what if.” The school’s location near downtown Birmingham provides endless opportunities to infuse experiential learning into the traditional classroom experience.
MBA Dual Degree Program Requirements
As a UAB MBA Dual Degree seeking student, you will be required to take 30 total credit hours (10 courses) in the MBA program, a reduction of six credit hours from the regular MBA program. Select dual degree program listed below for more details.
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The UAB MBA
Earn your MBA degree in as little as one year with the fully customizable MBA program at the UAB Collat School of Business. Our flexible MBA program includes a 36-credit hour (12-course) curriculum with the option to add a specialized concentration or graduate certificate.
The UAB MBA program will help prepare you to excel in leadership roles within business, government, or social services. Engage in courses that refine your analytical techniques and decision-making skills needed to solve the complex problems facing business leaders today.
Multiple Program Learning Options: You can choose between in-person, online, or a hybrid of classes with fall, spring, or summer start dates (summer starts for domestic students only).
Flexible Learning Experience: Complete the program in as little as 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time. Our master’s in business administration options allow you to set your own pace of your education. Load up on courses one semester, take on fewer courses the next; our flexible learning experience lets you stay on track while tending to life’s ebbs and flows outside of school.
Customized Curriculum
Customize your degree through one of our specialty concentrations, graduate certificates, or MBA dual-degree programs.
MBA Program Concentrations
Entrepreneurship
Through this concentration, you will not only learn the essentials of building your own business, from idea to IPO, but also how to execute and expand on your ideas through advanced tools and effective business processes.
Finance
Study advanced finance topics, including international capital budgeting, short-term investing and borrowing, portfolio management, and more.
Health Services
Prepare to lead in the dynamic health services field with a unique blend of business strategy and healthcare insight. Ideal for professionals who want to transition to healthcare leadership roles and advance within health-related organizations.
Management Information Systems
Take a deep dive into artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cyber security within the context of business.
Marketing
Study advanced marketing topics in the scope of business, including marketing analysis, applied marketing research, digital strategy, healthcare marketing, and more.
MBA Program Certificates
For a higher level of specialization, earn a graduate certificate while earning your MBA without taking extra courses. Certificates available in:
MBA Program Learning Options
- On-campus MBA program
- 100% online MBA program (24/7 technical support included)
- Hybrid MBA program — apply as an on-ground student but take in-person and online classes simultaneously
MBA Dual Degrees
Become a leader in your field. Complement your specialized education with an MBA degree and gain the business knowledge and authority to set yourself apart from others. The Collat School of Business has partnered with other UAB schools to meet the growing demand for specialized education at the master's level by providing graduate dual degrees that offer balanced course schedules and reduced total credit hour requirements.
- Pre Title:
Jumpstart Your MBA Degree—Start Early, Name:
Accelerated Bachelor's / Master's (ABM) Program, Description:
Earn a bachelor's degree and a Master of Business Administration degree at an accelerated rate with a reduced cost. Once admitted, you can share up to 12 credit hours of approved graduate courses with your undergraduate program, allowing you to complete both degrees in a shorter time frame.
Students in ABM programs study, work, and learn alongside other high-caliber students — much like they would in an Honors program — preparing for a challenging career upon graduation.
, Link: index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=499&Itemid=1639 - Pre Title: START WITH THE ESSENTIALS, Name: Foundations of Business Administration Certificate, Description: Gain fundamental business administration tools and build your resume with a five-course graduate business certificate that can be fully applied towards an MBA if you decide to further your education after earning this valuable credential., Link: index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=418&Itemid=1465
- Pre Title:
CHOOSE YOUR PROGRAM, Name:
100% Enhanced Online MBA Program, Description:
You have the option to pursue an online MBA degree with a structured program that includes a guaranteed path of progression.
Through this online MBA program, you’ll have access to 24/7 technical support, ensuring you can retrieve course materials and get virtual assistance whenever needed.
, Link: https://www.uab.edu/business/home/programs/100-online
MBA Curriculum (36 hours)
Required Courses (21 hours)
- MBA 602: Essential Skills in Financial Reporting and Analysis
- MBA 603: Internal Tools for Investment Risk and Profitability
- MBA 610: Business Analytics and AI
- MBA 611: Managing Disruptive Technologies
- MBA 630: Leadership of People and Organizations
- MBA 640: Navigating the Complex Economic Environment
- MBA 650: Marketing Management: Strategies and Implementations
Capstone Course (3 hours)
- MBA 693: Strategic Management: Competitive Advantage in the Marketplace
Electives (12 hours)
For a General MBA, select any four MBA electives.
For a concentration, three of the four electives must be in the same area of specialization.
For a certificate, all four electives must be from the same area of specialization (one certificate course is waived or completed in the MBA core requirements). Certification options include:
- Business Analytics with Information Technology
- Electives: IS 617, IS 619, IS 651, and IS 652
- Cybersecurity Management
- Electives: IS 607, IS 613, IS 620, and IS 644
- Digital Marketing
- Electives: MBA 653, MBA 655, MBA 656, and MBA 657
Advance your current career or transition into a new one with a UAB MBA degree. Our flexible curriculum, dedicated faculty, and robust career services program can help prepare you for success in a wide variety of professional fields. The goal of this program is to equip you to be able to excel in the industry’s leading companies, from start-ups to Fortune 500s.
Common job titles for MBA graduates include:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Department/Division Director
- Operations Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Investment Fund Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Product Manager
Why Get an MBA Degree With Us?
Join a community of over 21,000 alumni and connect with our networked faculty. Here at the UAB Collat School of Business, we train you on business fundamentals and empower you to leverage technology for strategic impact.
UAB Collat faculty demonstrate a strong commitment to student-focused learning by facilitating experiential learning with broad access to teacher-scholars. They are accomplished researchers, publishing papers and textbooks that contribute to the body of knowledge within each discipline.
UAB is proud of its highly experienced professionals who have worked for some of the world’s leading companies.
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Accelerated Bachelor's to MBA student selected for prestigious scholarship, Link:
https://www.uab.edu/news/people/item/14120-prestigious-scholarship-allows-uab-student-to-enhance-language-proficiency, Image:
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IS Tech Expo highlights artificial intelligence, networking with industry, Link:
https://www.uab.edu/business/home/collat-news/is-tech-expo-highlights-artificial-intelligence,-networking-with-industry, Image:
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Edmonds honored with Provost’s TOC Award for online class, Link:
https://www.uab.edu/business/home/collat-news/edmonds-honored-with-online-class-award, Image:
Counting on a bright future.
Few people in the business world understand numbers and can put that knowledge to work like accountants. Accounting professionals hold crucial roles in the success of any business, and developing that expertise doesn't happen overnight. While artificial intelligence has enabled businesses to automate routine accounting tasks, UAB's Master of Accounting (MAc) degree delivers an education that readies you for higher level accounting positions where human decision making is critical, setting you up for career success.
Our MAc program allows you to tailor your degree and pursue specific career goals regardless of whether you have an undergraduate degree in accounting or you have an undergraduate degree in another field and would like to switch careers. All MAc students take the same three courses that expose students to the cutting-edge standards of the profession and their impact on organizations. From there, you can focus on classes that prepare you for your next steps in career success.
Interested in becoming a CPA and have an undergraduate accounting degree? Our MAc program formally incorporates CPA preparation with faculty mentoring and a portfolio of rigorous courses that prepare students for the CPA exam. We will help you throughout the entire process of sitting for the CPA exam. Don’t plan to become a CPA right now? We also offer a slate of accounting classes that can be paired with information systems, finance or other business courses to earn you a graduate certificate in addition to a MAc. You can still pursue a CPA license later.
Students with an undergraduate degree in something other than accounting focus on courses that provide foundational accounting knowledge to prepare for the CPA exam. If you are a career switcher and would like to take MAc courses beyond foundational accounting knowledge and participate in our MAc CPA mentoring, you are encouraged to complete the undergraduate bridge certificate in accounting before starting the MAc program.
UAB's MAc program allows you to earn your degree at your own pace with on-campus classes that meet once a week (primarily in the evening), completely online classes, or a combination of both. Start building your future accounting career today.
- Pre Title: Start Early, Name: Accelerated Bachelor to Master (ABM) Program, Description: Earn a bachelor's degree and a Master of Accounting (MAc) degree in an accelerated time period with a reduced cost. Once admitted, students can take up to 12 shared credit hours of approved graduate courses that help complete both degrees. Students in ABM programs study, work, and learn with similar high caliber students — much like they would in an Honors program — and are prepared for a challenging career when they graduate., Link: index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=499&Itemid=1639
- Pre Title: CHOOSE YOUR PROGRAM, Name: 100% Enhanced Online, Description: You have an option to pursue the degree online with a structured program that includes a guaranteed path of progression and a tuition premium., Link: index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=390&Itemid=1425
The MAc curriculum allows students with a wide variety of career goals and educational backgrounds to tailor their MAc degree to meet their needs. You can focus on courses that prepare you to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, or you can focus on a blend of advanced accounting and business courses where you can earn a graduate certificate in addition to a Master of Accounting degree.
The graduate accounting curriculum has three focuses:
- CPA Preparation
- MAc + Business Focus
- Foundational Accounting
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[00:26} I finished my degrees here at UAB. And before I even graduated, I really excited the job Ernst & Young because of all of the opportunities that I’ve been able to meet with them and they’ve got to know me. I think one of the big reasons why they feel confident in accepting students before they graduate is because they know the students they get from UAB. They are very well prepared and they are more than capable of going into the industry.
Accounting can lead to a wide variety of positions ranging from controllers, tax specialists, auditors, and analysts to CFOs working with companies that are big or small, public or private. Every business needs a skilled accountant, from nonprofits to international corporations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors are projected to grow by 5%, a rate faster than the national average for all occupations, with approximately 124,200 openings expected each year over the next decade.
Pursuing a MAc degree equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue upper-management or executive positions.
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Accounting professor appointed Sallie W. Dean Endowed Professor, Link:
https://www.uab.edu/business/home/collat-news/accounting-professor-appointed-endowed-professor, Image:
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Collat student named PCAOB Scholar, Link:
https://www.uab.edu/business/home/collat-news/collat-student-named-pcaob-scholar, Image:
- Title:
Collat School of Business Finance, Accounting and Money (F.A.M) Podcast, Link:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7oQ51bIzZJefQLYimizQ6e?fbclid=IwAR2uPAAwEhqsWqT0e-DxmhkGL0TjYTJt0vd2YEZ70XTxy3eAhZGZZMJBwIo, Image:
Are you looking to get ahead in your career or make a successful career change? A graduate business degree can provide the essential tools and knowledge that you need to strengthen your value and open doors to new opportunities.
The Collat School of Business meets the demands of professionals looking to get ahead in their career by offering graduate-level degree and certificate programs ranging from five to 12 courses, as well as business courses and certificates offered through Collat Professional Education.
As part of an elite, top-tier group of business schools (only 1% worldwide) that holds a dual AACSB accreditation opens a new website in both business and accounting, students can rest assured they are receiving a quality graduate education that is relevant today and reputable to employers.
We’ve partnered with other UAB schools on campus to create MBA dual degree programs that offer course schedules to fit the needs of students pursuing specialized graduate education.
All degree-seeking students in the Collat School of Business are required to engage in one of several options for an experiential learning credit. You should work with your academic advisor to determine which option is the best fit for you.
Creating a Competitive Advantage
Research shows that experience in addition to the degree is the #1 item employers are looking for in a new hire. In today's competitive job market you need to be able to show that you have on-the-job learning and understand the industry.
The experiential learning requirement allows you to apply what you have learned and showcase the skills that you have acquired to your future employer. In addition to building your resume, this requirement can better prepare you to develop career goals based on your experience in different kinds of industries and work environments. You may identify a specific area that you really enjoy and want to focus your studies on, or find that what you originally intended to major in may not be what you actually enjoy doing.
Real life, hands-on experience helps our graduates stand above the rest and ready to launch successful careers.
Experiential Learning Requirement Options
You may tailor the requirement to fit your needs by choosing one of the following options. See the UAB Undergraduate Catalog opens a new website for course descriptions.
Business Analysis Project
Complete Small Business Consulting and Research (MK 440/BUS 440) with a small team and professor to gain experience with an individual company and particular project.
Business Courses
Complete Practicum in Commercialization (ENT 426), Principles of Real Estate (FN 370), or Advanced Professional Selling (MK 425).
Education Abroad
Change the way that you view your education, career, and life. Broaden your perspective of the world through one of UAB's Education Abroad programs opens a new website.
Honors Programs
Complete the Collat School of Business Honors Program or another UAB Honors Program opens a new website.
Internship
Gain experience in your career field and develop the skills that employers want to see through a paid or volunteer internship. Not only can internships offer a possible income, they also may lead to future employment.
Research Project
Develop your research skills while working with a professor on a project — experience first-hand what may be required in graduate school or a career field heavy in research. You may even have a publication to add to your resume! Contact your academic advisor for more information.
Service Learning
Work on a semester-long project with a professor and class of students to complete a project or solve a problem. This can be fulfilled through an approved course or contract with a professor. Contact your academic advisor for more information.
Experience Waiver
Complete and submit the 
experience waiver to the chair of your department to be considered for a waiver of the experiential learning requirement. Some examples of activities that can merit a waiver include:
- work experience that allows you to integrate academic knowledge with practical application
- completion of a nationally recognized program such as the Disney college program
Providing an honors-level academic experience and enhanced credentials to students seeking top positions in business and related fields after graduation.
The Collat Business Honors Program goes beyond traditional business school coursework to teach leadership. An effective leader must not only possess financial and strategic skills, but also must understand how their own traits, characteristics, and behavior influence others in the organization.
“At Collat, opportunities await every day for students. Opportunities like the Business Honors Program allow students to learn business leadership practices and participate in research that explores developing topics in their respective industries and truly equips them with the knowledge to become successful business leaders.”
Destiny Nelson-Miles Business Honors Program alumna Students can explore their potential roles as leaders at all levels of an organization, from CEO to project team leader, and at all stages of their future careers. Students can also consider less direct aspects of leadership, such as thought leadership within an organization or industry and the attributes of good “followership.”
Honors courses provide opportunities for involvement in class discussions, exposure to relevant literature, and practice in leadership and business communications — beyond what is possible in most other courses. The program offers a shared learning experience that simulates real-world working and learning environments. It is these characteristics that distinguish the honors experience, not necessarily a greater quantity or more difficult level of work.
The program provides outstanding career development advantages and opportunities for students interested in accounting, banking, business law, entrepreneurship, finance, general management, graduate study, international business, investment management, and marketing.
In recent years, CEOs and senior executives from prominent organizations have traveled to our campus to meet with Honors Program students as part of a required course on strategic leadership. Organizations include:
- Buffalo Rock
- Coca-Cola Bottling United
- Encompass Health
- Hibbett Sports
- Medical Properties Trust, Inc.
- Protective Life Corp.
- ServisFirst Bank
- Vulcan Materials
Upon completing the program, students who are majors in a School of Business discipline receive the special designation of graduating from UAB “With Honors in Business” or “With Honors in Economics.”
Scholarship
Students receive a $500 scholarship, provided by the generous endowment gift of the Collat family, for each course in the program that is successfully completed.
Curriculum
The program consists of a three-course sequence focusing on leadership, corporate strategy, and business ethics.
- Junior Year Spring Semester — BUS 300: Introduction to Leadership Seminar. What makes for success as a researcher and business leader?
- Senior Year Fall Semester — BUS 496: Business Honors Seminar II. Preparation and presentation of a final research project selected by the student, advised by a faculty member.
- Senior Year Spring Semester — BUS 495: Business Honors Seminar I. The role of leaders in setting corporate strategy.
The curriculum offers the advantages of seminar-based learning within a large university, including increased interaction with faculty members dedicated to teaching and providing valuable academic and career guidance. Courses use a discussion-driven style centering on case analysis, real-world business experiences and examples, and students' own insights and perspectives. Through a mentored program format, participants develop the high-level communication, analysis, writing, presentation, and research skills exhibited by successful business leaders.
Students will prepare a research project selected by the student and are required to participate in the UAB Undergraduate Research Expo opens a new website.
Admissions Requirements
UAB undergraduate students wishing to be considered for the Business Honors program must either declare a major or minor in the Collat School of Business or otherwise have demonstrated a commitment to a business education and meet the following preferred eligibility requirements:
- 3.5 GPA in pre-Business and Business courses
- 3.0 overall GPA
If you do not meet these requirements, your application will be considered on an individual basis.
How to Apply
- Students meeting eligibility requirements should complete and submit an application by November 1 of their junior year.
- Students graduating other than immediately following a Spring semester should contact the program director about eligibility.
Contact
-
Interim Department Chair; Associate ProfessorBarbara Wech PhD205-934-8848CSB 357-C
Add in-demand skills with a certificate.
To help students and working professionals define themselves in the workforce and advance in their careers, the UAB Collat School of Business offers business certificate programs that provide specialized training to meet the latest industry needs. We offer graduate and undergraduate certificates — including two undergraduate bridge certificates designed to prepare students for graduate study in our Master of Accounting and Master of Science in Management Information Systems opens a new website programs. Individuals can also pursue certificates and professional courses through Collat Professional Education.