Office of Interdisciplinary Graduate and Professional Studies
| Program director: | Carmel McNicholas-Bevensee, PhD |
| Phone: | (205) 934-1785 |
| Email: | cbevense@uab.edu, igps@uab.edu |
| Website: | https://www.uab.edu/graduate/students/current-students/career-development/igps |
Office of Interdisciplinary Graduate and Professional Studies (IGPS) Information
IGPS certificates, courses, and programs prepare students, scholars, and professionals to meet the demands of the increasingly complex, diverse, globally connected, and competitive worlds of work and civic engagement. Graduate certificates and the Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies master’s program invite students to integrate theory and practice, developing the requisite professional competencies in communication, teamwork, research, teaching, mentoring, academic advising, and leadership that support individual, organizational, and civic success.
Those interested in pursuing the Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) degree (MA or MS) will find information about the program and how to apply on the IGS webpage at: Master of Arts and Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies - Graduate School | UAB
For information on graduate-level certificates, information can be found here.
Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies – MS and MA degrees available
The Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies degree program (IGS) supports students seeking a graduate degree for which there is no established curriculum. Students combine two graduate certificate programs and complete a research to practice capstone project to earn a Master of Science or Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies.
Academic Advising - Graduate Certificate
The graduate certificate in Academic Advising (AADV) provides current and prospective academic advisors with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to advance their academic advising practices. Students enrolled in the academic advising graduate certificate will create an advising philosophy, develop assessment skills, advance their knowledge on inclusion, access, and advocacy, and recognize and apply student development theories. Graduates will be prepared to effectively serve in formal academic advising roles and advising adjacent roles in areas such as study abroad, housing, career advising, and student affairs.
Courses in the Academic Advising certificate are offered in the standard letter grading format and may be incorporated into the IGS degree. The program is also available as a track in the Master of Science in Higher Education Administration.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Advocacy - Graduate Certificate
The graduate certificate in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Advocacy (DEIA) provides learners with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for advancing personal, social, and cultural initiatives that combat interpersonal and systemic inequities as well as foster cultures of inclusion and justice. Knowledge and skills developed in the program will be applicable to any organizational or civic context, including post-secondary education institutions, nonprofits and politically minded organizations, health care providers, as well as the business and industry sectors.
Courses in the DEIA graduate certificate are offered in the standard letter grading format and may be incorporating into the IGS degree.
Leadership & Professional Development - Graduate Certificate
The certificate in Leadership and Professional Development (LEAD) equips students with a comprehensive foundation in leadership and professional development, preparing them to navigate complex professional and personal contexts. Program participants will gain the expertise in leadership theories, team building, strategies for professional development, and approaches to organizational change.
Courses in the LEAD graduate certificate are offered in the standard letter grading format and may be incorporated into the IGS degree.
Mentoring & Leadership - Graduate Certificate
The Mentoring and Leadership (MENT) certificate develops the necessary knowledge and skills for promoting one’s own and other's professional effectiveness and the ability to be an effective mentor and mentee. Program participants will learn how to design effective mentoring relationships, prepare professional growth plans, reflect on the critical decisions in mentoring, and develop capacities for professional effectiveness.
Courses in the Mentoring and Leadership graduate certificate are offered in the standard letter grading format; the Mentoring Certificate may be incorporated into the Masters in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) degree.
Research Communication - Graduate Certificate
The graduate certificate in Research Communication (RECM) provides foundational knowledge and applicable experience in effectively communicating research and critical research findings to academic, professional, and public audiences using different communicative platforms. The RECM certificate focuses on developing current UAB graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and employees in both science and non-science fields to learn how to effectively communicate research and research findings. The certificate offers presentation and discussion skills courses, academic writing, grant writing, writing for broad audiences, and more.
Courses in the RECM graduate certificate are offered in standard letter grading format; the Research Communication certificate may be incorporated into the IGS degree.
Research Laboratory Management - Graduate Certificate
The Research Laboratory Management (RLM) graduate certificate prepares graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and staff who are engaged in science-related research to effectively lead and manage all aspects of an active scientific laboratory. Managing laboratory needs, such as budgetary, regulatory, safety compliance, is essential for career success in today’s research marketplace.
Courses in the Research Laboratory Management graduate certificate are offered as pass/no pass and the standard letter grading formats. The Research Lab Management certificate may be incorporated into the IGS degree; standard letter grade courses may be incorporated into the IGS degree.
Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning - Graduate Certificate
The graduate certificate in Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (TLHE) equips graduate and postgraduate students with knowledge and skills to enhance student learning in higher education environments and institutions. The program is interdisciplinary, examining teaching strategies, learning theory, and assessment relevant to teaching in all disciplines by combining theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Courses in TLHE graduate certificate are offered in the standard letter grading format and may be incorporated into the IGS degree.
This certificate is not a credential for teacher certification or licensure.
Admissions
For new students – click here to complete the UAB Graduate School Application.
Registration
For more information on how to register for classes, visit here.
Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising
The graduate certificate in Academic Advising (AADV) provides current and prospective academic advisors with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to advance their academic advising practices. Students enrolled in the academic advising graduate certificate will create an advising philosophy, develop assessment skills, advance their knowledge on inclusion, access, and advocacy, and recognize and apply student development theories. Graduates will be prepared to effectively serve in formal academic advising roles and advising adjacent roles in areas such as study abroad, housing, career advising, and student affairs.
Courses in the Academic Advising certificate are offered in the standard letter grading format and may be incorporated into the IGS degree. The program is also available as a track in the Master of Science in Higher Education Administration.
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Core Classes | 12 | |
| Academic Advising Foundations | ||
| Assessment in Academic Advising 1 | ||
| Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Advocacy in Academic Advising | ||
| College Student Development | ||
| Electives | 3 | |
| Advising Hidden and Targeted Populations | ||
| Academic Advising Administration | ||
| Special Topics Seminar in Academic Advising | ||
| Academic Advising and Transfer Students | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Professional Development
The certificate in Leadership and Professional Development (LEAD) equips students with a comprehensive foundation in leadership and professional development, preparing them to navigate complex professional and personal contexts. Program participants will gain the expertise in leadership theories, team building, strategies for professional development, and approaches to organizational change.
Courses in the LEAD graduate certificate are offered in the standard letter grading format and may be incorporated into the Master's in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) degree.
Requirements
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 15 | |
| Introduction to Leadership Theory and Behavior | ||
| Ethics in the Workplace | ||
| Team Development and Dynamics | ||
| Addressing Leadership Challenges | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Graduate Certificate in Mentoring and Leadership
The Mentoring and Leadership (MENT) certificate develops the necessary knowledge and skills for promoting one’s own and other's professional effectiveness and the ability to be an effective mentor and mentee. Program participants will learn how to design effective mentoring relationships, prepare professional growth plans, reflect on the critical decisions in mentoring, and develop capacities for professional effectiveness.
Courses in the Mentoring and Leadership graduate certificate are offered in the standard letter grading format; the Mentoring Certificate may be incorporated into the Master's in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) degree.
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 8 | |
| Introduction to Mentoring and Leadership | ||
| Mentoring 101 | ||
| Leadership 101 | ||
| Communication and Diversity Leadership | ||
| Electives | 7 | |
| Choose seven (7) credit hours from the following electives: | ||
| Developing and Managing Your Professional Image | ||
| Grants and Fellowships 101 | ||
| Presenting Effectively | ||
| Oral and Visual Communication | ||
| Storytelling and Narratives for Research Communication | ||
| Writing & Reviewing Research | ||
| Writing a Journal Article in 12 Weeks | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Graduate Certificate in Research Communication
The graduate certificate in Research Communication (RECM) provides foundational knowledge and applicable experience in effectively communicating research and critical research findings to academic, professional, and public audiences using different communicative platforms. The RECM certificate focuses on developing current UAB graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and employees in both science and non-science fields to learn how to effectively communicate research and research findings. The certificate offers presentation and discussion skills courses, academic writing, grant writing, writing for broad audiences, and more.
Courses in the RECM graduate certificate are offered in standard letter grading format; the Research Communication certificate may be incorporated into the Master's in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) degree.
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 9 | |
| Oral and Visual Communication | ||
| Storytelling and Narratives for Research Communication | ||
| Research Communication Portfolio | ||
| Electives | 6 | |
| Recommended electives: Choose six (6) Credit Hours | ||
| Writing Fellowships | ||
| Writing & Reviewing Research | ||
| Writing a Journal Article in 12 Weeks | ||
| Research Communication and Diverse Audiences | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Graduate Certificate in Research Lab Management
The Research Laboratory Management (RLM) graduate certificate prepares graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and staff who are engaged in science-related research to effectively lead and manage all aspects of an active scientific laboratory. Managing laboratory needs, such as budgetary, regulatory, safety compliance, is essential for career success in today’s research marketplace.
Courses in the Research Laboratory Management graduate certificate are offered as pass/no pass and the standard letter grading formats. The Research Lab Management certificate may be incorporated into the IGS degree; standard letter grade courses may be incorporated into the Master's in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) degree.
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Core Coursework | 9 | |
| Research Lab Management | ||
| Introduction to Regulatory Compliance | ||
| Research Lab Safety | ||
| Grants and Fellowships 101 | ||
| Management and Organizations | ||
| Electives | 6 | |
Choose six (6) credit hours from the following recommended elective courses: | ||
| Accounting and Finance for Managers | ||
| Oral and Visual Communication | ||
| Introduction to Mentoring and Leadership | ||
| Research Communication and Diverse Audiences | ||
| Writing & Reviewing Research | ||
| Writing Fellowships | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |