Some of the country's finest students choose UAB, and great students always look for great Honors options. Whether you're looking for a special academic challenge or an intense learning experience, the Honors Academy at UAB may be the best match for your talents, interests and abilities. And at UAB, the many programs within our Honors Academy strive to meet the unique interests of individual students rather than squeezing all honors students into the narrow definition of "honors college" offered other places.
Smaller classes, individualized attention from faculty and academic advisors, priority registration for classes, undergraduate research options and special living/learning environments are just a few of the "extras" that make outstanding students want to be a part of the Honors Academy at UAB.
If you've always been a high-achiever and want to surround yourself with a community of other highly-motivated students who share your interests and desire to stretch your abilities, then scroll down and click on the links below to explore the various options and discover the challenge you've been searching for!
Honors Academy Options
- The Early Admission to Medical Professional Schools Program reserves places at UAB’s School of Medicine for 10 incoming freshman each year (and an additional 3 spaces in the Schools of Dentistry and Optometry). Members shadow physicians, volunteer, and take special seminars while they complete their undergraduate education. Highly-competitive admission and rigorous expecations for those selected make this program recognized across the southeast and beyond.
- Science and Technology Honors Program puts you in the company of fellow scholars and world-renowned researchers. Together you will take part in unique academic and research experiences specifically designed to give you a head start on a scientific or technical career. This unique program is the only one of its kind in Alabama and is designed for the best and brightest students whose academic and extracurricular achievements demonstrate intellectual curiosity, energy, creativity, leadership abilities, and community commitment. As a graduate of the Science and Technology Honors Program, you’ll be well prepared for graduate and doctoral study and a scholarship stipend for PhD study at UAB is a bonus of this program.
- University Honors Program provides a small and select number of students the opportunity to participate in a community of committed scholars who form close relationships with faculty in a team-taught, thematic leaning environment in the liberal-arts tradition. Lively discussion, challenging readings that require critical thinking, and a learning approach that asks students to think about issues from multiple viewpoints is a hallmark of this nationally-recognized honors program. Students selected to this prestigious honors program have the use of the Spencer Honors House for classes, study space and social events.
- Global and Community Leadership Honors Program Faculty mentoring, specialized courses, service-learning, and international and community learning experiences encourage students to take leadership roles in campus and community organizations. Students also form a community with like-minded peers who share their goals for the future. Together, they investigate, analyze, and seek to understand the many common concerns faced by societies around the world, and they prepare for the leadership roles that can help address those concerns.
- Nursing Scholars Program reserves spaces in UAB’s School of Nursing for 10 students each year, which means you could be accepted into nursing school even before you take pre-nursing courses. With nursing school admission becoming increasingly competitive, admission to this program means highly-motivated students will be mentored toward the BSN (Bachelors Degree in Nursing) and a professional career in the field.
- Mathematics Fast Track Program enables you to earn both a bachelors and a masters degrees in no more than five years, plus provides the advantage of research and mentoring opportunities, seminars, and more. Career options expand with the additional advanced degree provided in this program.
- Industrial Scholars Program (Engineering) combines scholarships with internships at U.S. Steel, Westinghouse, AmSouth Bank, and other companies. Promising engineering students gain valuable experience while applying classroom knowledge in the workplace.
- Fifth Year Master of Science Program enables you to receive both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years. You’ll also gain research and teaching experience with a faculty member.