Profile of the University of Alabama
Alabama’s first public college, the University of Alabama (UA), was founded in 1831. It is considered the state’s flagship university. Fondly known as “The Capstone,” UA’s nickname comes from former university president G.H. Denny, who called UA “capstone of the public school system of the state.” UA’s statement of values is known as the Capstone Creed, and pledges that “As a member of the University of Alabama community, I will pursue knowledge; act with fairness, honesty, and respect; foster individual and civic responsibility; and strive for excellence.” UA places great emphasis on research, as well as teaching and community service.
Degrees offered
UA is divided into 12 colleges and schools, eight of which offer undergraduate degrees.
* The College of Arts and Sciences has Asian Studies, Economics, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Predental, Prelaw, Premedical, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Preoptometry, and Prepharmacy programs, among others.
* The Capstone College of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
* The Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration offers the Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration.
* The College of Communication and Information Sciences has the following undergraduate programs: Advertising, Communication Studies, Journalism, Public Relations, Library and Information Studies, and Telecommunication and Film.
* The College of Education offers many programs under the following departments: Curriculum and Instruction, Kinesiology, Music Education, Special Education and Multiple Abilities; Educational Leadership, Policy and Technology Studies; and Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology, and Counseling.
* The College of Engineering has the following departments offering engineering programs: Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics; Chemical and Biological Engineering; Civil, Construction, and Mechanical Engineering; Computer Science; Electrical and Computer Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.
* The College of Human Environmental Sciences offers undergraduate programs in Apparel and Textiles, Athletic Training, Consumer Sciences, Food and Nutrition, General Studies, Health Studies, Human Development and Family Studies, Interior Design, and Restaurant, Hotel and Meetings Management.
* The School of Social Work offers a bachelor’s degree in Social Work.
Alumni
Many notable people have studied at the University of Alabama, going on to achieve recognition in many areas. The Pulitzer-prize winning novelist Harper Lee, author of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” attended UA (although she did not graduate). Another famous author that belongs to UA’s esteemed ranks of alumni is Winston Groom, author of “Forrest Gump.” Timothy Leary was also another well-known (also controversial) writer, whose work in psychology and drug activism influenced many other great minds of his time and continues to do so until today. Gay Talese, Mark Childress, Borden Deal, and Kathryn Stockett are other distinguished alumni that have pursued excellence in the field of writing.
UA also has alumni that have significantly contributed to the world of science and technology. Louis Rosen was the physicist known as the father of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. Another physicist who graduated from the University, Robert Van de Graaff, invented the Van de Graaff generator. E.O. Wilson is a noted scientist and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, who pioneered the field of sociobiology. UA also boasts of an alumnus whose work has reshaped the way people worldwide gather and share knowledge: Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia.
Rankings and reviews
The 2010 US News & World Report ranks the University of Alabama as 96th among all public and private universities nationwide and 43rd among public national universities. UA has been ranked among the top 50 public universities in the US for the past nine years.
Admission tips
UA has been cited as “more selective” by the 2010 US News & World Report. As of 2008, about60% of freshman applicants were admitted. Aside from an applicant’s high school record and SAT/ACT scores, other areas that UA looks at when considering students for admission are the application essay, letters of recommendation, talent, and ability.
Admission facts
Starting summer/fall 2010, freshman applicants to the University of Alabama are required to take the writing portion of either the SAT or ACT. UA’s official website has more information regarding this requirement at http://gobama.ua.edu/steps/writingfaq.html.
As of 2008, 25th/75th percentile of SAT scores of enrolled students were as follows:
SAT Critical Reading: 490/600
SAT Math: 490/610
As of 2008, 25th/75th percentile of ACT scores of enrolled students were as follows:
ACT Composite: 21/27
ACT English: 21/28
ACT Math: 19/26
Contact info
Interested undergraduate applicants, as well as those looking for more information regarding undergraduate programs, may contact UA through their website at http://gobama.ua.edu/contact/contact_us.html and at http://gobama.ua.edu/contact/request_info.html.
UA’s undergraduate admissions office may also be reached through the following telephone numbers:
Local: (205) 348-5666
Toll Free: 1-800-933-BAMA (2262)
The mailing address of the University’s admission office is:
The University of Alabama
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Box 870132
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0132