The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) goes back to 1859, when the Medical College of Alabama was founded. In 1945 the Medical College moved from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham and has expanded its curriculum over the years to cover a broad range of subjects. It has since become the UAB, but retains its historic expertise in medicine and nursing.
Medical students can gain experience in one of the largest and most advanced medical centres in the US, the University of Alabama Hospital at Birmingham. The hospital is ranked nationally in nine adult specialties and staffed by some of the top practitioners in the country.
Aside from the health professions, medicine and nursing, UAB has schools of arts and sciences, business, engineering, education and other disciplines.
UAB is considered one of the most diverse universities in the United States and has a Carnegie classification for “very high research activity”. Even UAB’s freshmen students get involved in research and exhibit their findings at the annual Undergraduate Research Expo. UAB also holds a Carnegie classification for “community engagement”. Every year, dentistry students perform over 500 free services to homeless people.
Student entrepreneurs can fast track their startup ideas through UAB’s Innovation Lab (iLab). The iLab is partly run by the School of Business. It offers consulting, incubating and development services to new businesses.
International students can hone their vocabulary and grammar on an English language programme. Several different options are available for students wishing to learn academic, professional or general English.
