Programs
The DMD/MBA program is an integrative, four-year degree that combines business courses with the DMD curricula. Students start their business classes the summer before dentistry school. The remaining courses are offered at key times during the remaining four years.
The UAB School of Dentistry opens a new website and the Collat School of Business offer a dual Doctor of Dental Medicine/Master of Business Administration (DMD/MBA) dual-degree that exposes students to a truly interdisciplinary approach to learning. Here, both fundamental and advanced principles of dentistry and business converge to provide a greater understanding of the business of dentistry.
Why an MBA?
Some of the greatest challenges in healthcare today are business related. As dentists find themselves in an increasingly complex business environment, many choose to pursue a business education in order to navigate the healthcare system with efficiency and effectiveness.
Students who choose the DMD/MBA option often plan careers with both clinical and administrative responsibilities, perhaps opening their own practice. DMD/MBA graduates can manage group practices and clinics more effectively. Successful students should understand how to use innovation and strategic thinking to solve healthcare problems and become fluent in the languages of science and business — putting them on the fast track to career advancement.
Program Specifics
The dual degree is a unique offering designed for the busy dentistry student, including a comprehensive all-services-included approach from start to finish. The dual program is structured around the DMD curricula and includes a concierge approach to integration and completion of the MBA dual degree requirements. Collat School of Business MBA students will benefit from an array of services to manage all enrollment requirements, including:
- Administrative registration for all required MBA courses
- Professional development seminars
- Access to faculty mentors
- On-site tutoring
- Opportunities for hands-on learning
How to Apply
Students interested in pursuing the dual DMD/MBA degree must complete an application through the UAB Graduate School.
Admissions InformationRelated News
Program Contact
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Director of Student Recruitment & Engagement, UAB School of DentistryWendy Scripps MPA(205) 934-3387
The program is an integrative, four-year degree which combines 10 business courses (30 semester hours) with the MD curricula. Students start their business classes the summer before medical school. The remaining courses are offered at key times after the second year of classes and after finishing the USMLE Step 1 exam.
Degree plans are also available for students who decide to pursue the MBA after beginning their MD courses.
The UAB Heersink School of Medicine opens a new website and Collat School of Business offer a dual MD/MBA degree in medicine and management to high-achieving healthcare leaders. A dual MD/MBA degree can open opportunities for physicians and lead to greater management responsibilities within their organizations.
Why an MBA?
The industry is increasingly characterized by uncertainty and ambiguity. Combining a business degree with a medical degree can help future healthcare leaders learn to manage through rapid change and traverse the uncertainties of management with flexibility.
Students who choose the MD/MBA option often plan careers with both clinical and administrative responsibilities. MD/MBA holders can operate their clinics more efficiently, manage a healthcare organization, head a research project, or advocate for their patients and work to improve the healthcare system. Successful students should understand how to use innovation and strategic thinking to solve healthcare problems and become fluent in the languages of science and business — putting them on the fast track to career advancement.
Program Specifics
The dual degree is a unique offering designed specifically for busy medical professionals. Structured around the MD curricula, the dual program includes a concierge approach by sequencing and integrating the MBA requirements to fit within the medical program. As a UAB School of Medicine student, all dual degree participants will receive a wide array of added benefits, including:
- Automatic MBA course registration
- Professional development seminars
- Access to faculty mentors
- On-site tutoring
- Opportunities for hands-on learning
Class Schedule
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Summer (before medical school entry)
- MBA 601: Accounting and Finance for Managers
- MBA 619: IT and Business Strategy
- MBA 631: Management and Organization
- MBA 642: Economics for Managers
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Year Two
FALL
- Co-enrolled elective: Business-focused elective approved by program. NOTE: This is not an MBA class. You will take this as part of your med school curriculum.
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Year Three
FALL
- MBA 608: Cost Analysis and Decision Making MBA 637: Operations and Supply Chain Management
SPRING
- MBA 651: Marketing Strategy
- MBA 690: Healthcare Innovation
See ADDITIONAL OPTION section below for alternative schedule.
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Year Four
FALL
- MBA 621: Topics in Corporate Finance
SPRING
- MBA 634: Strategic Management
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Additional Option
For MS1 students in good standing who receive approval from Heedrsink School of Medicine MD/MBA no later than March 15, we offer an opportunity to take two classes — MBA 608 and MBA 637 — in the summer between the first and second year. Then, in the third year, students will only take MBA 651: Marketing Strategy in the fall and MBA 690: Healthcare Innovation in the spring.
How to Apply
Students interested in pursuing the dual MD/MBA degree must complete an application through the UAB Graduate School.
Admissions InformationProgram Contacts
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Administrative Director of Graduate ProgramsChristy ManningMBA205-934-8815CSB 207-A
UAB's Collat School of Business and School of Engineering opens a new website partner to empower students to combine the analytical and technical skills taught in the Master of Engineering program (MEng) with critical skills needed to lead teams, manage projects, and solve business problems. Students can concurrently pursue a MEng and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a balanced course schedule and reduced total credit hour requirement through our MEng/MBA Dual Degree.
Why an MBA?
While engineering professionals often possess analytical capability that is highly valued in the business world, they often lack the business skills to leverage this capability. Leaders need to synthesize diverse information and repackage it so that people can understand it. Management requires the ability to connect with others, collaborate on projects, and influence your co-workers to meet organizational goals. Those interested in management or starting their own companies need to be able to tackle larger and more abstract strategic problems such as project management, budgets, forecasting, cost estimation, and proposal development.
Program Specifics
In this dual degree program, students can apply two courses from the MEng program as electives towards the MBA program requirements. This leaves MEng/MBA students with ten courses to take in the MBA program. All MEng courses are taught online. MBA courses can be taken online or in the classroom, meeting once a week in the evenings.
Students select from the following MEng specialized concentrations: Construction Engineering Management, Information Engineering Management, Sustainable Smart Cities, Structural Engineering, and Advanced Safety Engineering Management. Learn more about the MBA dual degree curriculum requirements and see the MEng program website opens a new website for details on the related MEng program of your choice.
How to Apply
Students who wish to pursue the MEng/MBA dual degree program must apply and be admitted to the MEng and MBA programs separately.
Admissions InformationProgram Contact
The coordinated Master of Public Health (MPH) / Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program is offered through UAB's School of Public Health opens a new website and Collat School of Business. Changes in the health care delivery system in the United States have created a substantial demand for persons with both public health backgrounds and business administration skills, making the pursuit of the MPH and MBA degrees an attractive option.
Why an MBA?
Combining an MBA with an MPH can be particularly beneficial if you are interested in healthcare management, policy or leadership roles requiring you to balance financial, organizational, and public health considerations. Having a strong business foundation with management and leadership skills, and public health expertise equips you with a competitive advantage to develop a deep understanding of complex healthcare issues and how to improve them.
Program Specifics
Learn more about the MPH/MBA program and curriculum requirement opens a new website
How to Apply
Students who wish to pursue coordinated MPH/MBA degrees must apply and be admitted to the MPH program and the MBA program independently.
Admissions InformationRelated News
Program Contact
For specific information concerning the MPH program, contact the School of Public Health atsoph@uab.edu .
The Master of Science in Health Administration & Master of Business Administration Program (MSHA/MBA) is offered cooperatively by the UAB School of Health Profession's Department of Health Services Administration opens a new website and Collat's Graduate School of Management. The coordinated MSHA/MBA program is a 30-month program, including 21 months of courses on campus plus a 9-month administrative residency.
The program blends academic coursework and directed experience in institutional operations and policy. Students acquire a broad base of knowledge and skills that empower them to successfully lead and manage as top-level executives in health service organizations. The administrative residency is conducted under the preceptorship of a high-level administrator in the host institution and provides the student with a top-notch applied learning experience along with a stipend.
The program has a diverse faculty with expertise in health services applications such as accounting, economics, finance, human resource management, law, management information systems, marketing, organizational behavior and theory, and quantitative methods.
Why an MBA
If your career aspirations include leadership or executive positions in healthcare organizations including startups or launching your healthcare-related business, an MBA can provide a broader set of business skills that can be valuable. Combing business skills in financial management, strategic planning and decision-making and entrepreneurship with your healthcare administration knowledge makes you a well-rounded candidate for a variety of leadership roles in the healthcare sector.
Program Specifics
View the curriculum opens a new website for the MSHA/MBA dual degree program.
Funding
Limited scholarship and traineeship funds are available. These funds are awarded based on need and scholastic record. The number of awards varies from year to year.
How to Apply
Students who wish to pursue coordinated MSHA/MBA degrees must apply and be admitted to the MSHA program and the MBA program independently.
Admissions InformationProgram Contact
For specific questions concerning the MSHA program, please reach out to Taylor Bryniarski opens a new website with UAB School of Health Professions.
The first program of its kind in the nation, the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Doctor of Optometry opens a new website/Master of Business Administration (OD/MBA) program exposes students to a truly interdisciplinary approach to learning. Here, the fundamental and advanced principles of both optometry and business converge to provide a greater understanding of the business of eye care.
Why an MBA?
Some of the greatest challenges in healthcare today are business related. As optometrists find themselves in an increasingly complex business environment, many are choosing to pursue a business education in order to navigate the healthcare system with efficiency and effectiveness. Combining a business degree with an optometry degree can help future healthcare leaders learn to manage rapid change and traverse the uncertainties of management with flexibility.
Students who choose the OD/MBA option often plan careers with both clinical and administrative responsibilities, perhaps opening their own practices. OD/MBA graduates can manage group practices and clinics more effectively and efficiently. Students successfully completing the program should understand how to use innovation and strategic thinking to solve healthcare problems and become fluent in the languages of science and business — putting them on the fast track to career advancement.
Program Specifics
An integrative, four year degree that combines business courses with the OD curricula. Students start their business classes the summer before optometry school and the remaining courses are offered at key times during the remaining four years. Degree plans are also available for those students who decide to pursue the MBA after beginning their OD courses.
The dual degree is a unique offering designed for the ease of the busy optometry student, including a comprehensive all services included approach from start to finish. The dual program is structured around the OD curricula and includes a concierge approach to integration and completion of the MBA dual degree requirements. As a Collat School of Business MBA student, all participants will benefit from an array of services to manage all enrollment requirements, including:
- Administrative registration for all required MBA courses
- Professional development seminars
- Access to faculty mentors
- On-site tutoring
- Opportunities for hands-on learning
How to Apply
Students interested in pursuing the dual OD/MBA degree must complete an application through the UAB Graduate School.
Admissions InformationRelated News
Program Contacts
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Administrative Director of Graduate ProgramsChristy ManningMBA205-934-8815CSB 207-A
We are excited to learn more about your professional education interests and provide individualized support to help you meet your career goals. If you are an individual looking to learn new skills, earn a certification, or find your next career, we are here to help you. If you are a member of a group, corporation, or department looking for the right professional training for your team, we are here to partner with you and customize the right training to fit your needs.
Collat Professional Education offers engaging “Live Online,” face-to-face, and hybrid courses with passionate faculty who want to help you succeed. Our faculty, who have both industry experience and academic expertise, create a welcoming environment and incorporate real-world examples in their courses to bring the material to life. Join one of our courses and connect with a cohort of fellow professionals from diverse fields and various experience levels to learn new skills and advance your career.
We would love the opportunity to talk with you to learn more about your interests, tell you more about our current and upcoming courses, and provide you information about scholarship opportunities.
You can also learn more about me and the programs we offer here: 5 things I learned about the new Professional Education program at UAB opens a new website.
Please contact us anytime with questions about professional education and let us know what new courses you are looking for to take your next step with us.
Sincerely,
Cori Perdue, PhD
Director of Professional Education
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Highlights from some of our custom training partnershipsSolving today’s business challenges requires custom learning solutions built specifically for your organization, not generic training. The University of Alabama at Birmingham's Collat School of Business designs professional education programs that address real business challenges and drive measurable results.
By taking time to understand your organization’s culture, goals, and workforce needs, we collaborate with you to create tailored learning experiences that move your organization forward. Whether you’re aiming to strengthen leadership capacity, build new employee skills, or respond to change, our custom corporate programs are designed for impact.
Partner with Us for Your Organization’s Success
Organizations work with Collat Professional Education to solve complex business challenges through targeted, collaborative learning experiences. We partner with organizations of all sizes and across industries, collaboratively designing programs that reflect your priorities and business needs.
Our employee training programs are delivered in formats that work for your team — on-site, off-site, or at the UAB Collat School of Business. Programs may span several days, weeks, or months, depending on your objectives and scope.
While our team of faculty and industry experts will curate program content specific to your group, training topics in high demand include:
- Leadership
- Alignment & Strategic Thinking
- Artificial Intelligence
- Change Management
- Engagement & Accountability
- Emotional Intelligence
- Project Management
- Sales Training & Negotiations
- Data Visualization & Storytelling
- Finance & Business Decision Making
- Innovation & Design Thinking
- Succession Planning
Hear From Our Current Partners
From project management to team development, organizations turn to UAB Collat Professional Education for tailored learning solutions. Learn how our partners describe the impact of our custom programs.
"The Collat team developed a first-class project management academy that captured exactly what I wanted to address with customized content for our specific needs. Thanks to their professionalism, support, and great job all around, our team is equipped to provide a high level of service to our clients."
Mike Kemp President/CEO, KMS
“I had always heard about UAB's project management team and contacted them to schedule a training session for our communications team. Cori and her team developed a custom experience that was educational and entertaining. The training continues to help us in our roles at HudsonAlpha and I highly recommend it to others.”
Adam Kelley Director of Communications
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, ALFrequently Asked Questions About Custom Programs
Learn more about our custom employee training programs.
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Why should my organization choose a custom professional education program?
No two organizations face the same challenges or operate in the same context. Custom programs allow professional development and training to align directly with your business strategy, culture, and team dynamics. Rather than adapting your employee training program to a predefined curriculum, Collat Professional Education builds instructional content around what matters most to you. The result is learning that supports meaningful participation and progress for your organization.
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How do UAB Collat’s custom programs work?
Our approach to custom professional education is designed to ensure every piece of program content aligns with your business priorities and delivers practical value. This process includes:
- Discovery and Needs Assessment: We begin by learning about your organization’s goals, challenges, and workforce dynamics.
- Program Design: Our team designs a customized curriculum aligned with your objectives, audience, and timeline.
- Flexible Delivery: Programs can take place in person, online, or through a blended format to meet your operational needs.
- Experiential Learning and Impact: Participants engage in real-world scenarios, projects, interactive exercises, and discussions that translate learning into action.
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What types of organizations work with Collat Professional Education?
We collaborate with organizations to create custom professional education programs across a wide range of industries, including:
- Health care and life sciences
- Manufacturing and engineering
- Financial services
- Higher education and nonprofit organizations
- Government and public sector
- Energy, utilities, and infrastructure
- Technology and media industries
- Professional services
- Transportation, logistics, and distribution
From small teams to large corporate businesses, our employee training programs are designed to meet organizations where they are.
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Why partner with Collat Professional Education?
Organizations choose UAB Collat Professional Education because we offer:
- Programs supported by an AACSB-accredited business school
- Curriculum developed and led by experienced faculty and industry experts
- Learning grounded in practical, workplace-relevant challenges
- Custom experiential learning exercises that are engaging, memorable, and tied to workplace outcomes
- Flexible formats designed for working professionals
- A collaborative approach shaped by organizational goals
Together, these elements create learning experiences that translate into action and connect with the work that organizations do every day.
Let’s Design What Works for Your Organization
Through custom professional education programs, UAB Collat Professional Education works closely with organizations like yours to create learning experiences that support real goals and real change. If you’re seeking additional ways to develop your team, we also offer a range of professional education courses and leadership programs.
Whether you're a recent graduate looking to gain marketable skills, a seasoned professional wanting to advance or change careers, or someone trying to rejoin the workforce after an absence, UAB Collat Professional Education can help get you where you want to be. Select from the categories listed below to view available Career Advancement Courses. Additional courses are on the way.
Professional Education
The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Collat School of Business offers Professional Education designed to strengthen Alabama’s workforce and help professionals like you build in-demand skills that make a measurable difference. Our flexible courses and custom programs give you practical tools you can use right away — whether you’re advancing your career, changing fields, reentering the workforce, or training your organization. Collat Professional Education exists to meet you where you are and make it possible to reach what’s next.
What is Professional Education?
Collat Professional Education includes face-to-face and online courses, certificates, workshops, leadership programs, and customized training that enhance your knowledge across today’s most relevant topics. Each offering provides real-world takeaways you can apply in your current position or as you plan your next step.
At UAB Collat, Professional Education means:
- Practical, career-relevant programs taught by industry experts and experienced faculty
- Flexible learning formats for busy professionals
- Short, focused courses that make continuing education manageable
- Training designed to support real workplace needs and responsibilities
Why Choose Collat Professional Education
It’s never too late to pursue your personal and professional goals. It just takes finding the right partner to help you get there. Every learner — and every organization — deserves continuing education opportunities that are accessible, relevant, and built for real-world impact.
As your partner in this, Collat Professional Education offers:
- Access to a nationally recognized research university and AACSB-accredited business school
- Programs created with industry experts to ensure immediate workplace relevance
- Flexible learning formats, including online courses, in-person workshops, Saturday classes, and more
- A supportive, professional environment for motivated adult learners
- Courses aligned to high-demand fields across Alabama and beyond
Explore Our Professional Education Programs
From individual courses to custom programs and leadership development opportunities, Collat Professional Education offers multiple learning options that fit your goals, schedule, and experience.
Career Advancement Courses
Build new competencies, sharpen your expertise, and stay competitive in the workplace. Our year-round professional education courses support development in areas like artificial intelligence, management, and communication, and they are open to both individuals and groups. Explore available courses to learn more about cost and how to enroll.
Custom Programs for Organizations
UAB partners with businesses and organizations to design custom training programs that address real workplace challenges. Our team works closely with you and tailors each learning experience to your business goals, team, and industry.
Leadership ConsortiumsCreated for leaders at all levels, our Leadership Consortiums offer a cohort-based approach to leadership development. Individuals or groups can enroll to strengthen decision-making, communication, conflict resolution, and other core leadership skills.
Professional Education Faculty
At Collat, you’ll learn from faculty who blend scholarly insights with practical application. They are business practitioners, entrepreneurs, consultants, and thought leaders who bring firsthand experience and teaching expertise to every course.
Meet our FacultyGet in Touch
If you’re exploring professional education opportunities for yourself or your organization, we can help you find the program that aligns with your interests and needs. Connect with us to get started!
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