Skip to navigation Skip to main content
Explore UAB

Colleges & Schools

Graduate School

Academic Advising Certificate

The Academic Advising (AADV) graduate certificate is designed to provide students with opportunities to gain knowledge, skills, and competencies required to advance their academic advising practices in manners that best support students. Students in the Academic Advising graduate certificate will create their advising philosophy, develop assessment skills, advance their knowledge on inclusion, access and advocacy, and recognize and apply student development theories.

Why Academic Advising?

With an ever-changing student population, reduced funding, and shifting student needs, not to mention a focus on retention and graduation, academic advising has come to the forefront of many universities. This attention requires academic advisors that are able to articulate the purpose of advising, assess advising programs, and meet the needs of a diverse population of students. AADV provides a means for students to master these skills and more in a manner that supports personal and professional growth.

Who will benefit from AADV courses?

  • Current advisors looking to advance their mastery in academic advising.
  • New advisors wanting to develop skills necessary to support student success and personal growth in academic advising.
  • Prospective advisors interested in learning more about academic advising and its practices.
  • Faculty advisors seeking to enhance their advising skills.

Questions?

 

  • Course Details

    The AADV graduate certificate can be completed within five semesters when students complete one, 3-credit hour course per semester, or in three semesters when students enroll in two, 3-credit hour courses for the first two semesters starting in the fall. Students can begin the program in the fall or spring semester.

    Required Course Name Credit Hours Offered
    AADV 600 Academic Advising Foundations 3 CH Fall & Spring
    AADV 610 Assessment in Academic Advising 3 CH Spring
    HEA 660 College Student Development 3 CH Spring
    Elective Name Credit Hours Offered
    AADV 622 Academic Advising Administration 3 CH Odd Fall
    AADV 630 Special Topics Seminar 3 CH Even Spring, All Summers
    AADV 631 Advising Transfer Students 3 CH Odd Spring
    Total Credit Hours:  15 CH

     

    Course Planning
    Term Fall Start Spring Start Summer Start
    Fall AADV 600
    Spring HEA 660 AADV 600
    Summer AADV elective HEA 660
    Fall AADV elective AADV elective  *no summer start*
    Spring AADV 610 AADV 610
    Summer AADV elective
    Fall

    Schedules subject to change. Please check with program director for options during a specific semester.

  • Credit Toward Master's Degrees

    This graduate certificate may be incorporated into the MS or MA in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS). Learn more about IGS.

    AADV is also incorporated into a track for the MS in Higher Education Administration. Learn more about the MS in Higher Education Administration.

  • Admission Requirements
    • IGPS certificates are open to any graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, or UAB employee with a bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.5 GPA from an accredited institution).  
    • Current graduate students or postdoctoral fellows in good academic standing may enroll in IGPS courses without prior approval.  
    • Current undergraduate UAB students must have at least 60 earned hours with a 3.0 GPA to enroll in IGPS courses.  
  • Application Checklist

    Admission to the Academic Advising graduate certificate (AADV) is based on previous academic work and your personal statement. To apply, you will need:  

    • An updated resume and/or CV. 
    • A personal statement (300-500 words) that outlines your interest in the certificate. Discuss how this program will contribute to achieving your professional, academic, and personal goals, and elaborate on your passion for academic advising or related fields in higher education, such as housing, student affairs, or education abroad. Use the personal statement to explain your motivations and aspirations for pursuing this certificate. 
    • Official copies of academic transcripts to include in your application; you may submit copies with your application and submit official transcript later.  
    • Completed online application and with the required fee.  

    Existing graduate students pursuing a master's degree or higher may add the certificate to their program using the Change/Update Program Form. 

  • You're Admitted - Next Steps
    • New students: Visit the New Students to UAB page. 
    • Current students: Reach out to your program director to determine which classes to take and upcoming orientation. 
    • Questions: Email igps@uab.edu or the program contact.  
  • Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the admissions requirements for AADV?

    An earned bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.5 GPA) from a regionally accredited college or university, a resume/CV, personal statement, and transcripts. See the Application Checklist for full details of requirements.

    Students currently enrolled in a master’s degree or above may add the certificate to their current degree program. 

    Is the AADV certificate an academic credential? 

    Yes. The certificate is an academic credential that will appear on your academic transcript.  Courses can be used for the IGS Master’s degree. 

    Can undergraduate students take AADV courses?

    Yes, with permission of the program director and your academic advisor.

    Can a student take AADV courses if not enrolled in the AADV certificate program?

    Yes. You do not need to be admitted to the certificate to take courses. Anyone in the following groups may enroll:

    • Undergraduate Jr. & Sr.
    • Non-degree seeking, postbaccalaureate 
    • Graduate students enrolled in other programs
    • Postdoctoral fellows
    • UAB employees
    • UAB faculty
    • Community members

    If you are not a current degree-seeking student, you will need to apply to as a non-degree seeking graduate student to enroll in courses. 

    Can UAB employees use the tuition benefit to pay for AADV courses?

    Yes. Current UAB employees may use the tuition benefits to take courses. Current UAB employees may take individual classes based on their interest and professional goals.  They may also apply to complete the certificate.Contact benefits@uab.edu for more information on educational benefits.

Back to Top