Office of Professional Studies and Experiential Learning -- OPSEL 

Welcome to the Office of Professional Studies and Experiential Learning at UAB. If you are a lifelong learner, a seasoned professional looking to advance your leadership skills, or a young professional interested in building a more robust resume, we have something for you. OPSEL is home to UAB’s Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies degree programs (MA & MS), multiple graduate certificates, and numerous other academic, leadership, and professional development opportunities.  Our offerings are open to anyone affiliated with UAB interested in advancing their knowledge, skills, and career with post-baccalaureate studies.  UAB Undergraduate Students may also enroll in our academic courses with permission from their academic advisor and the course instructor.

OPSEL embodies UAB’s education mission by offering interdisciplinary academic and professional development programs designed to support leadership and career advancement among diverse student populations.  Everyone is welcome to take a class, earn a certificate, attend a free informational seminar or workshop, or drop by for holistic academic support or career transition consultations.

For more information about OPSEL’s offerings, explore the links below or stop by Lister Hill Library (G08) to chat with one of our team members, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We look forward to seeing you in one of our courses or free offerings soon.

ProgramSchool/UnitProgram DirectorDetails
Academic Advising Graduate Certificate Graduate School Dr. Heather Ammons
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Certificate Program
CIRTL Practitioner/Scholar Graduate Certificate Graduate School Dr. Stefanie Varghese
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Certificate Program
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Advocacy (CERT) Graduate School Dr. Michelle M. Allen
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Certificate Program
Leadership and Professional Development (LEAD) Graduate School Dr. Brandon R. Brown
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Certificate Program
Mentoring and Leadership Graduate School Dr. Brandon R. Brown
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Certificate Program
Postdoctoral Professional Development Graduate School Dr. Lisa Schwiebert
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Certificate Program
Research Communication Graduate School Dr. Stefanie Varghese
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Certificate Program
Research Laboratory Management Graduate School Dr. Lisa Schwiebert
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Certificate Program
Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies Graduate School Dr. Brandon R. Brown
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MA or MS Degree

Academic Advising

Certificate Program, Graduate School
Program Director: Dr. Heather Ammons, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL)

Certificate Program, Graduate School
Program Director: Dr. Stefanie Varghese, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Leadership and Professional Development (LEAD)

Certificate Program, Graduate School
Program Director: Dr. Lisa Marie Kerr, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mentoring and Leadership

Certificate Program, Graduate School
Program Director: Dr. Brandon R. Brown, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Research Communication

Certificate Program, Graduate School
Program Director: Dr. Stefanie Varghese, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Research Laboratory Management

Certificate Program, Graduate School
Program Director: Dr. Lisa Schwiebert, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies

MA or MS Degree, Graduate School
Program Director: Dr. Lisa Marie Kerr, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In addition to the above academic programs, we offer thesis and dissertation writing support through our Accelerate Your Dissertation workshops and writing groups, and information sessions to help you enhance your time management, teaching, and communication skills. We also provide support as you prepare job materials for a job search.