Degree Programs
We partner with the UAB College of Arts and Sciences and School of Engineering for innovative, broad-based programs.
Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical engineers play important roles in modern health care—from diagnosis and analysis to treatment and recovery. Things like implants (such as pacemakers and artificial hips), stem cells, and other technologies exist thanks to biomedical engineers. At UAB, our BME department is brilliant. We rank fifth in the nation for research funding from the National Institutes of Health.
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics connects biological sciences, genetics, chemistry, computer science, data science, IT, engineering, applied mathematics, biostatistics, computing, and biomedical engineering UAB is home to the first undergraduate bioinformatics program in Alabama.
Cancer Biology
As the only university in the U.S. with a cancer biology undergraduate program, UAB is the perfect place for you to prepare for a career in research, treatment, and other areas. We’re home to a 90-ton cyclotron (one of a few in America) that helps treat cancer with precision.
Genetics and Genomic Sciences
Genetics and genomics make up the informational blueprint of life. Understanding that blueprint can answer a plethora of questions. From research to training and education, we have the tools to help you achieve your career goals.
Immunology
Immunology is the study of the structure and function of the immune system at the molecular, cellular, and physiological level. Our programs cover biology, microbiology, chemistry, physics—the whole gamut. U.S. News & World Report ranked us No. 27 in the “Best Global Universities for Immunology” poll for showing “strength in producing research related to immunology.”
Neuroscience
Neuroscience, the study of the structure and function of the nervous system with a special focus on the brain, is currently the most rapidly advancing field of research and training.
Summer Programs
The School of Medicine specializes in clinical and research undergraduate summer programs that provide an enhanced scientific and professional preparation for students aspiring toward a career in medicine or biomedical sciences. The listed programs provide discipline-specific training and opportunities for smaller-scale connections within the overall community.
**COVID-19 UPDATE:** UAB is continuously assessing the potential impact COVID-19 could have on the start of our summer programs. We are in close contact with UAB Leadership and regularly receive updates on any decisions made that could alter normal campus operations. Please note that the deciding factors in moving forward with our undergraduate summer programming will be student health and safety.
Preparation for Graduate and Medical Education (PARAdiGM)
This program is an NIH/NHLBI R25 funded 8-week program to introduce outstanding undergraduates from diverse and underrepresented minority backgrounds to the exciting career options of being both a scientific investigator and a practicing physician. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. Application deadline was February 15, 2020.
Summer in Biomedical Sciences (SIBS) Undergraduate Research Program
This program is an 8-week program where undergraduate students are instructed in the techniques of modern biology while becoming integrated members of a vibrant clinical and scientific community. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. Application deadline was February 15, 2020.
Summer Program in Neurobiology (SPIN)
The 8-week program provides students with excellent scientific aptitude the opportunity to experience independent research in the neurosciences under the guidance of a UAB faculty member. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. Application deadline was February 15, 2020.
Kidney Undergraduate Research Program (KURE)
An NIH/NIDDK R25, the KURE (Kidney Undergraduate Research Experience) program gives you the opportunity to learn about advances in kidney research and be mentored as you work on your own research project in a lab within UAB’s kidney community of investigators. This 8-week program allows you the unique opportunity to gain experience in the field of biomedical research. Application deadline was February 15, 2020.
HudsonAlpha Summer Undergraduate Research Experience in Genomic Medicine (SURE-GM)
*Alabama Residents Only*
SURE-GM (Summer Undergraduate Research Experience in Genomic Medicine) is UAB's NIH/NHGRI R25 funded summer program for outstanding undergraduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the state of Alabama who want to explore the potential of a future career as scientific investigators in the field of genomics. This 2-year summer program is a partnership with HudsonAlpha and UAB, where students will spend their first summer at HudsonAlpha and then the second year conducting research at UAB. Application deadline was February 15, 2020.
SURE-GM (Summer Undergraduate Research Experience in Genomic Medicine) is UAB's NIH/NHGRI R25 funded summer program for outstanding undergraduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the state of Alabama who want to explore the potential of a future career as scientific investigators in the field of genomics. This 2-year summer program is a partnership with HudsonAlpha and UAB, where students will spend their first summer at HudsonAlpha and then the second year conducting research at UAB. Application deadline was February 15, 2020.
Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP), a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Funded Program
The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It is a free 6-week summer enrichment residential programs for first and second year college students, developed from a partnership between the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, School of Optometry, and School of Health Professions, home to the Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy programs. Application info can be found at this link.
Surgery Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
The Surgery Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), offered by the Department of Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), provides promising undergraduate students who are interested in a medical career with research experience and knowledge that 1) increases their competitiveness for admission to medical school and 2) encourages them to consider careers in academic medicine, particularly the field of surgery. The program builds on a solid foundation of undergraduate research that already exists at UAB. Application can be accessed through this link.
Short Term Research Experience for Under-Represented Persons (STEP-UP)
STEP-UP program is a biomedical research experience for undergraduate students. This program is coordinated at UAB and two other coordinating centers. Students are linked with experienced research mentors at the institution they choose for the summer experience, which may be their home institution or one near their hometown. It is open to students across the country who are interested in exploring research careers. Application can be accessed through this link.
Early Medical School Acceptance Program
The Early Medical School Acceptance Program (EMSAP) is an undergraduate and medical school educational program that provides highly qualified students an enriched undergraduate experience in preparation for medical, dental, or optometry school. EMSAP provides a path to medical/dental/optometry school that offers undergraduate students maximum flexibility in exploring the humanities, neurosciences, social sciences, or any other major.
| Program | AMCAS Application Type | AMCAS Application Deadline | Secondary Application Deadline | Secondary Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Medical School Acceptance Program (EMSAP) | Combined Bachelors/Medical Degree | Aug. 1 | Aug. 15 | Not Required |