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Academics

Classroom Setting

 

A University of South Alabama education provides opportunities for students to explore and develop interests that build the foundation of lifelong career paths. With more than 50 undergraduate degree programs — from chemical engineering to criminal justice to theatre arts — South provides plenty of avenues for discovery. Through graduate study in our 38 master’s and 13 doctoral programs, students focus on specific areas of learning and research to gain specialized skills.

Colleges and Schools

At USA, learning takes place in a vibrant, active and exciting environment. Our faculty are dedicated to teaching and helping students reach their maximum potential. More than 75 percent of courses are taught by full-time faculty, a very high rate for a research-intensive institution. Courses are offered within these academic divisions: Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions, College of Arts and Sciences, Mitchell College of Business, School of Computing, College of Education and Professional Studies, College of Engineering, College of Medicine, College of Nursing, and the Graduate School.

Honors College

The Honors College, housed in the historic Seaman’s Bethel, is a community of interdisciplinary excellence designed to stimulate the thinking and intellectual curiosity of highly motivated students. Honors students and faculty challenge each other through discussion, research, creative scholarship, intercultural engagement and the arts, creating the feel of a small college environment in the midst of the diversity and opportunities provided by a large urban university. Honors graduates, equipped with this intensive educational experience and a wide variety of additional learning opportunities, are especially well-prepared for productive careers, committed citizenship and meaningful lives.

National Scholarships

USA students have been awarded numerous national scholarships and fellowships, including National Merit scholarships, Goldwater scholarships, Hollings scholarships, Tau Beta Pi scholarships (Engineering Honor Society), NSF CyberScholars, and fellowships for graduate study from organizations such as the American Heart Association and the National Science Foundation. USA is currently raising funds for the Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship Initiative, a $25-million matching challenge that is strengthening USA’s commitment to opportunities for current and future students.

Early Acceptance Program

USA offers Early Acceptance Programs that provide highly qualified high school seniors with conditional acceptance into the College of Medicine, College of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, Department of Physical Therapy or Department of Psychology. Final acceptance into these programs is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the undergraduate program. Early Acceptance Program curriculum includes the core requirements and prerequisites for each academic program.

Global USA

Global USA is the central international division for the University, supporting the strategic priority of Global Engagement and facilitating the comprehensive internationalization of the University. Global USA houses all international and continuing education offices including the Office of Global Outreach, the Office of International Admissions, the Office of Immigration, the Office of International Education, the Center for Continuing Education and Conference Services and USA’s two locations in Baldwin County.

Community Engagement

USA is a committed community partner and recognizes that engagement with the community enriches scholarship and research, enhances teaching and learning, prepares a dedicated workforce, strengthens civic responsibility and contributes to the public good. The Office of Community Engagement supports and advances the institutional priority of University-Community Engagement by fostering collaborations for mutual benefit, and by connecting community members to the many cultural, educational, research and entertainment resources available at USA. The office also assists students in attaining opportunities for experiential learning through internships, service-learning and volunteerism, and provides professional development for faculty and staff seeking to improve their community engagement skills.

Centers and Institutes

USA’s centers and institutes support the teaching, discovery and service missions of the University. Often working across disciplines, these entities employ highly skilled faculty, staff and students, offering a critical mass of talent, focused expertise and resources. These partnerships create new and diverse opportunities that expand and enhance the knowledge, economic condition and quality of life of our region and the world.