Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Graduate Certificate

The Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (TLHE) graduate certificate equips program participants with the necessary skills and competencies for promoting student learning in higher education. The TLHE program explores teaching strategies, learning theory, and assessment, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application.

This certificate is not a credential for teacher certification or licensure.

Why Teaching and Learning in Higher Education?

College teaching is usually learned on the job as new junior faculty members try to adjust to their new role. Those interested or invested in teaching at the college or university level rarely have the opportunity to investigate how people learn, explore different teaching methods, or practice their pedagogical skills. The TLHE program addresses these issues and provide a way, through courses and a required practicum, to ensure participants develop the necessary tools to improve teaching skills and build confidence in supporting student learning. Additionally, the TLHE graduate certificate is designed to be interdisciplinary, offering support for teaching that is not specific to any particular discipline or learning environment.

Who Will Benefit from TLHE courses?

Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and staff interested in enhancing or developing their teaching skills, supporting student learning and creating inclusive learning environments.

Questions?

Contact: Dr. Kent Andersen, kanderse@uab.edu or igps@uab.edu

Apply

Course Details

The TLHE graduate certificate can be completed within five semesters when students complete one, 3-credit hour course per semester.

Required (12 credit hours)	Name	Credit Hours	Offered
TLHE 600	Theory of Learning	3 CH	Fall & Spring
TLHE 610	Interdisciplinary Teaching	3 CH	Fall & Summer
TLHE 620	Assessment of Teaching and Learning	3 CH	Spring & Summer
TLHE 640*	Teaching Practicum	3 CH	Fall, Spring, & Summer
Electives (3 credit hours)	Name	Credit Hours	Offered
TLHE 630	Seminar in Teaching and Learning	3 CH	Fall (Odd Years)
TLHE 631	Online Learning and Educational Technology	3 CH	Summer
TLHE 632*	Teaching and Learning Research	3 CH	Fall (Even Years)
TLHE 633	Teaching Portfolio	3 CH	Spring
Total Credit Hours:		15 CH

Course Planning
Term	Fall Start	Spring Start	Summer Start
Fall	TLHE 600
Spring	TLHE 620	TLHE 600
Summer	TLHE 610	TLHE 620	TLHE 610
Fall	TLHE 630/632	TLHE 610	TLHE 600
Spring	TLHE 640	TLHE 633	TLHE 620
Summer		TLHE 640	TLHE 631
Fall			TLHE 640

Schedules subject to change. Please check with program director for options during a specific semester. *TLHE 632 prerequisites: TLHE 600 and TLHE 610.

Credit Toward Master’s Degrees

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.
Admission Requirements
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
Application Checklist
Admission to the Teaching and Learning in Higher Education graduate certificate (TLHE) 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. For TLHE, discuss how this program will contribute to achieving your professional, academic, and personal goals, and elaborate on your passion for teaching and learning in higher education. 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 at a later date.
- Completed online application and 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
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admissions requirements for TLHE?

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 TLHE 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 TLHE courses?

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

Can a student take TLHE courses if not enrolled in the TLHE 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 TLHE 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.

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?

Contact: Dr. Kent Andersen, kanderse@uab.edu or igps@uab.edu

Apply

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.

Research Laboratory Management Graduate Certificate

The Research Laboratory Management (RLM) certificate prepares graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty and staff, who are engaged in science-related research, to effectively lead and manage all aspects of an active scientific laboratory. Managing laboratory needs, such as budgetary and regulatory / safety compliance, is essential for career success in today’s research marketplace.

Why Research Laboratory Management?

Successfully managing a research laboratory requires training in a spectrum of related sub-fields, including but not limited to grant writing, research communication, regulatory compliance, entrepreneurship and personnel management. The graduate certificate in Research Laboratory Management provides learners with the opportunity to master these skills through rigorous, interactive courses led by experienced faculty and instructors.

Who Will Benefit from RLM courses?

Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows interested in improving their research lab management skills for future employment as faculty or research administrators
Faculty who want to improve their understanding of scientific lab management and research compliance
Current lab managers and technicians seeking career advancement or transferable skills to enhance employment opportunities

Questions?

Contact: Dr. Susan Campbell, sue08@uab.edu, or igps@uab.edu

Apply

Course Details

The RLM graduate certificate can be completed within four semesters when students enroll in 3 to 4 credit hours per semester.

Required Course (9 credit hours)	Name	Credit Hours	Offered
RLM 773	Research Lab Management	3 CH	Fall
RLM 774	Introduction to Regulatory Compliance	1 CH	Spring
RLM 775	Research Lab Safety	1 CH	Summer
RLM 706	Grants and Fellowships	1 CH	Fall
LEAD 540	Team Development and Dynamics	3 CH	Summer
Elective (6 credit hours)	Name	Credit Hours	Offered
MENT 719	Introduction to Mentorship	3 CH	Spring
RECM 701	Oral and Visual Communication	3 CH	Spring
RECM 722	Storytelling for Research Communication	3 CH	Spring
RECM 727	Writing and Reviewing Research	3 CH	Fall Spring Summer
RECM 729	Writing Your Journal Article in 12 Weeks	3 CH	Summer
RECM 745	Research Communication and Diverse Audiences	3 CH	Fall
GRD 709	Writing Fellowships	3 CH	Spring
Total Credit Hours:		15 CH

Course Planning
Term	Fall Start	Spring Start	Summer Start
Fall	RLM 773 & RLM 706
Spring	RLM 774 & Elective	RLM 774 & Elective
Summer	RLM 775 & LEAD 540	RLM 775 & LEAD 540	RLM 775 & LEAD 540
Fall	Elective	RLM 773 & RLM 706	RLM 773 & RLM 706
Spring		Elective	RLM 774 & Elective
Summer			Elective

*Parentheses indicate choice; total credit hours must equal 15; all required courses must be completed.

Credit Towards Master's Degrees

This graduate certificate may be incorporated into the MS or MA in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS). Learn more about IGS.
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 Research Laboratory management graduate certificate (RLM) is based on previous academic work and your personal statement. To apply, you will need:
- An updated resume and/or CV.
- A personal statement of (300-500 words) that outlines your interest in the certificate. For RLM, discuss how this program will contribute to achieving your professional, academic, and personal goals, and elaborate on your investment in laboratory science and lab management. 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 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 RLM?

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 RLM 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 RLM courses?

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

Can a student take RLM courses if not enrolled in the RLM 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 RLM 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.

Research Communication Graduate Certificate

The Research Communication (RECM) graduate certificate develops participant’s written, oral, and visual communication skills required for engaging various audiences around scientific and technical topics. Certificate courses explore science and research communication, effective presentations, writing strategies for specialist and non-specialist audiences, and relationship building capacities for effective problem-solving.

Why Research Communication?

The Research Communication certificate provides the skills and capacities needed to communicate complex research findings and implications to experts, generalists, and novices. Completing this certificate prepares participants for any field requiring effective communication, including those inside and outside academia.

Who Will Benefit from RECM courses?

Anyone who wants to improve their communication skills and be more critical about the messages they receive and produce. The certificate is relevant for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and employees invested in effective communication and problem solving.

Questions?

Contact: Dr. Kent Andersen, kanderse@uab.edu, or igps@uab.edu

Apply

Course Details

The RECM graduate certificate can be completed within four or five semesters depending on elective preferences and enrollment in more than one course per semester.

Required Course (9 credit hours)	Name	Credit Hours	Offered
RECM 701	Oral and Visual Communication	3 CH	Spring
RECM 722	Storytelling for Research Communication	3 CH	Spring, Summer
RECM 739	Research Communication Portfolio	3 CH	Fall
Elective (6 credit hours)	Name	Credit Hours	Offered
RECM 727	Writing and Reviewing Research	3 CH	Fall Spring Summer
RECM 729	Writing Your Journal Article in 12 Weeks	3 CH	Summer
RECM 745	Communication and Diverse Audiences	3 CH	Fall
GRD 709	Writing Fellowships	3 CH	Spring
*RLM 706, RECM 707, RECM 708, GRD 713, GRD 735 may substitute for one, 3 credit-hour requirement.		3 CH
Total Credit Hours		15 CH

Electives from Other Departments
Elective	Name	Credit Hours	Offered
CM 603	Message Construction		Varies
CM 604	Audience Analysis		Varies
EH 502	Writing in Popular Periodicals		Varies
EH 503	Business Writing		Varies
EH 504	Technical Writing		Varies
EH 556	Visual Rhetoric		Varies
EH 557	Writing and Medicine		Varies
MBA 616	Web Analytics		Varies
MBA 655	Digtial Marketing Strategy		Varies

Course Planning
Term	Fall Start	Spring Start	Summer Start
Fall	Elective
Spring	RECM 701 and RECM 722	RECM 701 and RECM 722
Summer	RECM 722 or Elective	RECM 722 or Elective	RECM 722
Fall	RECM 739	RECM 739	Elective
Spring	GRD 701 or Elective	RECM 701 or Elective	RECM 701
Summer		Elective	Elective
Fall			RECM 739

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

Credit Towards Master's Degrees

This graduate certificate may be incorporated into the MS or MA in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS). Learn more about IGS.
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 Research and Science Communication graduate certificate (RECM) 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. For RECM, discuss how this program will contribute to achieving your professional, academic, and personal goals, and elaborate on your interest in research and science communication. 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 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 RECM?

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 RECM 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 RECM courses?

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

Can a student take RECM courses if not enrolled in the RECM 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 RECM 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.

Colleges & Schools

Graduate School

Welcome to the UAB Graduate School.