Programs of Study

The University of North Alabama offers courses of graduate study leading to the degrees and/or professional certifications described below. For many students, these programs may be terminal; for others they may provide a basis for further graduate study in the field. Eligible students who do not wish to pursue a course of study may use individual graduate courses to serve other professional, vocational, or personal interests.

Graduate students who are medically qualified and who will complete their graduate studies program prior to their thirtieth birthday are eligible for participation in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps advanced course. Students must be registered as full-time graduate students (nine semester hours each semester) for four semesters with degree requirements completed at the conclusion of the fourth semester. Graduate student cadets receive a stipend of $150.00 per month for their participation. Successful completion of the ROTC program and graduation lead to a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army, the Army Reserve, or the National Guard. Contact the Professor of Military Science for more details.

College of Arts, Sciences and Engineering

Master of Arts (MA) Degree in English

This program is designed to meet the educational needs of persons aspiring to professional advancement in the teaching of English or in other professions requiring advanced degrees in the discipline, as well as those students preparing for advanced study at the Ph.D. level.

Master of Arts (MA) Degree in History

This program is intended to meet the educational needs of those aspiring to professional advancement in the study and/or teaching of history or in other professions requiring an advanced degree.

Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Public History

This program prepares students for careers in the fields of archival and museum administration, curation, historic preservation and cultural resource management. Fieldwork projects and internships give students valuable experience working with historical organizations and agencies.

Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Writing  

This program is designed to meet the educational needs of persons aspiring to advancement in professional and creative writing fields as well as those wishing to advance in the area of rhetoric and composition.  The MA in Writing will also prepare students for advance study at the Ph.D. or MFA levels.  Students will receive hands on experience, including professional internships and portfolio preparation.

Master of Science (MPrS) in Professional Studies

This degree is an applied interdisciplinary professional program with workforce and personal development at the core of its mission. The degree is designed to build upon skills expected of professionals working within formal organizations while affording students opportunities to develop specialized skills specific to their career path.

Master of Science (MS) in Applied Manufacturing Engineering

This online engineering degree has been specifically developed to meet the demands of working professionals with versatile curriculum based on cutting-edge research and industry demand, flexible admissions with consideration given to all STEM bachelor's degrees, and advising and mentor support from the university's outstanding professors. 

Master of Science (MS) in Family and Community Services Degree

This program is intended to meet the educational needs of professionals who wish to serve children and families in family and social service agencies. The Family Studies graduate program seeks to train students to be effective leaders in these organizations by providing students with a strong background in research, application, and family studies content.

Master of Science (MS) Degree in Geographic Information Science

The program focuses on the multidisciplinary application of geography, the spatial paradigm, and methods of geospatial technologies to prepare students to solve complex environmental, urban, economic, and business problems; conduct independent research; expand skills in critical thinking and writing; and enter professions requiring knowledge of geospatial methods, analysis, and techniques.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) Degree 

This program is intended to meet the educational needs of professionals who wish to serve in federal, state, and local agencies within the criminal justice system.

Master of Science in Mathematics (MS) Degree 

This program is a fully online, innovative approach to graduate level mathematics.  All students take a core of five 3-credit courses (including courses in algebra and analysis).  In addition, students can choose from concentration/elective courses in pure mathematics, mathematics teaching, or various STEM concentrations.

This program is intended to meet the educational needs of professionals who wish to serve in federal, state, and local agencies within the criminal justice system.

Master of Science in Social Work (MSW) Degree 

This fully online program high-quality program offers a one-year fast-track option for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW). A two-year option is available for students who have received a bachelor's degree other than a BSW from an accredited institution. This degree prepares  students to work in all social work settings, including micro, mezzo, and macro practice for advanced generalist social work.

Joint Curriculum Two Degrees Program

The Joint Curriculum Two Degrees Program allows students to earn a Master of Business Administration degree and a Master of Science in Family Studies degree simultaneously. Students must be eligible to be admitted to both program and must meet the degree requirements outlined in the joint curriculum. Fort-five (45) credit hours are required to complete both degrees.

Sanders College of Business and Technology

Master of Accountancy (MAcc) Degree

The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) is a 30 semester hour program designed to provide individuals with a more thorough knowledge of accounting theory and practice. In addition to meeting the admission requirements for graduate study in the Sanders College of Business, one should have the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in accounting or successfully complete undergraduate accounting prerequisites as prescribed by an Accounting-MBA/MAcc Coordinator.  In most states, including Alabama, one must complete 150 semester hours of education in order to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam. The UNA MAcc Program provides the remaining courses required for the CPA exam for students who have the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in accounting.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree

This program is designed for students who wish to prepare for professional careers in business, industry, or government, or for further graduate study. Courses within the program also may be applied to the enhancement of individual knowledge and competencies.

Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) Degree

The EMBA is designed for rising managers, entrepreneurs, and mid-career professionals. The curriculum focuses on topics relevant to mid-management success. The Executive MBA is delivered online and at our campus in Florence, AL, and a different curriculum is delivered in hybrid format.

Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA) Degree

The Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA) degree program at the University of North Alabama is a professional degree program for leaders seeking to go beyond the master’s level and differentiate themselves by developing applied research skills for solving complex organizational problems and developing innovative business solutions based on the most current evidence-based practices. These qualities make the program an ideal fit for experienced leaders who may be changing roles or positions within an organization, moving into a consulting career, or wishing to transition to an academic position. As a doctoral program, the degree requires a dissertation and the requisite statistical and methodological skills necessary to complete such a project. However, the coursework and research are applied in nature with an intentional focus on how to leverage analytical tools and methods to solve real-world problems, address contemporary issues, and navigate disruptive trends that may not have existed even five years ago.

College of Education and Human Sciences

Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Program of study is designed for individuals who wish to counsel in mental health and agency settings and who may wish to become Licensed Professional Counselors.

Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) Degree

With majors in school counseling, elementary education K-6, secondary education, including P-12 education (selected teaching fields), instructional leadership, and special education: collaborative teacher K-6 and/or 6-12. For persons who hold the appropriate valid Alabama Class B professional certificate and who have completed the teaching experience as specified, or who qualify under the School Counseling Track 2 CACREP Approach, program completion may qualify them for recommendation for the Alabama Class A professional certificate.

Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) Degree - Alternative Class A

For alternative Class A programs in P-12 education, and secondary education.

Education Specialist Degree (EdS)

For persons seeking a Class AA professional certificate in elementary education, instructional leadership, and teacher leader must hold a valid Class A level certificate in an approved Alabama State Department of Education teaching field or instructional support area. Refer to College of Education and Human Sciences section of the Graduate Catalog.

Master of Science (MS) Degree in Health and Human Performance

Designed for students interested in the exercise and health sciences professions. This program provides opportunities for advanced study for those individuals whose careers or personal interests require additional knowledge or research skills. The Health and Human Performance degree offers five concentrations; exercise science, kinesiology, integrative health, sport management, and wellness and health promotion.

Master of Science (MS) Degree in Sport and Recreation Management

In this fully online program, students are required to complete 12 hours of core SRM coursework that will provide a substantive foundation for sport & recreation based fields. Students will select a concentration area, either within Sport Management or Recreation Management. The student, in consultation with an advisor, will then select an appropriate thesis or non-thesis route. Non-thesis routes include an internship or directed courses and require the student to pass comprehensive exams. For the directed courses, the student will propose courses they should take, gain advisor approval and pass approved courses to graduate.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Exercise Science and Health Promotion

The Ph.D. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion is a 60-hour program with in-depth coursework, including engaging, hands-on experiences. Students collaborate with professors in ongoing faculty and faculty/student-driven research and scholarship. Additionally, doctoral students teach a variety of undergraduate courses as part of their professional preparation. Culminating experiences include successful presentation of a professional portfolio and completion of a dissertation. The principle goal of the Ph.D. program is to prepare students who are exemplary candidates for academic or other professional positions in the field.

Anderson College of

Nursing and Health Professions

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

This degree has three curricular tracks for registered nurses holding the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The “Nursing in Teaching-Learning Environment” track prepares graduates to be educators in both academic and non-academic environments. The “Nursing Leadership in Organizational Environments” track prepares the graduates to be managers, administrators, and executives in health care organizations. Both tracks are available online and require no campus attendance.  The “Family Nurse Practitioner” track prepares the graduates to be entry level providers in the area of adult, pediatrics, and women’s health.  This option requires two on-campus visits.